Commissioning a pet portrait is a wonderful way to celebrate a much-loved companion, whether they’re still happily filling your home with muddy paw prints or you’ve said a difficult goodbye and want a lasting reminder of the joy they brought to your life.
With so many talented artists working in a wide range of styles and media, choosing the right one can feel a little overwhelming. Every artist has their own approach, and no two pet portrait commissions are exactly alike.
So, what should you look for? Here are eight things to think about before you commission a pet portrait.
A good pet portrait should be more than an accurate likeness.
The markings, colouring and proportions all matter, but what really brings a portrait to life is the personality behind them. It might be a cheeky expression, a thoughtful gaze, permanently windblown ears or the look that appears the moment a favourite toy comes into view.
When you’re looking through an artist’s portfolio, ask yourself one simple question: Do these animals feel like individuals? If they do, there’s a good chance the artist is capturing far more than appearance alone.
Pet portraits can be created in oils, watercolours, coloured pencil, pastel, glass, ceramics, textiles, digital media and many other forms.
There isn’t a right or wrong choice. Some people love highly realistic artwork, while others prefer something looser, more contemporary or more colourful.
The important thing is to choose an artist whose work makes you smile before you’ve even thought about your own commission.
Almost every pet portrait starts with photographs.
Sharp, well-lit images taken at your pet’s eye level usually provide the best reference, and several photographs from different angles can help an artist understand their features, colouring and expression.
If your favourite picture isn’t perfect, don’t panic. Many artists can combine details from several photographs to create a portrait that captures your pet at their best.
Every artist has their own creative process.
Some begin with detailed sketches, others work more intuitively. Some specialise in traditional paintings, while others use materials such as fused glass, ceramics or textiles to create something quite different.
Understanding how your chosen artist approaches a commission helps you know what to expect and often makes the whole experience more enjoyable. The more you can tell the artist about your pet’s character, the more alive that portrait will seem.
Before commissioning a pet portrait, consider where you’d like to display it.
Will it hang above the fireplace, brighten a hallway or sit in a favourite reading corner? Â Would it be in direct sunlight or somewhere more shaded? This answer may influence the size, orientation and even the style that works best.
An experienced artist can often suggest options that complement both your home and your pet.
A commissioned pet portrait isn’t something taken from a shelf.
Each one is created individually, and that takes time. Finding out about your pet, planning the composition, studying photographs, selecting materials and creating the artwork all happen before the finished piece reaches its new home. Depending on the medium, there may also be drying time, multiple painting stages or several kiln firings.
If you’re hoping to give a pet portrait as a birthday, anniversary or Christmas gift, it’s worth getting in touch with an artist well in advance.
Reviews often reveal the things that matter most.
Did the artist communicate well? Were they easy to work with? Most importantly, did the owner feel that the finished portrait truly captured their pet?
Looking through previous commissions can also help you see how consistently an artist portrays different breeds, ages and personalities.
Commissioning a pet portrait is a personal experience, and trust matters.
If you keep returning to one artist’s work because it makes you think, “Yes… that feels right,” it’s worth paying attention to that instinct.
The best commissions are built on good communication, shared enthusiasm and a genuine understanding of what makes your pet unique.
A beautifully made pet portrait isn’t simply a picture of an animal. It’s a reminder of a relationship, a personality and countless everyday moments that become precious memories over time.
Whether you choose a painting, drawing, sculpture or fused glass artwork, take your time, explore different artists and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Finding the right artist is the first step towards creating something you’ll enjoy for many years.
Margaret Saunders is the owner and artist behind Jumaka Glass, based in North Somerset. A former research scientist, she now creates handcrafted fused glass artwork, specialising in bespoke pet portraits that celebrate the unique personality of each animal.
I love working with glass because it combines precision, experimentation and creativity. It allows me to explore colour and technique while creating pieces that hold real meaning for the people who receive them. Glass brings together the scientist in me, who enjoys understanding how things work, and the artist who loves telling a story through every piece.
If you’re interested in seeing how I create fused glass pet portraits, or you’re curious about working with glass as an artistic medium, you can find more information and examples of my work at https://glass.jumaka.uk/pet-portraits/
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