Melanie Henson Art
Pet Portraits
Click on image to enlarge
A custom pet portait, lovingly handpainted makes an ideal gift for a loved one, a treasured memorial of your pet, a piece of artwork to be cherished forever. It is the perfect way to celebrate how much your pet means to you.
My work is handpainted using high quality artists materials. You can choose whether you would like your pet to be portrayed in graphite(pencil), or watercolour and coloured pencil.
How to commission your pet's portrait
When you commission a pet portrait from me I will use your photographs to create each highly detailed piece of artwork. The clearer your photographs are the more detail I can add. (Please read my tips on the best way to photograph your pet at the end of this page.)
You can email me the photographs you wish me to work from so I can ensure they are suitable. If you have original or printed photos you can post them to me. All photographs will be returned. I always like to have a few different photos of your pet if possible and it's helpful if you can point out which photo best captures your pet's character.
After I have received your photos we can discuss requirements such as size, date required, and whether you would like pencil or watercolour etc.
I will then ask for a 20% non refundable deposit to start your pet's portrait.
If you would like to see progress as I work I can email up to two updates before emailing you a copy of the completed work to check you are happy with it. Some people prefer to wait for the final portrait. It's up to you which you prefer.
Once your portrait is complete you may pay the balance via bank transfer. Once I have received your payment your pet's portrait will be posted via Royal Mail Special Delivery or if you are local to me you are welcome to collect.
Portraits can take any where from 2 - 8 weeks depending on my current workload. I will always endeavour to get your portrait finished as soon as possible but please ensure you order with plenty of time in advance if you require it for a specific date. Please bear in mind that times like Christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day can get very busy.
Pet Portrait Prices
All prices include postage in the UK and a neutral coloured mountboard border. I use standard size formats for my work so that you can buy a ready made frame if you don't want to have a custom frame made.
Please contact me for a quote if you require postage outside the UK.
Single pet portraits
A4 11.5" x 8.5" (295 x 210mm)
Watercolour and coloured pencil £220
If you would like more than one pet in your portrait please add £40 for each additional subject.
A4 is a popular size but if you require a different size (larger or smaller) please contact me for a quote. You may want to consider a larger size if you would like more than one pet in a painting or drawing.
Tips for photographing your pet:
For me to be able to create the best pet portrait high quality photographs are essential. Three or four photos are ideal if possible to show fur, eyes, specific markings and detail.
*Natural lighting is best to avoid colour distortions.
*Heavy shade and light can create dark shadows that obscure detail, or overexposure which bleaches out detail. The best day would be an overcast but bright one.
*try to take the photo with the sun behind you so your pet is not backlit and cast in shadow.
* Some background is fine but if your pet is too far away it's difficult to zoom in to see details.
* if you have someone with you who can catch your pet's attention it will help to create a lively, alert pose or stop them wondering away!
*if you can get down to the level of your pet or have someone hold them up then that helps give a better persective.
I look forward to painting your pet!
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Thank you.