Pet Portraits by artist Sarah Leigh in the UK


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An introduction...

Speech Mark I’ve always drawn and painted for pleasure and had always hoped to make a living out of my art. My hopes began to turn to reality 2000 when I was asked to donate something to a local charity auction.

Having committed myself I then had to come up with something of value so I decided on a painting of our dog Charlie who was known and loved by everybody as he was a real character and a true “pub dog.” I thought it would raise possibly £30 or £40 as people entered the spirit of the auction but never did I expect it to go for £200! Orders for pet portraits started flooding in from people who had seen Charlie’s  painting and I have never looked back! I made the decision in 2004 to

 

GIFT VOUCHERS

Treat a friend or loved one to a portrait of their pet! You can contribute any amount from £25 for the most original birthday, anniversary or Christmas present!

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become a full time professional pet portrait artist.

Speech Mark  

 

Sarah Leigh    

Read More about: Portrait Types | Client QuotesPortrait Prices | Gift Vouchers | The Process | Photography Tips


What kind of portrait would you like?

Pet Portrait Examples by Sarah Leigh

I use a variety of mediums for my work so you can decide what you like best and would suit your pet portrait. Pastels, graphite, oils and acrylic are all available and can be viewed on this site by visiting the pet portrait 'Portfolio' page. I was recently featured in Sporting Gun magazine as ‘artist of the month’ and The Rider magazine where some of my working dog pet portraits were displayed.

If you are interested in commissioning a pet portrait then please contact me via the 'Contact' section. You can see how the process works by clicking here.

Please note I do have a waiting list so if it is required for a birthday please ensure you book early, at least 6 weeks in advance for it to be guaranteed. Christmas is even busier so please ensure you have your order for Christmas placed by the end of October for it be guaranteed.

Need a frame for your pet portrait?

Please find below a selection of my most popular frames. I have many more so if there isn’t one here that appeals please let me know by visiting the 'Contact' section.

Code

Description

Sample

A6

This frame is one of my post popular. Dark wood around the edges with a light wood in between. Good for the smaller portrait sizes

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A22

Dark wood with a gold trim

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A28

A very attractive light wood frame

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A19

Light wood frame

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B4

Dark wood frame for the two larger size portraits I offer. A personal favourite.

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B52

A gold coloured frame.

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B60

A lighter gold frame. Another personal favourite!

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If you are interested in commissioning a pet portrait then please contact me via the 'Contact' section.


Client Quotes

Below is a selection of quotes from my latest clients.

Portrait - Ffransis

‘Well its has arrived, we are so very pleased with the painting, brillant‘.

Sandra Pragnell, Ffransis’ owners

Portrait - Gran Culom

“I am delighted with Sarah’s painting of Culom. It shows his power and energy and the look in his eye is unmistakably him! I was so pleased I have commissioned another painting and recommended Sarah to all of my friends!”

Samantha Hicks – owner of Gran Culom.

Portrait - Rodney

“You have captured Rodney’s character perfectly. You are so talented. Thank you very much."

Nathan Finch

Portrait - Baloo

"Sarah, The painting has just arrived. Don't know what to say really, somehow THANK YOU!! does not seem enough. I'm sure Julie will contact you after Christmas to say Thanks (when she stops crying)." - Dale Mumford

Dale’s wife did email me after Christmas…

"Hi Sarah

Thank you for capturing my little man so wonderfully, his eyes follow me
around the room. I feel like crying every time I look at him.

You and Dale have made me very happy

Thank you once again"

Julie Mumford

Portrait - Black Stallion

"Over the moon with him. Thank you for your hard work. He is a stunning piece and cant wait to hang him on the wall."

Michelle Ashmore

Portrait - Scampi

"We are absolutely delighted with the painting, the likeness is superb and the painstaking attention to detail is incredible.
Thanks again it has been a pleasure dealing with you"

Chris Baxter


Price Guide

Below is a general price guide for the range of  pet portraits I can do. However, every portrait is unique so if you have any special requirements please contact me.  All sizes can be ordered as either ‘portrait’ or ‘landscape’. Portrait is suitable for single animals head/head and shoulders images. Landscape is suitable side on images of two or more head/head and shoulder images. View my 'Portfolio' for examples.

Pastel and Graphite Pet Portraits

Pastel and graphite portraits are generally produced on a plain background

Portrait Sizes

Comments

10x12 inches £110 GBP (unframed)

10x12 inches £135 GBP (framed & mounted 13x15 inches)

A good size for one head and shoulder portrait of a small animal, i.e. cat or dog

12x16 inches £150 GBP (unframed)

12x16 inches £180 GBP (framed & mounted 16x20 inches)

(For each additional subject add £25)

A good size for two to three head and shoulder portraits or two to three full bodies of a small animal such as dogs and cats or one full body portrait of a large animal such as a horse.

16x20 inches £200 GBP (unframed)

16x20 inches £235 GBP (framed & mounted 24x20 inches)

(For each additional subject add £30)

A good size for two to four head and shoulder portraits or two to four full bodies of a small animal such as dogs and cats or one to two full body portraits of a large animal such as a horse..

Acrylic Pet Portraits

Portrait Sizes

Comments

10x12 inches £125 GBP (unframed)

10x12 inches £150 GBP (framed & mounted 13x15 inches)

(For a detailed background add £25)

A good size for one head and shoulder portrait of a small animal, i.e. cat or dog

12x16 inches £175 GBP (unframed)

12x16 inches £205 GBP (framed & mounted 16x20 inches)

(For each additional subject add £30)
(For a detailed background add £30)

A good size for two to three head and shoulder portraits or two to three full bodies of a small animal such as dogs and cats or one full body portrait of a large animal such as a horse.

16x20 inches £235 GBP (unframed)

16x20 inches £270 GBP (framed & mounted 24x20 inches)

(For each additional subject add £35)
(For a detailed background add £35)

A good size for two to four head and shoulder portraits or two to four full bodies of a small animal such as dogs and cats or one to two full body portraits of a large animal such as a horse.

Oil Pet Portraits

All of my oil pet portraits are on a specially prepared board. I do not frame my oil paintings behind glass, therefore if you choose the framed option they come without a mount, so the painting goes to the inside edge of the frame.

Portrait Sizes

Comments

10x12 inches £140GBP (unframed)

10x12 inches £165 GBP (framed & mounted 13x15 inches)

(For a detailed background add £30)

A good size for one head and shoulder portrait of a small animal, i.e. cat or dog

12x16 inches £200 GBP (unframed)

12x16 inches £230 GBP (framed)

(For a detailed background add £35)
(For each additional subject add £35)

A good size for two to three head and shoulder portraits or two to three full bodies of a small animal such as dogs and cats or one full body portrait of a large animal such as a horse.

16x20 inches £270 GBP (unframed)

16x20 inches £305 GBP (framed)

(For a detailed background add £40)
(For each additional subject add £40)

A good size for two to four head and shoulder portraits or two to four full bodies of a small animal such as dogs and cats or one to two full body portraits of a large animal such as a horse.

If you are interested in commissioning a pet portrait then please contact me via the 'Contact' section.

Postage and packing

For unframed pet paintings: £7.00 Special delivery Royal Mail
For framed pet paintings: £20.00 Next Day delivery via a reputable carrier
 


Gift Vouchers

A great gift for any animal lover! Not sure what type of painting they would like? Can not obtain any photographs of their pet? Too late for their birthday or anniversary? Then why not give them a pet portrait gift voucher?!

Sarah’s Pet Portrait gift vouchers can be any purchased from this site by debit or credit card securely online through Paypal or by cheque through the post. Any monetary value from £25 up to the full amount of the painting is available. They can be sent either to you or direct to the person you want to surprise.

If you are interested in pet portrait Gift Vouchers then please contact me via the 'Contact' section.


The Process

Step 1

Placing an order couldn’t be simpler with three easy steps. However, before I can proceed I do need to see the photographs that you wish me to work from to ensure they are clear enough for me to produce the best results. Photographs can be sent in digital format via email at high resolution so they can be printed clearly or on CD by post.

Send all hard copy photographs by post only but don‘t scan them as it can change the colour considerably. Please see below for some simple tips on photographing your pet. It is essential to have good photographs in order to create your pet portrait.  All photographs will returned with the completed portrait.

If you would like me to come and personally photograph the subject(s) AND live within a 10 mile radius of Sevenoaks in Kent I am happy to visit for the cost of my travel.

Step 2

Once I have checked the photographs and we agree on your requirements and delivery schedule I will ask for a 20 per cent deposit of the agreed price.

I will then sketch out the form of the portrait and send to you via email or make it available for you to view online to check you are happy. If you wish I will send you up to two updates of ‘work-in-progress’ although once we have agreed the medium, style and format the majority of my clients prefer to wait for the completed work.

Step 3

On completion of your pet portrait I will ask for the balance which you can either pay by debit or credit card securely online through Paypal or by cheque through the post

On receipt of payment (If you are paying by cheque I will wait for the cheque to clear) I will dispatch your finished pet portrait work using a reputable carrier.

If you are interested in a pet portrait then please contact me via the 'Contact' section.


Tips for taking your own photographs for your pet portrait

To ensure I can achieve the best results for your pet portrait it is important that I can work from clear images which show the unique details of your particular pet such as the fur, eyes, markings etc. If possible it is always best to send three or four images pointing out which one is most true to their colour. If you wish to send me some new photographs and you are not experienced in capturing pets here are a few tips I hope you will find helpful:

  • Photographs taken outside without flash or by a large window are the best to avoid red eye.

  • Try to avoid a really sunny day as the sun will cast dark shadows on your pet and the photograph won't reflect their true coat colour. Likewise avoid a really dull overcast day.

  • Ideally, take your photographs with your back to the sun.

  • Take your pets photograph at their level rather than looking down to avoid and distortion or an unnatural pose and make sure they are facing the camera if you want a head/head and shoulders pet portrait.

  • Try to get as close to your pet as possible whilst staying in focus as this will give the maximum amount of detail and make painting the portrait easier.

Good photographs are essential as I can only paint what I see!

 Examples

The Alsatian’s photograph is sharp and in focus. It is well exposed giving an accurate colour representation. The horse's photo has similar qualities, and also has an alert expression that will bring character to a pet portrait.

A good dog photo for a Pet Portrait A good horse photo for a Pet Portrait

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Please Note: All images on this website remain the copyright of Sarah Leigh. All artwork on this website is protected by copyright law and must not be used, copied or downloaded without the permission of the artist.