Commissioning a portrait is a gentle, guided process, designed to feel personal and unhurried from the first conversation to the finished artwork.
Step 1 - Getting in touch
The process begins with an enquiry via the contact form or message. We’ll talk through your ideas, preferred size, and availability, and I’ll answer any initial questions you may have.
Step 2 - Choosing the reference photo
Once you’re ready to proceed, I’ll guide you through selecting the most suitable reference photo. Strong lighting, natural expression, and clear detail make all the difference, and I’m always happy to help you decide.
(You’ll find detailed guidance in the photo tips section below.)
Step 3 - Planning the portrait
After the reference image is chosen, we confirm the size, composition, and overall feel of the portrait. Where helpful, I may create a simple mockup to visualise the final piece before drawing begins.
Step 4 - Securing your booking
A booking fee confirms your commission and secures your place in my schedule.
Step 5 - Creating the artwork
Your portrait is drawn by hand in my studio using professional pastel pencils and papers. Each piece is built carefully in layers, with progress shared selectively where it adds value.
Step 6 - Completion and handover
Once finished, I’ll share the completed artwork for approval. After the final balance is settled, the portrait is carefully prepared for collection or delivery.
Each portrait is drawn by hand in my studio in Auchtermuchty, using professional pastel pencils and papers chosen for depth, softness, and longevity. Pricing reflects the time, care, and individual attention each commission receives.
A smaller, intimate portrait size, ideal for capturing character and expression. Perfect for desks, shelves, or more compact spaces, while still allowing for fine detail.
This is a lovely option if you’re looking for something more personal and elegant.
A versatile size, ideal for a head-and-shoulders portrait of your pet, including horses. A good balance between presence and intimacy, and easy to frame.
This is my most popular size. It has a strong presence and allows for richer detail and depth, while still being easy to frame and live with. It’s often chosen when people want that extra sense of connection.
Tonal mottled background, soft glow effect, or plain colour wash
For each additional subject, add £50 for A4 and £100 for A3 size.
Scenic or more detailed backgrounds can be added for an additional fee, starting from £100 on A4 and £150 on A3 size, depending on complexity and your preferences.
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.
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!
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.
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
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 portraitsthat can be displayed together in a single multi-aperture frame
Helping you take a new group photothat captures the natural dynamic and lighting just right
A series of individual portraitsthat 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.