Capturing Pet Personality with Pastel Pencils | Custom Pet Portraits in Glasgow
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As a pastel pet portrait artist based in Glasgow, I specialise in creating bespoke pet portraits that bring your furry friends to life on paper. Using pastel pencils, I focus on capturing the quirks, character, and personality that make each pet unique.
Whether you're looking for a custom dog portrait, a drawing of your cat, or a memorable pet memorial, each piece I create is hand-drawn with care and detail from your photos and stories.
Why I Use Pastel Pencils for Pet Portraits
Pastel pencils are ideal for pet portraiture. Their soft texture and blendability allow for realistic fur detail, subtle shading, and expressive features. Unlike digital art, pastel drawings have a tactile, organic feel that adds depth and warmth to every portrait.
When working on dog portraits or cat drawings, pastel pencils let me build up layers to show everything from a wet nose to the glint in their eyes.
Working from Photos to Capture Your Pet’s Personality
All of my custom pet artwork is drawn from reference photos, so choosing the right image is key. A good photo should show your pet’s expression, personality, and pose. I also love hearing your stories, whether it’s a dog who never sat still or a cat who ruled the house.
These little insights help me go beyond the image and create a portrait that feels personal and full of life.
Adding Character: From Tennents Pints to Espresso Martinis
One thing that sets my style apart is adding quirky, personalised details. A Jack Russell with a pint of Tennents or a tuxedo cat with an espresso martini. These fun touches tell a story. They spark joy and turn a portrait into a conversation piece.
Clients often tell me these small additions are what make their portrait feel truly "them."
Balancing Realism with Joyful Expression
While I aim for realism in terms of likeness, I’m not chasing photorealism. I want each portrait to feel joyful, expressive, and meaningful. That balance of accuracy with a little creative flair makes each piece special and instantly recognisable to the people who know the pet best.
Why My Clients Love Their Custom Pet Portraits
There’s nothing quite like the moment when a client sees their pet’s personality come through on paper. Whether it’s a gift for a friend, a tribute to a pet who’s passed, or a treat for yourself, these portraits become treasured keepsakes.
Commission a Custom Pet Portrait in the UK
If you’re interested in a bespoke hand-drawn pet portrait, you can explore my process, browse available prints, or get in touch to discuss a custom piece.
Whether you're based in Glasgow or anywhere in the UK, I post orders safely and securely and I’d love to hear about your pet.