I have enjoyed drawing from an early age, and pets and wildlife have always been my subject of choice. I am fascinated by the elegance, beauty and strength of wild animals, particularly wolves and big cats and this interest transfers to their domestic cousins we share our lives with.
It was when I got my first Springer Spaniel that I discovered the full amazing range of different dog breeds, and it became a new challenge to capture their unique characteristics.
The nature of the internet is a perfect platform for Pet Portraits, allowing me to communicate with pet owners all across the globe. Digital cameras have also helped greatly with the quick transfer of digital images, allowing me to draw pets I have never met.
I work most often in Graphite Pencil as I can capture fine details with a hightly sharpened pencil, down to individual strands of hair! I also use Coloured Pencil for those customers that want a coloured Pet Portrait. Coloured pencil can be blended to create an infinite number of colours to imitate the rich tones found in nature.
Creating an original piece of artwork from photographs of customer’s beloved pets is always a challenge, though each new commission creates it’s own special challenges. The eyes are the hardest part of the portrait and normally completed first, however they are also my favourite part to draw. Each pair of eyes is individual, and if the eyes are incorrect, then the portrait will not look like the pet it is supposed to, therefore I spend a lot of time right at the very beginning getting them perfect. The other very important part to get right is the lay of the fur, as it is the direction of the fur and the shadows it’s movement creates that makes the pet look real, bringing the portrait to life.
I hope you enjoy your visit to my blog and please take a look at my Laura’s Pet Portraits website for further examples of my pet portraits.
Commissioning a pet portrait – Ordering Information
Before ordering your Pet Portrait please ensure you have checked the Prices and Terms and Conditions, both on the Laura’s Pet Portraits website.
Fill in the Order Form or contact me if you would like to discuss your order.
Send me your Photographs. The more photographs you have the better. It is important they are in focus and clear, and your pet is large in the frame. Check out Photography Tips for more information on how to take good pet photographs.
Pay your deposit. When I have checked your photographs are suitable I will send you an invoice for the 25% deposit required as confirmation you wish to go ahead. You can pay your deposit online with your debit or credit card, or UK residents can pay by personal cheque.
Receive Order Confirmation. When I have received your deposit, you will be sent an order confirmation. This will confirm the size and medium you have ordered for your Pet Portrait, any special considerations such as backgrounds, the portrait deadline and the outstanding cost.
Confirm you are satisfied with your Pet Portrait. When your Pet Portrait is finished you will be emailed a final scan of it. Only if you are 100% satisfied do you have to pay now. You can pay securely with your credit card with Paypal, or you can send me a cheque for the full amount, payable to Mrs Laura Williams.
Lead Times & Delivery
Lead Times vary between 3 weeks or as long as 2 months, depending on the current workload. I am especially busy at Christmas time. If you have a specific deadline you need to meet, i.e. a birthday, please ensure you put the date on the order form. If I am unable to make your deadline you will be notified within 24 hours.
Delivery is free Worlwide. UK Pet Portraits are sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery. This guarantees a Next Day Delivery. Someone will need to be in to sign for your Pet Portrait. Overseas Pet Portraits are delivered by International Signed For. Your Pet Portrait can be traced by Royal Mail.
Packaging Your Pet Portrait will be packaged in a postal tube. I use large tubes to avoid creasing of the paper. Your portrait is covered by acid free tissue paper, then placed inside a heavyweight polyethene bag for extra protection. A delivery note will be attached to the parcel.
Pet Portraits Backgrounds Pet Portraits do not normally come with a background. A full background is available at an extra charge depending on the size of your Pet Portrait. This could be of your garden, your pet’s favorite resting place, or favourite walk. Please ensure the reference photographs you send are clear and in focus.
Satisfaction Guarantee
I guarantee all my Pet Portraits for workmanship and the likeness to your pet. If you are not 100% satisfied with your Pet Portrait and you return it safely wrapped and undamaged within 7 days you will receive a full refund.
North Highlands Art 