How I Capture the Personality of Pets in My Portraits

As a pet portrait artist based in Glasgow, my goal is never just to create a picture of an animal. While capturing an accurate likeness is important, what truly drives my work is the desire to bring out the unique personality and spirit of each pet I paint. After all, pets are not just animals—they are family members, companions, and often an extension of ourselves. When people commission a portrait of their pet, they want more than just a detailed representation of fur and features; they want a piece of art that evokes the essence of who their pet truly is.

In this post, I’ll share my process for capturing the personality of pets in my pastel and graphite portraits. I’ll also talk about how I use various techniques to convey emotion, character, and the little quirks that make each animal so special. Whether you're considering commissioning a portrait of your own pet or simply curious about the process, I hope this post will give you insight into how I bring your pet’s personality to life on paper.

The Importance of Personality in Pet Portraits

A photograph can show you what your pet looks like, but a portrait can reveal who they are. The essence of a pet is often tied to their emotions, their habits, and the way they interact with the world around them. These characteristics are what make each pet so special, and they’re exactly what I aim to convey in my work.

What is personality in a portrait?
Personality in a pet portrait doesn’t always have to be dramatic or exaggerated—it can be as subtle as the way a dog looks lovingly at its owner, the playful tilt of a cat’s head, or the relaxed elegance of a rabbit lying in its favourite spot. It’s these little moments that I want to capture and preserve, because they speak to the deeper bond between a pet and their human family.

I always remind my clients that the goal isn’t just to get a “pretty” image of their pet; it’s to show the pet’s soul—their uniqueness, their energy, and the love they bring into our lives.

How I Use Pastels to Show Emotion

Working with pastel pencils allows me to express subtle textures and emotions in ways that other mediums can't always achieve. Pastels have a softness and depth that help me create lifelike portraits full of warmth and dimension. The layering process, combined with blending techniques, is ideal for capturing the intricate details of a pet’s fur, as well as the nuance of their expression.

Layering and Texture
One of the reasons I love working with pastels is the ability to build up texture gradually. This is especially important for capturing the nuances of fur, which can vary from soft and velvety to wiry or sleek. The texture of the fur not only helps the portrait feel more realistic, but it also gives insight into the nature of the pet. For example, a fluffy dog might convey a sense of playfulness or warmth, while a sleek, short-haired cat might have a more refined or elegant presence.

Color Choices to Reflect Mood
Color plays a huge role in setting the mood and tone of a portrait. I’m always careful to select the right shades to evoke the emotions I want to highlight. For instance, warm tones like soft golds and browns might evoke a sense of coziness and affection, while cooler tones—blues and greys—can reflect a calmer or more introspective mood. The colors I choose don’t just replicate the pet’s appearance; they also mirror their personality and character traits.

Expressing Emotion through Expression

One of the most powerful ways to capture personality is through the pet’s expression. The eyes, in particular, are often the windows to the soul. In my portraits, I pay special attention to the eyes, ensuring that they reflect the right amount of light, depth, and life.

When I work on the eyes, I focus on creating the right balance of highlight and shadow. A bright, sparkling eye can convey a sense of joy, curiosity, or playfulness, while softer, more muted eyes might express calmness, wisdom, or even a little mischief. I also look for the subtle lines and features around the eyes—like the little crinkles at the corners or the raised eyebrows—that give additional hints to a pet’s emotional state.

Ears, Noses, and Other Features
Other parts of the pet’s face also play a role in expressing their personality. For example, a dog with perked ears might look alert and excited, while a cat with drooping ears might convey a sense of relaxation or curiosity. The angle of a pet’s nose or the position of their mouth can also offer clues to their mood. A slightly open mouth might suggest a relaxed or joyful demeanor, while a closed, serious mouth might give off a more regal or reserved vibe.

Bringing the Pet’s Quirks to Life

Every pet has their own little quirks, and those quirks are often what make them most memorable. I think about these traits when I work on a portrait. Maybe your dog loves to roll around in the grass, or your cat has a habit of curling up in the sunniest corner of the room. These little behaviors can be subtly reflected in their body language and the way I position them in the portrait.

For example, I recently worked on a portrait of a playful terrier who was always wagging his tail and jumping around with energy. In the portrait, I focused on the way his body leaned forward, eager and full of movement, even though he was captured in a still pose. These small choices can help give the portrait a sense of life—something beyond a static image.

Case Study: "Buster the Sprollie"

Let me share an example of how I captured the personality of a specific pet: Buster, a beautiful Collie-Springer Spaniel cross. Buster was energetic, intelligent, and always had a cheeky look in his eyes. His owner wanted a portrait that captured not only his physical features but also his friendly but naughty spirit.

In Buster's portrait, I focused on the depth of his dark brown eyes, making sure to highlight the gleam that came from his penchant for mischief.

People always commented on his soft fur, so I layered it in a way that captured both the texture and the sense of movement that Buster always had. Buster's owner also requested that I incorporate their favourite shade of green into the background.

The end result wasn’t just a representation of Buster's appearance—it was a reflection of his boundless energy and curiosity.

The Art of Listening to the Pet’s Owner

To truly capture the personality of a pet, it’s essential for me to listen to their owners. After all, you know your pet better than anyone else. I always ask questions about their pet’s quirks, their favorite activities, and the moments that make them special. The more I know about their behaviour and temperament, the better I can reflect those traits in the portrait.

For example, if a dog loves playing in the snow, I might incorporate a snowy backdrop to give a sense of the pet’s playful spirit. If a cat enjoys lounging lazily by the window, I might position them in a relaxed pose that reflects that love for quiet moments. These personalised details make the portrait even more meaningful.

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Why It Matters

Creating a pet portrait is more than just about artistry—it’s about creating a piece that celebrates the bond between an owner and their pet. When you look at a portrait, I want you to see not just your pet’s face, but the essence of who they are—the joy they bring into your life, their unique character, and the love that you share.

If you’re thinking about commissioning a portrait of your own pet, I encourage you to think about their personality and what makes them special. Whether it’s their joyful energy, calm elegance, or mischievous spirit, a portrait is an opportunity to preserve those little details for years to come.

Thank you for reading! If you’re interested in commissioning a portrait of your pet, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I would love to help you capture their spirit in a beautiful, meaningful way.

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