(Well, I think so!)

Every year the same question pops up: what do you buy the person who has everything? If they have a pet they love – and most of us pet owners love our animals with a fervour unlike anything else – then I’d gently suggest that the answer might be a pet portrait. Not a novelty mug or a phone case with a cartoon printed on it. A proper, handcrafted portrait of the animal that matters most to them. Something they’ll hang on the wall and treasure for years.

I’ve been creating pet portraits from my studio in Hampshire for over fifteen years and every single time a commission is delivered to a client – whether it’s a detailed watercolour of a horse, an oil painting of a well-loved terrier or a digital iPet drawing printed onto canvas – the reaction is the same. Absolute delight (and sometimes tears, but always the good kind).

Why a pet portrait makes such a powerful gift

A pet is not just an animal – they’re a member of the family, a constant companion, a source of enormous comfort and joy. A portrait captures that bond and preserves it. It’s personal in a way that almost nothing else is.

I’ve had clients tell me a portrait was the best present their partner had ever received. I’ve painted portraits that were commissioned as surprises for golden wedding anniversaries, as memorials for beloved animals no longer with us and as birthday gifts that left the recipient speechless. One husband arranged to have his wife’s beloved dog painted as a Christmas gift and told me the portrait drew the biggest oohs of anything under the tree that year – and I believe him!

 

What are the options?

There’s something to suit most budgets and tastes:

Watercolour or oil commissions are the most detailed and traditional option, a fully hand-painted original artwork worked up from a good photograph of the pet. These take around two weeks for a head study and are produced on paper or canvas. A framed watercolour or oil on canvas or even slate makes a truly stunning gift.

iPet portraits are a more affordable alternative. Drawn using just my finger on an iPad, they’re incredibly versatile and can be printed onto canvas, paper, wood, slate, acrylic or even a tea towel. The file is delivered electronically so printing can be arranged to suit you (or I can help you with some options).

Gift vouchers are the perfect solution when you know someone would love a portrait but you’d like them to provide their own photo and be involved in the process. I can even make a frame for the finished piece myself if you like. The voucher can be presented beautifully on high-quality printed card, making it a real gift to unwrap on Christmas morning.

Mugs, coasters etc.

Of course, if you do know someone who loves a good coaster, you can’t go wrong with my original artwork pieces. Have a browse in my online shop for ready made gifts here.

 

Don’t leave it too late

This is important: if you’d like a finished, framed portrait ready for Christmas, please do get in touch as early as possible. I work to a commission schedule and Christmas is – unsurprisingly – my busiest time of year. A watercolour or oil painting commission for Christmas should ideally be placed by late October at the latest to allow time for painting, approval and framing.
If you miss the painting deadline, a gift voucher is a brilliant alternative – it can be ordered right up until Christmas and redeemed within six months of purchase, giving the recipient all the pleasure of choosing their own portrait in the new year.

 

Ready to order?

Take a look at my galleries to see examples across dogs, cats and horses, and visit the Prices and Gift Vouchers pages on this website for full details. If you’d like to discuss a commission or you’re not sure which option would be right for your recipient, I’m always happy to have a chat. Just drop me a message via the Contact page and I’ll get back to you.

I promise it’ll be worth it. I’ve never had a client tell me the recipient was underwhelmed.