The Painting Process – Step by Step

Every oil portrait Nicholas creates is built up in layers. From the initial sketch to the final glint in the eye. It's a slow and thoughtful process, designed to capture not just the look of your pet, but their entire presence.

As you can see in the photos of Dudley's painting here, Nicholas works gradually, starting with an underpainting and then building up light, shade, texture, and depth. You will always see a mock-up before we begin, and you are welcome to be involved every step of the way. We will share progress shots with you as the painting evolves, so you can feel part of the journey too.

Taking The Perfect Photo

Every portrait starts with a great photo. The better the photo, the more detail and character we can bring into your painting, especially in the eyes and expression.

The photo here shows me photographing horses and the same tips apply to every animal we paint. Natural light, getting down to their eye level can all make a huge difference. If you are thinking about commissioning a portrait, spend a little time snapping some photos especially for the painting.

Plan Ahead for That Special Moment

Oil paintings take time and that’s exactly what makes them so treasured. Each one is painted by hand by Nicholas using traditional techniques, slowly built up in layers until complete.

This portrait of Lothur, a beautiful Rottweiler, was commissioned by Beverly as a surprise gift for her husband at Christmas. The portrait measures 24 x 18 inches and was planned well in advance to be ready, framed and perfect for the big day. Moments like this are unforgettable, but they do require planning.

If you are thinking of commissioning a painting for a special date, get in touch as early as possible. We will work with you to plan the timeline, help choose the right photo, and make sure your portrait is completed and delivered in time.

What Size Should I Choose?

Choosing the right size for your pet portrait depends on where you plan to hang it, how many pets you’d like included, and how much impact you want it to have.

For a single head-and-shoulders portrait, a 14 x 11 or 16 x 12 inch canvas is a lovely balanced size that suits most wall spaces. If you’re thinking of a full body, or you’d like two or more pets together, we’d usually recommend something larger like 20 x 16 inches or 24 x 18 to allow for that extra detail.

It’s always worth measuring your wall space and stepping back to visualize the portrait in place. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to advise — we’ve created thousands of pet portraits over the years, and we’ll make sure yours fits beautifully in your home.

Birthday Gifts to Treasure

A custom pet portrait makes a special occasion truly unforgettable. It’s personal, meaningful, and completely one of a kind.

This portrait of Mia, a beautiful black Labrador, was commissioned as a birthday surprise. Her owner received the painting on her special day, and we were lucky enough to be sent this lovely photo showing Mia sitting proudly beside her portrait with her owner. However, if you are running out of time to arrange everything, a gift voucher is just as good! It's personal and thoughtful, and it also means the recipient can help choose exactly what they want.

If you are planning a portrait as a gift and would like a voucher, do get in touch. We’ll help guide you through the process and make sure the surprise goes off without a hitch.

Landscapes and Backgrounds in Oil Portraits

A portrait doesn’t have to be just a head and shoulders — it can tell a story. We often create full scenes, placing pets in meaningful locations that bring the painting to life.

This painting of Henry and Daisy is a perfect example. Their owners wanted a portrait that reflected not only the dogs themselves, but the countryside they loved to walk together. Nicholas worked closely with the client to create a classic background scene that felt authentic, personal, and full of atmosphere — tying the whole composition together beautifully.

If you have a favourite location, a treasured walk, or a memory you'd like included, just let us know. We can work from photos or build a scene that captures the essence of the place. It’s a wonderful way to make your portrait even more unique.

Memorial Portraits

A pet may be gone, but the love and memories remain, and a portrait can be a comforting, lasting tribute.

This is Groucho, a beloved cat of 18 years. His portrait was commissioned by a close friend after his passing, to give the family something beautiful to remember him by. Groucho was described as the “great treasure” of Mark’s life — a true personality who was loved deeply and missed enormously.

“Although he will be missed enormously, a portrait of Groucho would be a lasting tribute. In the last days, Groucho would just lie in Mark’s arms and look at him with those beautiful eyes.”

We approach memorial portraits with the greatest care, knowing what they represent. Every brushstroke is done with intention to bring comfort, to honour a life, and to celebrate a bond that will never be forgotten.

Oversized Oil Portraits

Looking for something truly grand? We can create stunning oversized oil portraits to suit any space or vision.

Each portrait is painted on fine linen canvas, and because we work with a specialist supplier, we can have canvases made to any size you require. Nicholas has created oil portraits up to 50 x 40 inches. Large oil paintings are perfect for large walls, entrance halls, or feature rooms where you want the portrait to really stand out.

If you have a specific size in mind, just get in touch, and we will be happy to provide a quote. Whether it’s a dramatic full-body pose, a group portrait, or a show-stopping head study, we can help you bring your vision to life.