Pet Portraits by artist Sarah Leigh in the UK
 

 

 

Pet Portrait Artist Services

 
 


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 | The Process | Gift Vouchers | Photography Tips | Client Quotes


What kind of portrait would you like?

Pet Portrait Examples by Sarah Leigh

I can use a variety of mediums for my work so you can decide what you like best and would suit your pet portrait. I am predominately asked to work in pastels as they have a beautiful vibrancy and I can achieve a great amount of detail with them that create my unique pet portraits. Graphite, and acrylic are also available and can be viewed along with my pastel pet portraits on this site by visiting the pet portrait 'Portfolio' page.

I have been featured in Sporting Gun magazine as ‘artist of the month’ and The Rider magazine where some of my working dog pet portraits were displayed. Most recently I have been asked to do a series of dog breed drawings for a company to go on mugs, coasters and key rings.

If you are interested in commissioning a pet portrait then please contact me via the 'Contact' section. Below you can read about how to go about ordering your pet portrait and some of the options you may want to consider. Please also take the time to read through some of my delighted customers comments.

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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 (see right photo) 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.

  Example Photo

Step 2

Once I have checked the photographs and we agree on your requirements and delivery schedule I will ask for a a 30 per cent, non refundable 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.

Example Photo

 

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.

To the left is a portrait of the above photo.

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

Please visit my prices page for an idea of how much you pet portrait will cost. I also have a selection of frames to choose from. If you can’t see frame you like let me know as I have many other styles to choose from.

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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.

Gift Voucher

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

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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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Client Quotes

Please take the time to read how truly delighted previous clients have been with their pet portraits.

Portrait - Applejack

"As expected David loves the picture, he noticed straight away that Applejack's fur is all wet. He wanted it put up straight away (so lucky I put some picture wire on it when it arrived last week) and it's now hanging in the hall where we both keep wandering so we can look at it.

Once again very many thanks for doing such a wonderful picture, I didn't doubt that you would do a good job but it has been fantastic to have my already high expectations exceeded. I know we will both enjoy your picture for many years, it will help us remember a very funny and daft little individual. We have 2 more, with a third kitten arriving late in August - I'd better start saving if I want a full set of paintings!"

Josie Newman

Portrait - Boz

"Thank you again, I can’t tell you just how pleased I am with it, I am so glad I did choose you to do his portrait not only is it brilliant but it has been such a pleasure. Like I said I definitely want Lily and Gunner and probably others after that. "

Nicky

Portrait - Lucy & Blue

"ITS GREAT, WONDERFUL, MARVELLOUS, FABULOUS!!!!!! FANTASTIC - YOU ARE SO CLEVER. The expression on Blue's face is so like him - you have caught him exactly - and Lucy - well the pleading in those eye's is spot on, she is a very greedy dog and that's the worried look she has when she thinks she is not going to get any titbits (that's the look she has in her waking hours - as she is always on the scrounge for food. Blue's fur is fabulous it looks like you have individually painted every hair on his body!!!! and his colouring is absolutely right and Lucy's colouring is spot on.

I'd just got back from lunch and there it was at my desk. I had told the woman at reception that I was expecting a package today and before I went to lunch I told the people in my office it was expected so could they sign for me.

I've just had the most wonderful fun opening it - you have wrapped it wonderfully well, everyone was as excited as me - we did think at one point thing about playing pass the parcel as there was so many wrappers!!!!!! but no one but me could have the prize - so it was a no go!!

Sarah thank you so much, its absolutely brilliant and I know he is going to love it and I will keep you informed."

and after the client received the portrait...

"Hi Sarah, I said I would let you know what he thought of the portrait, well he absolutely loves it.

We waited until everyone arrived and had had a couple of drinks, then my son Daniel was sent upstairs to get the portrait out of its hiding place. My friend Sue's partner was armed with a camera to capture the moment. Daniel then gave a little speech and then presented the parcel in all its wrappings to him, I think at one point while unwrapping he thought he had got a tray as a present!!!!!! He is absolutely delighted with the portrait and could not think of a better present to receive. He says you are very talented (this is quote from him) and have captured their likeness and personalities and you have a very rare gift. Everyone was so impressed with the portrait, so I think I will be directing them to your website - lots of our friends are besotted with their animals as well.

The portrait is now in our sitting room, so thank you again Sarah its absolutely brilliant."

Margaret

Portrait - Sylvester

"Sylvester's portrait arrived at lunchtime today. You packed it really well - it took ages to unwrap! It is absolutely beautiful - my Mum & Dad were really impressed. Mum is worried that I will cry whenever I look at it, but I am just really happy that I have a lovely permanent reminder of him!

I'm looking forward to having a whole set of cat portraits eventually; I have a new kitten now (a spotty Ocicat) & Ozzie, but I will have to save up for the next picture - maybe next birthday or next Christmas ... so don't stop painting will you ?
I can't wait to get the portrait hung this evening."

Nicki

Portrait - Fern and Pippin

"Just a note to say how pleased I am with the picture my wife Julie arranged for me, You have really captured the dogs characters and I will now always have Pip and Fern with us. It was an emotional gift and its hard not to cry when you receive something like this. It's wonderful and now we are back from holiday I cant wait to show it to my Beating Buddies."

Thank you
Ian Millmoor

Portrait - Sally the Westie

I hope you and your family got home ok, I can't thank you enough for the lovely portraits you did of Sally. Both myself and my husband are absolutely delighted with them. The larger one has taken pride of place above the fireplace and we both feel she has come home. I must admit I did shed a few tears. My daughter was thrilled with her portrait she has a permanent reminder of her little dog. Once again thank you so much for our beautiful portraits.

Best wishes,
Jean,Mick and Michelle.

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

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View Examples of: Dog Pet Portraits | Cat Pet Portraits | Horse Pet Portraits


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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.