WELCOME
WATERCOLOUR PET PORTRAITS
Exquisite watercolour paintings, capturing each and every detail of your beloved pet
JO SHEPHERD - PET PORTRAITS
LOOKING FOR A PET PORTRAIT ARTIST YOU CAN TRUST?
I have been creating pet portraits for over 10 years, developing my individual style of delicate but detailed watercolour paintings. I live in Lincolnshire. in the UK, but also send portraits internationally. I have had pet portraits commissioned from various countries as far as Australia, and from renowned cities such as Milan and New York!
When you commission me for a pet portrait, you can be assured that you will have an excellent experience from start to finish. I am more than happy to help with any questions you may have along the way, offering advice and suggestions regarding reference photographs. I will be in touch regularly, with updates on your portrait, allowing you to be part of the creative process as your pet emerges and comes to life on paper.
PET PORTRAITS IN WATERCOLOURS
Watercolours are a beautiful medium in which to have your pet painted. The transparent nature of these paints means that they layer exquisitely, creating wonderful texture with every brush stroke. These unique layering abilities lend themselves wonderfully to painting fur that you could almost reach out and touch.
From the reflection in their eyes, to the shine on their nose, you can be assured that I will capture each and every detail to achieve a true likeness to your furry best friend..
PAINTING YOUR PETS EVERY DETAIL
I aim to paint a true reflection of your pet whilst creating a beautiful piece of art to display in your home and cherish for years to come.
Being a self-confessed perfectionist, I am driven to ensure that each pet portrait is completed to a high standard and I won't be happy until I have achieved a true likeness to your beloved pet.
I will be in touch throughout, with photo updates, so there is plenty of opportunity to communicate any changes you may want making to your pet portrait.
Perhaps you would like their eyes to be a different shade? Or the colour of their fur isn't quite right...
I will work with you throughout the creative process to ensure that you are happy with the final painting.
100% HAPPY CUSTOMERS
I have received some wonderful feedback from previous customers, whether they were ordering for themselves or as a gift. But don't just take it from me, read through some of their testimonials for yourself:
"We've all been crying as it's so much like him...
Very capturing portrait, you have extraordinary talent"
- Sophie, UK
"Jo has done an amazing job turning a blank canvas into a lifelike watercolour of my two buns, from the sparkle in Thors eyes to Hercys grumpy face, she has got the detail just right. I gave her a picture taken from a mobile and what we received was nothing short of spectacular. She was always in contact and incredibly professional throughout"
"I have received this as a gift today and feel completely overwhelmed by it - I can't stop looking at it and welling up! You couldn't have captured the complexity of my rabbits beautiful features and personalities any better. Truly stunning. It is now my prized possession and will remain so."
- Linsey, UK
If you need more reassurance that I will paint a realistic pet portrait whilst providing you with a great experience, then please take a look through my testimonials page.
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR A PET LOVER
Pet Paintings Make Unique And Unforgettable Gifts
A pet portrait is one of the BEST gifts you could give to a pet owner!
In gifting a custom pet portrait, you are providing a keepsake that can be displayed in your friend or loved ones home, which will bring them happy memories for years to come.
We worship our pets! So what could be better than displaying them in a beautiful piece of art in our home!
REASONS WHY A PET PAINTING MAKES A GREAT GIFTS:
- A meaningful piece of art work to be displayed in their home
- Evokes a range of emotions, from joy to nostalgia, each time it is seen
- A reason to reminisce on all their pets best moments
- Captures the sense of a pets personality and expression better than a photograph
- Serves as a lasting memory of their pet for years to come
A PET PORTRAIT IS A TRULY MEANINGFUL GIFT THAT WILL BE ABSOLUTELY ADORED FOR YEARS TO COME.
A PET PAINTING MAKES AN UNFORGETTABLE GIFT
HOW DO I ORDER A PET PORTRAIT?
1. DECIDE IF MY STYLE SUITS YOUR PET, YOUR PERSONALITY AND YOUR HOME
Please take some time to look through my website and decide whether or not my style is the one for you and your pet. There are lots of pet portrait artists out there, and lots of different styles. My paintings are delicate yet detailed rather than being bold or abstract. I paint a true reflection of your pet, in a medium which is truly stunning.
I use professional watercolour paints on high quality, archival paper to create a detailed pet portrait full of charisma and charm.
2. GATHER PHOTOGRAPHS OF YOUR PETS
Once you have decided that you would like to commission me for a pet portrait, the first thing you will need to do is take some high quality photographs of your pet. If you are choosing from old photographs, then please choose ones with as much detail as possible.
I will look through your chosen photographs and approve any that I can work from. You can then decide which one you would like your portrait to be based on. Photographs should be taken in good lighting, preferably outdoors and close up so that the head and shoulders or full body fill the frame. See the link below for detailed information on how to achieve the best photographs for a pet portrait.
3. WHICH SIZE PET PORTRAIT WOULD YOU LIKE?
Small, Medium or Large?
I offer 3 different size options in my watercolour paintings. Depending on the space in your home, or how impactful you want your painting to be, you will need to consider the various sizes I have to offer.
Small 6" x 6" Head Only (Single pet)
Medium 8" x 12" Head and shoulders or full body (Single pet)
Large 12" x 16" Head and Shoulders or full Body (More than one pet)
Pet portrait prices vary for different sized paintings. Please visit my 2024 price list for more information.
4. CONTACT ME
Reach out with details about the portrait you'd like. Include your chosen photographs and size preference and any personal requirements you may have. Please also include when you need the pet portrait by, and where you live, to help me give you an accurate response on timeframe.
I will need a minimum of 2-4 weeks to complete your pet portrait so please ensure you get in touch with plenty of time.
5. I PAINT YOUR CUSTOM PET PORTAIT
After a decision has been made on the size and composition of the portrait, I will take a 25% deposit.
Once the deposit is received I will begin sketching and painting your pet portrait. I will update you with photographs along the way, giving you the opportunity to suggest any alterations you may see fit such as fur or eye colours.
On completion of your pet painting I will send you the scanned, watermarked image for your approval. When you are 100% happy with your pet portrait I will take the remaining payment.
Finally, I will carefully package and post your portrait to you!
6. HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PET PORTRAIT
- Choose a professional framer for longevity
- Do not position artwork in direct sunlight.
- Avoid placing in damp or humid rooms such as the bathroom or kitchen - moisture damages most artworks
- Do not place in excessive temperatures - Avoid hanging near a fireplace or above a radiator
THINKING ABOUT ORDERING A PET PORTRAIT?
My diary for 2025 will fill up fast, so please get in touch and lets talk about a pet portrait today!
THE SOONER YOU CONTACT ME, THE BETTER!