Watercolour Pet Portraits by Jo Shepherd

Behind the Scenes

Reference photo of a black dog for a custom pet portrait

How My Pet Portraits Come to Life

Each portrait begins with your favourite photos and goes through several stages before becoming your cherished pet portrait.

Here's a little look into my process - the care, time, and techniques that go into every brushstroke.

I keep in touch throughout, with photo updates, so you will get to see your pet come to life on paper!

1. Sketching the outline

I sketch the outline of your pet and their features in pencil. I do this by tracing over their image, to ensure that I get the proportions exact.

Custom pet portrait of a dog, first layers of watercolour being built up carefully

2. Building the layers

Using professional watercolour paints, I begin with light washes to create depth and form, carefully layering pigments to build textures and capture intricate details.

Custom pet portrait commission of a black dog in watercolour by jo shepherd

3. Adding Detail

This stage is all about precision - capturing the sparkle in the eyes, the detail of the fur, and those subtle touches that make your pet recognisable. In each of my pet paintings I aim to achieve a true likeness of your beloved friend.

4. The Finished Portrait

Once the final details are added, your portrait is signed, carefully packaged, and ready to be cherished for years to come.

Ordering a custom pet portrait with me is easy, but if there's more you'd like to know then you can find the answers to your questions on my FAQs page.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Highly Detailed and Life like paintings of your Pets

Watercolour Pet Portraits