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JO SHEPHERD • PET PORTRAITS
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    • Portraits by Type
      • Dog Portraits
      • Cat Portraits
      • Rabbit Portraits
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    • Portrait Guides & Advice
      • FAQs
      • How it Works
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      • Photo Guide
      • Framing Advice
      • Gifting a Pet Portrait
    • Blog
JO SHEPHERD • PET PORTRAITS
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Pet Portraits
  • Testimonials
  • Prices
  • Contact
  • Portraits by Type
    • Dog Portraits
    • Cat Portraits
    • Rabbit Portraits
    • Memorial Pet Portraits
  • Portrait Guides & Advice
    • FAQs
    • How it Works
    • Size Guide
    • Photo Guide
    • Framing Advice
    • Gifting a Pet Portrait
  • Blog
Pet portrait artist Jo Shepherd pictured with her Merle Miniature Poodle, Jasper

About Me | The Artist Behind the Brush

My name is Jo, and I'm a UK pet portrait artist based in the beautiful cathedral city of Lincoln. As both an artist and a pet owner, my focus is always the same - to capture not just a true likeness, but the personality that makes each pet so special. 


If you have any questions, I'd love to hear from you.

Send Me A Message

My Story

I’ve loved drawing and painting ever since I was a child, but it was my dad who first introduced me to watercolours when I was just 11 years old.


Now 38 , I've been painting pet portraits for over 15 years. I've had the privilege of creating commissions for customers across the UK as well as overseas.


Growing up, we always had animals in the family - dogs, cats, and pets of all kinds. Being surrounded by them from such a young age is a big part of why painting animals is so natural to me. It’s a genuine pleasure to create pet portraits knowing first-hand just how much they mean to the people who love them.

Pet Portrait Artist Jo Shepherd walking her red and white border collie Rosie in her dog pram

A special moment with our late Border Collie, Rosie.

How I Work

Capturing a true likeness is important - but so is personality.

When I paint a portrait, I focus on both accuracy and character. The small details in expression, posture, and features are what bring your pet to life and make each piece feel truly personal.


I work from your photos and can combine multiple images where needed to create the best possible composition, ensuring your portrait feels both natural and full of life.


Working with pet portraits is something I genuinely love. It’s a privilege to create artwork that means so much to people.

A Medium That Brings Them to Life

Watercolour allows me to create portraits that feel soft, natural, and full of life, while still capturing fine detail.


By carefully layering pigments and using a mix of techniques, I’m able to build realistic textures while maintaining a gentle, painterly feel that suits each pet beautifully.

View my gallery
A close up of a watercolour painting of a Yorkshire Terrier dog focused on the eyes and nose detail

Close up of a recent pet portrait, showing the detail that can be achieved in watercolour

What to expect

If you choose me to paint your pet's portrait, you can expect:

  • A custom, hand-painted pet portrait capturing detail, expression and personality


  • Passion and dedication from an artist whose desire is to create something truly special


  • A collaborative approach helping you choose the best photos to work from


  • Support from day one with advice and progress updates along the way 


  • A friendly and trustworthy artist backed by wonderful 5-star reviews

UK watercolour Pet Portrait Artist Jo Shepherd in her studio working on a dog painting

Painting a recent pet portrait of a sweet Yorkshire Terrier called Lily

Thank you for getting to know me

Why not explore my pet portrait galleries next?
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