How to commission a watercolour pet portrait: everything you need to know.
- Tracy Christina
- 3 days ago
- 12 min read
The question people usually ask me when they contact is "How Do I Commission a Watercolour Portrait of My Pet?"
So let me tell you all about how to do that.
But first - why commission a pet portrait, when you can just snap a photo with your phone?
How often have you taken a photo of your pet, and thought "Oooooh that's such a lovely photo!" then rarely, if ever, looked at it again? And I bet whenever you upgrade your phone, you opt for more and more storage each time, to accommodate all of those photos.
Commissioning a pet portrait of your dog, cat, horse, your feathered or scaled friend is intentional - it celebrates your special bond, a pet portrait is completely unique, and a skilled pet portrait artist can bring life to a painting in a specific way. This is something I personally love about pet portraits, and becomes an even more important skill when dealing with memorial pieces to celebrate a pet that has crossed the rainbow bridge.
Photos are lovely, but they' can be flat. They capture a moment, but they don't always capture the soul of the animal looking back at you. A hand-painted watercolour portrait does something different. It brings their energy to life on paper in a way that's hard to put into words until you're holding one.
That's why I believe people commission pet portraits. Not just to have a beautiful painting on the wall — but to hold onto something. To have an object in the world that carries the essence of an animal they loved. I understand that impulse completely, because I've felt it myself.
If you've been wondering how to commission a watercolour pet portrait and you're not sure where to start, here are the answers to the questions I get asked most.
What is a commissioned pet portrait?
A hand-painted, one-of-a-kind artwork made from your photographs. Not a print, not digital, not AI-generated — a real watercolour painting, made by hand, of your specific animal.
A few clear photos showing your pet's face and fur colour in natural light. Multiple angles help. Goofy and characterful photos are very welcome! Old or imperfect photos are worth sending too — especially for memorial portraits. I'll always guide you through this when you get in touch, however you can also read my blog post about how to choose or take the best photo here.
How does the process work?
In a nutshell - you get in touch, we chat about what you're looking for, and if you're happy to continue, you pay a 50% non-refundable deposit to secure your slot. I paint it, and provide you with updates along the way, and then it's carefully packaged and posted to you.
Prices for a single subject start from £60 (A6) up to £295 (A3). Miniature portraits start from £37. Full pricing is further down this page. (Prices correct as of 26th May 2026)
How long does it take?
I am usually booked up several months in advance. I'll let you know how long it will take when you get in
touch, however if you have a special occasion that you need a gift for, I may be able to assist. For Christmas commissions, early October is the ideal cut-off — though it's always worth asking even if you've left it late!
What size should I choose?
A4 is the most popular choice — large enough to show real detail, but not so large it dominates a wall. A3 is beautiful for a statement piece or a multi-pet composition. A5 and smaller are lovely for something more intimate or as a gift. I also have miniature sized watercolour pet portraits available that are wonderful for gifting and gallery walls. More guidance on sizing is further down this page.
Can I have more than one pet in the same painting?
Yes! Do you have dogs who are best pals, cats who love to snuggle together, or any other combination oof friends that you'd love to commemorate? Just get in touch for a quote, as pricing depends on the number of subjects and complexity. (I've even painted miniature mother and daughter goats, so there really is no limit to what I'll paint for you.)
Absolutely. Horses, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, wildlife— if you love them, I'll paint them.
Yes! I take commissions for human portraits and commemorative pieces — please get in touch to discuss.
Can I commission a memorial portrait?
Yes, and these are some of the most poignant commissions I take. If you would like to honour the life of a companion who has passed, and celebrate your special bond, or commission a memorial pet portrait as a gift for someone who misses their pet, please do get in touch — I'd be honoured to paint them.
What if I'm not happy with the finished painting?
I share work-in-progress photos throughout the painting process, precisely so you're never surprised by the finished piece. Watercolour is a medium that can't easily be amended once dry — which is why those progress checks matter so much. I take real care with every commission, and I won't consider it finished until I feel it's right.
Will the watercolour painting last?
Yes. I use professional grade, archival materials throughout — including Daniel Smith and Schmincke paints, and acid free papers from Arches and St Cuthberts Mill. Your portrait is made to last.
Can I give it as a surprise gift?
Absolutely — just let me know at the start and I'll keep everything confidential. No progress photos shared to social media, no mention of the commission publicly until you give the go-ahead.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. UK postage and packaging is included in the price (with the exception of miniatures.) International shipping is available — please note that import duties may apply depending on your country. So far I have shipped to Amsterdam, Finland, Sweden, Australia, America and Canada, to name a few!
What payment methods do you accept?
PayPal and bank transfer.
How should I frame the finished watercolour painting?
That's entirely up to you as it's such a personal choice — I leave framing to my clients so you can choose something that suits your home and your style.
Want the full picture — photos, process, pricing detail, and everything in between? Read on…
What Actually Is a Commissioned Pet Portrait?
A commissioned pet portrait is a hand-painted, one-of-a-kind artwork made specifically for you, from your photographs. Not a print. Not a digital illustration. Not an AI-generated image. A real hand-painted watercolour portrait, made by a real artist on real paper — by someone who has spent years learning how to truly see animals, and who genuinely loves doing it.
There's a growing market in AI pet portraits and digitally generated dog portrait paintings, and I understand the appeal — they're fast, and cheap. But they can't feel the energy of your animal. They can't find the iridescent colours in a black coat, or sense whether your dog was the kind of soul knew when you were upset and always came to comfort you. There is no substitute for hand made art, and I do not believe that there ever will be.
Every custom pet portrait I paint is unique. No two paintings are ever the same, because no two animals are ever the same. When you commission a painting from a photo, you're not ordering a product. You're asking someone to spend real time with your animal, to find the colours in their coat that most people just don't see, and to infuse the paper with their essence.
How Do I Find the Right Artist for My Pet Portrait?
The most important thing is to find a pet portrait artist whose style genuinely resonates with you — not just technically good, but right for your animal. Look at their portfolio carefully. Do the dog portrait paintings feel alive? Is there warmth in the eyes?
Beyond style, look for an artist who clearly loves animals — not just as subjects, but as beings. Look for a clear process, transparent pricing, and real testimonials from real clients. A professional watercolour artist who is a member of a recognised body — such as the Professional Artists Association — will also carry an additional layer of credibility.
Where Can I Get a Portrait of My Dog, Cat, or Horse?
You have more options than you might think — from large print-on-demand services to individual artists taking bespoke commissions. The difference is in what you're actually getting.
If you want a genuine hand-painted pet portrait — a dog watercolour portrait, a cat portrait from a photo, a horse portrait commission — finding an independent artist is the way to go. You'll get something truly original, painted with care, by someone who has looked at your animal properly and brought their whole skill to it.
If you're searching for a UK-based pet portrait artist, Etsy and a good Google search for "pet portrait artist UK" are reasonable starting points. Read reviews carefully, look at real finished work, and don't be afraid to ask questions before you commit.
What Photos Do I Need?
This is one of the most common questions I get asked about commissioning a pet portrait, and I've written a whole blog post about it — because it really does matter, and there's a lot to say.
The short version: to create your hand-painted pet portrait, I need to be able to see the face clearly, especially the eyes, and see the colour of the fur accurately. Natural light is ideal. Multiple photos from different angles are helpful. Whether you're looking for a dog watercolour portrait, a cat portrait from a photo, or a horse portrait commission — goofy, characterful photos are very welcome, and old or imperfect photos are absolutely worth sending, especially for memorial commissions.
I'll always guide you through how to photograph your pet for a portrait when you get in touch, so please don't let the photo question put you off enquiring. We'll figure it out together.
What Size Should I Choose?
This is something a lot of people genuinely agonise over, so here's a simple guide.
Miniature portrait (6 x 8cm approx): Perfect as a gift, for your desk, or if you're seriously lacking in space (for example, you live on a narrowboat!)
A6 (10.5 x 14.8cm): A sweet, intimate size — lovely as a keepsake or a small gift. Great for a single close-up subject.
A5 (14.8 x 21cm): A popular choice for something with a little more presence. Works beautifully on a shelf or as part of a gallery wall.
20cm x 20cm: A square format that suits certain compositions beautifully — particularly portraits with a strong central subject.
A4 (21 x 29.7cm): The most popular size. Large enough to show real detail and make an impact on a wall, without overwhelming a room.
A3 (29.7 x 42cm): A statement piece. Ideal for a multi-pet composition, a horse portrait, or anywhere you want the painting to be the first thing someone notices when they walk in.
If you're unsure, I'm always happy to advise — just mention it when you get in touch.
How Does the Commission Process Work, Step by Step?
1. Get in touch Drop me a message to say hello and let me know what you're looking for.
2. We have a chat I'll come back to you to discuss the details — I'll request photos, and we'll chat about size, composition, any specifics about your pet you'd like captured. This is also where I'll tell you honestly if a photo isn't going to work, before either of us has invested anything more than a conversation.
3. Deposit and booking Once we've agreed the details, a 50% deposit secures your place in my commission queue. My slots are usually booked a few months ahead, so if you have a deadline — a birthday, an anniversary, Christmas — it's worth getting in touch sooner rather than later.
4. The painting This is the part I love most. I'll spend proper time with your animal — looking, connecting, finding the colours in their coat that most people miss. I often share work-in-progress photos as the painting develops. With your permission, I may share these to social media too — though if your personalised pet portrait is a gift, or you love to be surprised, your secret is absolutely safe with me.
5. The reveal Before I do anything else, you'll see the finished painting first. This is one of my favourite moments in the whole process, and despite all my years painting, also the most nerve-wracking, as it's so important to me that when you see the painting, you immediately feel that it's your precious pet.
6. Delivery Your hand-painted pet portrait will be carefully and securely packaged and sent via a tracked and signed-for service. UK postage and packaging is included in the price for standard tracked services. Worldwide shipping is available — please note that import duties are not included and may apply depending on your country.
How Much Does a Dog Portrait Cost? (And Other Pets)
Prices for a single subject start from:
Miniature (6 x 8cm approx): £37 (plus P&P to the UK and beyond)
A6 (10.5 x 14.8cm): £60
A5 (14.8 x 21cm): £105
20cm x 20cm: £135
A4 (21 x 29.7cm): from £195
A3 (29.7 x 42cm): from £295
Prices include postage and packaging within the UK. For multiple animals in a single painting, wildlife portraits, or commemorative and memorial commissions, pricing depends on the subject, size, and complexity — just get in touch and I'll put together a quote.
If you're drawn to the idea of a personalised pet portrait but working with a smaller budget, my miniature watercolour pet portraits start from £37 — they're 6cm x 8cm, completely original, and arrive through your letterbox as a beautiful, ready-to-frame letterbox art gift.
A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking, with the remainder due on completion. I accept PayPal and bank transfer.
How Long Does It Take?
Realistically, you should allow at least three months from enquiry to delivery. My commission slots are usually booked a few months in advance.
A note about Christmas commissions:
If you'd like a hand-painted pet portrait in time for Christmas, October is the cut-off for getting in touch, depending on my booking calendar. That said, I do try to accommodate last-minute requests where I can, so it's always worth asking even if you've left it a little late. A personalised dog portrait or cat portrait from a photo also makes a wonderful gift for pet owners at any time of year — not just Christmas.
If you have a specific date in mind — a birthday, an anniversary, a significant occasion — tell me when you enquire and I'll always do my best to make it work.
Will the Painting Last?
Yes — and this is something I take seriously. I use professional grade, archival materials throughout: Daniel Smith and Schmincke paints, acid free papers from Arches and St Cuthberts Mill. Everything is chosen for quality and longevity. Your portrait is made to last a lifetime — and then some. However, I always advise my clients to ensure that the painting is not displayed near to direct heat or sunlight, as these can prematurely age or fade the colours. If you do wish for your painting to sit in a bright spot, many framers now offer UV protective glass to ensure that the colours remain bright.
What About Memorial and Tribute Portraits?
Some of the most meaningful commissions I receive are pet memorial portraits — paintings made after an animal has passed, to honour who they were and keep their memory close. These make deeply thoughtful pet memorial gifts, both for yourself and for someone you know who is grieving.
I treat memorial commissions with particular care. If you've lost your animal recently, or you're looking for pet loss gift ideas for a friend, you can find out more about my memorial portrait commissions here.
What Happens When My Portrait Is Finished?
Once you've seen the finished painting, and are happy with it, it's carefully wrapped and sent to you via a tracked and signed-for service. And I hope that, when it arrives, you truly feel as though you're holding a piece of your animal companion in your hands to treasure, always.
Hand-painted watercolour portraits have a way of becoming treasured objects, and I absolutely love when my clients contact me to show me how they've framed the painting to suit their own tastes - it's a magical moment for me that I never tire of.
What a hand-painted watercolour pet portrait does that a photograph, however beautiful, can't quite manage, is to infuse the paper with all of the love your pet feels for you.
Ready to Commission Your Watercolour Pet Portrait?
If you're thinking about it, just drop me a message. There's no obligation, and I genuinely love talking about it. Whether you have a perfect photo and a clear vision, or just a beloved animal and a feeling you want to hold onto, get in touch to say hi.
Tracy Christina is a UK watercolour artist and pet portrait artist living and working on her widebeam boat on the canals. She takes commissions for custom pet portraits, dog portrait paintings, cat portraits from photos, horse portrait commissions, memorial portraits, wildlife, miniature paintings and human subjects — painted from your photographs, with care.
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