NML Fine Art
Animal and Pet Portraits
Welcome to my studio!
I’m a pastel artist based in Scotland, specialising in lifelike pet portraits that capture the unique personality and spirit of your beloved animal companions. Whether it’s a loyal dog, a curious cat, or a cherished horse, I use soft pastels and a realistic style to create artwork that celebrates the bond you share. Each piece is carefully crafted with care and attention to detail, resulting in a timeless keepsake to treasure forever.
Step into my world of art, where each piece is brought to life to spark emotion and tell a story. I pour my heart into every detail, aiming to share something meaningful, beautiful, and lasting with you.
Joy
The moment I saw this little pup, I knew I had to draw him. That expression - full of life, joy, and just a touch of mischief - completely won me over. It’s one of those faces that makes you smile every time you look at it. Is he singing? Laughing? Who knows! But whatever it is, it’s full of personality and warmth.
Bringing him to life in pastel was such a joy. Pieces like this remind me why I love what I do - each drawing is a chance to celebrate the spirit and individuality of a much-loved pet.
If you have a furry friend with a face that always makes you smile, I’d love to help you turn that into a piece of art you can treasure forever.
The Loyal Heart
In this piece, I wanted to capture the dog’s calm loyalty, its grace and beauty, and the flowing movement of the white curls on its chest. They say white is never just white - and it’s true. There’s barely any pure white in that area at all. I created this piece for family, to honour the memory of a loyal furry friend they no longer have.
Created on 12"x16" Canson Velvet card, this portrait size strikes the perfect balance — large enough to make a visual impact, yet still an ideal fit for medium-sized rooms. It offers plenty of space for fine detail while remaining easy to frame and display.
Gorgeous Marley
“It looks even more like Marley than Marley does!" said my client’s daughter. Now, that’s a compliment I won’t forget!
This is Marley, a beautiful Cockapoo with the softest curls, the sweetest squint, and the kind of wise, soulful expression that makes you stop and smile. Her owner wanted a portrait to treasure, and honestly… how could you not want to capture that face?
I’ve really enjoyed working on this one.
Thanks to Marley’s family for trusting me with her lovely wee face
Sapphire
This portrait of Saphie was created as a memorial to honour a deeply cherished companion. A gentle, loyal soul with the kindest eyes — Saphie was family, and her absence is deeply felt.
Her owners were both touched and amazed by how her spirit was captured in this piece. It brought comfort, happy tears, and the feeling that a part of her had come home again.
Now framed and hanging in a special place, Saphie’s portrait is more than a drawing — it’s a lasting memory of love, presence, and the unbreakable bond between a dog and her people.
Ruby
This portrait of Ruby celebrates a beloved friend who is still very much at the heart of her home.
Full of life, devotion, and quiet strength, Ruby is the kind of dog whose presence brings comfort just by being near.
Her expressive eyes, steady gaze, and calm spirit made her a joy to capture. The love between Ruby and her people is unmistakable - years of loyalty, trust, and shared moments have created a bond that runs deep.
Now framed alongside her sister Saphie, Ruby’s portrait stands not only as a tribute to who she is, but as a reminder to treasure the time we have with those we love.
Spirit of the Wind
This piece was all about energy and character — the tousled forelock, the deep thoughtful eye, the proud curve of the neck. I wanted to capture not just what this horse looks like, but what it feelslike to stand in his presence: a creature full of life, history, and untamed beauty.
It’s portraits like these that make me fall in love with the art of pastel again and again — the softness of the medium lends itself perfectly to capturing that velvety coat and the wildness of the mane.
Created on A4-sized Pastelmat, this piece may be small in scale, but it holds a powerful presence. The size encourages a closer, more intimate connection with the subject - perfect for cosy spaces or as part of a gallery wall. It’s a reminder that even the quietest portraits can speak volumes.
Grace
This 14"x14" portrait was created to celebrate the quiet strength and gentle soul of a much-loved horse. The square format lends itself beautifully to equine subjects, offering a balanced and intimate view that draws the eye straight to the expression - steady, knowing, and full of heart.
Every detail, from the subtle sheen of the coat to the soft reflection in the eye, was carefully built up in layers of pastel to honour not just the horse’s likeness, but their presence. The elegant bridle, the subtle textures of muscle and mane - all captured to tell a story of partnership, trust, and respect.
This is more than a drawing. It’s a heartfelt tribute - a piece to remember, celebrate, and feel close to a companion who holds a special place in their owners' life.
By Your Side
Skip was a truly special soul, and it was an honour to capture his likeness for a family who loved him so deeply. He had been by their side through all of life’s biggest moments - from the early days of a young couple in love, to standing proudly as ‘best dog’ at their wedding, and then welcoming their daughters into the world. Kind, loyal and endlessly playful, Skip was the heart of the family. Losing him at 16 was devastating, and creating this drawing felt especially meaningful, knowing it would become a lasting reminder of his presence - something to carry with them as they prepare to move home. I was deeply touched by their trust in me to create this memento, and I hope it brings comfort, warmth and cherished memories for years to come.
Silent Alert
There’s something quietly powerful about this moment. Three black dogs, perfectly still, all looking in the same direction as they spotted something we can’t see. There’s a tension in the stillness - a calm, watchful energy that feels both peaceful and on edge at the same time.
I loved how naturally they lined up on the dock, their sleek coats catching the light, with the soft autumn colours wrapping around the scene. It’s one of those rare, balanced moments where everything feels connected. For me, it’s about that unspoken bond between animals and the world around them, and the quiet beauty in simply being present and paying attention.
When the Portrait Wags Back
This gorgeous Pomsky was such a fun piece to work on. Lively, playful, and full of energy – his cuddles were endless while I was at the house for the photoshoot, and that lovely character really stuck with me throughout the drawing process.
It was great to draw him – I love the blue of his eyes and the colouring is very distinctive. At 12"x16", this drawing is big enough to have an impact and looks simply stunning in real life. The size also allowed for so much more detail, especially in the fur and those expressive eyes, which really brought his personality to life on the page.
I’m so happy to say his family absolutely loved it – and best of all, when they showed Loki the finished picture, he actually ducked, thinking it was real!
It really made my day.
"Marley is our much loved 14.5 year old cockapoo. She is the most loving and kind soul and Natasha has captured her perfectly. Knowing how much Natasha is a perfectionist in all she does, I knew she was a safe person to trust with capturing our girl. We are absolutely delighted with the drawing and it will be a much loved piece of art forevermore. From sending the photos, to having the drawing professionally framed for us, the whole process was professional and Natasha was a pleasure throughout. I would highly recommended Natasha if you are looking for a realistic and lifelike drawing of a much loved pet.”
Jenni
Natasha created a stunning memorial portrait of our beloved border collie, Skip. The realism is incredible, everything I loved about Skip's face, Natasha has captured so beautifully, so much so that I had happy tears when she presented me with the finished piece. I honestly can't walk past Skip's portrait without stopping and staring into those beautiful eyes, admire his fluffy curls and handsome face - Natasha has captured his every feature and his very essence. Natasha has given us the perfect memento to take Skip's memory forward and we have been touched by the love and care Natasha put into its creation. We would commission Natasha again in a heartbeat, her expertise and guidance from choosing the right photo to how best to frame and preserve the beautiful portrait has made the whole process so easy and the results speak for themselves - Natasha's work is incredible!
Gillian
"We couldn’t be happier with our experience with Natasha! She came to our home to take pictures of our dog, Loki. Although she’s not a photographer, she was incredibly patient — even when he was being a bit of a little devil! Natasha was so persistent and made sure to capture the perfect shot.
The final drawing looks so real and absolutely amazing — we’re completely chuffed with it! The likeness is incredible, and it’s now hanging in a prominent place in our living room. Everyone who sees it comments on how beautifully it captures Loki.
Thank you so much, Natasha, for your professionalism. We’re absolutely in love with it and 100% recommend you to anyone looking for a special piece of art.”
Lina
Customer Testimonials
Price Guide
Standard Portrait Prices (Unframed and Unmounted)
* Artwork sizes are approximate and may vary slightly to best suit the composition and your subject.
A4 (approx. 8" x 10"), one subject - £375
This is a good size for one head and shoulder portrait of your pet, including horse portraits.
A3 (approx. 11" x 16") – one subject - £570
A3 size is perfect if you're looking for impact. It fits beautifully into a medium-sized room and offers plenty of space for fine detail and expression - ideal for capturing the unique personality of your pet or horse. It’s also a great choice for full body portraits, offering enough space for natural proportions without compromising on finer details.
For each additional subject add £ 75 for A4 and £125 for A3 size.
Tonal ‘mottled’ backgrounds, soft glow effects, or plain colour washes are included as standard.
Scenic or detailed backgrounds can be added for an additional fee staring from £100 on A4 and £150 on A3 size, and will depend on your preferences.
Looking for a different size?
If you'd like a custom size or layout, feel free to get in touch – I'm happy to work with you to create something special.
Ready to book?
Contact me early to secure your place.
** Professional framing can also be arranged– we can chat through options and pricing at the point of ordering your artwork.
Booking and Payment
A 1/3 non-refundable booking fee secures your slot.
The second 1/3 is due when I begin the drawing, with the remaining 1/3 payable prior to delivery, once you’ve approved a photo of the finished portrait.
The Importance of a Great Photo
I work from your photos to create each portrait, so having a really good quality photo makes all the difference.
The clearer and sharper your photo, the more accurately I can capture all those special little details that make your pet unique – the sparkle in their eyes, the texture of their fur, even those quirky little expressions you love so much.
Good lighting and sharp focus help me see true colours, fine details, and subtle features that bring the portrait to life. If the photo is blurry, too dark, or missing parts of your pet, it limits what I can capture – and I always want to do them justice!
Don’t worry if you’re unsure which photo to choose – I’m always happy to help you pick the best one. If you’re able to take new photos, I can even give you a few easy tips to get the perfect shot.
At the end of the day, I want your finished portrait to be something you absolutely love, and it all starts with a great photo!
Tips for Taking Great Photos
If you’d like to take a new photo for your portrait, here are a few simple tips to help you get the best results. Don’t worry - you don’t need fancy equipment or a professional setup. Just a little bit of care can make a big difference!
Choosing the highest resolution
Most phones and cameras have settings for photo quality - if you can, use the highest resolution available. The more detail in your photo, the more detail I can capture in your portrait.
Framing your pet clearly
Try to fill the frame with your pet without cutting off important parts like ears, paws, or tails (unless you want a close-up). It's always helpful if your pet is nice and clear in the photo, rather than tiny in the distance.
Finding the right lighting
Natural daylight is your best friend. Try to take photos outdoors on a bright but cloudy day, or indoors near a window. Avoid harsh midday sun or dark shadows across your pet's face - soft, even light shows off their true colours beautifully.
Make sure your pet is facing the light, not turned away from it – this helps capture all the lovely detail in their eyes and fur.
Checking that the photo is in focus
Take a moment to check that your pet’s face - especially the eyes - is sharp and clear. If the photo is a little blurry, it’s harder for me to see all those lovely details that bring the portrait to life.
Capturing a natural pose
The best photos often show your pet being themselves - sitting, lying down, looking curious, or simply relaxed. If you can, get down to their eye level for a more personal and engaging portrait.
Choosing a natural perspective
Photos taken at your pet’s level usually work best - not from above or too far away. This way, I can create a portrait that really connects with the viewer and feels true to their personality.
Why I Don’t Combine Separate Photos into One Drawing
Every portrait I create is about more than just a likeness. It's about capturing a real moment. The light, the atmosphere, the mood, the position of each subject, and the natural dynamic between animals all play a huge part in bringing a drawing to life.
When animals are photographed together, there’s a subtle interplay - how they lean into each other, the way their expressions respond, how the light falls across them all at once. These are the details that make a portrait feel genuine and full of life. It’s incredibly difficult to recreate that feeling using separate photos, as the lighting, perspective, and emotional connection simply won’t line up in the same way. Even if everything seems technically correct, it just won’t feel right—even imperceptibly.
That said, I completely understand the desire to include multiple animals in a single piece, and I’ll always work with you to find the best way to do that. A few great alternatives include:
-
Separate portraits that can be displayed together in a single multi-aperture frame
-
Helping you take a new group photo that captures the natural dynamic and lighting just right
-
A series of individual portraits that complement each other beautifully when hung as a set
The goal is always the same: to create artwork that feels authentic, full of character, and a joy to look at for years to come. I’m here to guide you through that process and help you find the best option for your pets and your space.
