Behind The Scenes of a Realistic Pet Portrait

Creating a realistic pet portrait is about more than simply drawing what I see — it’s about capturing your pet’s personality, expression, and heart. In this post, I’ll take you behind the scenes to show exactly how a pet portrait comes to life, from start to finish. You’ll get an inside look at what goes into every commission and why each piece is truly one of a kind.

1. Choosing the Right Reference Photo

Everything begins with the photo you provide. I look for an image that:

• Clearly shows your pet’s eyes and facial features

• Highlights unique markings or fur patterns

• Captures their personality or expression

Tip: I usually ask clients for multiple photos to ensure I can capture their pet at their best.

This reference photo has a lot of character - Pippa has been frolicking on a beach in Cornwall, her first experience of the sea. She has a lovely expression with a tilted head. The photo tells a story and is a wonderful memory to capture in a portrait.

2. Initial Outline

Once I have the reference photo, I start with a light pencil outline, laying the foundation for the portrait. Over time, I’ve found that using carbon paper is the most reliable method: placing the sheet between the original image and my working surface allows me to capture only the essential outlines. This ensures accurate proportions and perspective while keeping the drawing flexible.

From there, observation guides me — carefully selecting hues, developing values, and using the right techniques to bring out the textures and nuances that make your pet unique.

This stage helps me:

• Get proportions right

• Place key features accurately

• Decide on composition and focus

Even at this early stage, I’m thinking about how to translate your pet’s personality into the drawing.

3. Layering Details

Once the sketch is finalised, I begin applying the first layers of pigment, creating a base for finer details. The texture of the paper affects how pigment behaves, so layering base colours is essential. I usually start with lighter tones and gradually build up darker colours. Working from light to dark is important with coloured pencils, as the wax- and oil-based pigments make it difficult to lighten areas afterward. Preserving highlights from the start ensures the final portrait retains depth and realism.

After establishing the base layers, I move on to the finer details — fur texture, delicate features in the eyes and nose, and subtle shadows and highlights. This is the most time-intensive part, but it’s what brings the portrait to life, giving depth and dimension so the fur and features don’t appear flat.

4. Refining the Portrait

At this stage, I fine-tune the details:

• Stray hairs or subtle markings

• Highlights in the eyes to bring them to life

• Fine whiskers and softened areas for a natural look

This step ensures the portrait is not only accurate but also captures your pet’s unique expression and personality.

5. Background and Final Touches

Even in realistic portraits, the background matters. I usually keep it soft and subtle so the pet remains the focus, using neutral tones unless a client requests a specific environment. For coloured but plain backgrounds, I use Clairefontaine Pastelmat — a textured surface with a range of beautiful colours.

If a more detailed background is requested, such as a landscape or garden scene, this surface allows me to layer pigments effectively while blending and smoothing details.

Finally, I sign the portrait — the finishing touch on a one-of-a-kind piece.

Every pet portrait I create is a labour of love. By carefully sketching, layering, and refining, I capture not just how your pet looks, but who they are. Whether it’s a gift, a memory of a beloved companion, or a centrepiece for your home, a realistic portrait preserves your pet’s personality forever.

If you're interested in commissioning a pet portrait, please get in touch.

Nicola x