Hand-Painted Pet Portraits by Jo Shepherd, UK
Realistic Pet Portraits in Watercolour
Step into my gallery, where each hand-painted watercolour portrait captures your pet's likeness and celebrates their one-of-a-kind personality.
Many people search for "a pet artist near me", but my portraits are available to order from anywhere - no need to be local!
A Selection of Watercolour Pet Portraits
HERCULES & THOR
12" x 16" Watercolour
GINGER TABBY CAT
12" x 16" watercolour
SIRIUS
12" x 16" Watercolour
TOD
8" x 12" watercolour
MITZY & McFLUFFY
12" x 16" Watercolour
A Recent Commission - Dog Painting in Watercolour
Lily the Yorkshire Terrier: A Portrait Full of Character & Charm
Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of working on a commission of a very sweet little Yorkshire Terrier named Lily. This portrait was extra special, not just because of Lily herself, but because it was a surprise gift from Emma and her family for her mother-in-law.
I'd like to also mention, that this is the third portrait that Emma and her family have commissioned with me! I'm fur-ever grateful!
CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL
"I have now had the pleasure of experiencing Jo’s work 3 times. All the portraits have been stunning, capturing the expression and individual character of the pets absolutely perfectly." Emma, UK
READ MY PET PORTRAIT BLOG | Lily the Yorkshire Terrier: A Portrait Full of Character & Charm
A recent pet portrait commission - Read the blog
Behind the Scenes of a Pet Portrait Artist
How My Watercolour 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.
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.
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.