Memorial Dog Portraits
Losing a dog, is losing a member of the family. A memorial portrait honours the bond between you and your dog in a manner that is a bit more special than just a photograph. It becomes a lasting tribute, a way in which to keep their presence close and to celebrate a life that gave so much love. Whether displayed on a mantel piece or on the wall behind where their bed was, a memorial portrait is a thoughtful, beautiful reminder that the ones we love the most never really leave us.
How to Commission a Memorial Dog Portrait
1. Send me a photo (or a few, there is no such thing as too many!)
Don't worry if it isn't perfect. Many of the photos I work from are a few years old, slightly blurry, or taken quickly on a phone — that's completely normal, and I'll always let you know if I think a particular image will work well before we begin. I try my hardest to make what we have got work.
2. Tell me about them
A few words about your dog's personality, favourite spot, or the moment the photo was taken helps me bring more than just their likeness to the portrait.
3. Approval before I begin painting in full
I'll crop and edit your photos and mock up the composition of our memorial portrait, so you can see the composition and make sure it feels right, before I complete the final piece.
4. Pay your deposit
Only once we have reached this point do you pay the deposit. Memorial portraits take a lot of consideration and thought to get to the stage where we start painting, and I don't want anyone to feel obligated or rushed into a memorial portrait. We take our time and only when things are finalised is the deposit paid.
5. I paint your portrait
I complete your portrait and you are sent a photo for approval once it is finished. If you would like any adjustments making, I do this and resend for your approval.
6. Your memorial portrait is posted out
Carefully packaged, with framing options available if you'd like one less thing to think about. Postage is via Royal Mail special delivery, or you can collect from me here in Derbyshire. It is always lovely to meet the owners of the dogs I paint.
Testimonials- Memorial Dog Portraits
The Puggies- A memorial portrait of Chester, Louis, Poppy and Dolly
This little group of pugs, known as "the puggies" had all passed away when their portrait was commissioned as a wedding anniversary gift.
"The portrait is just unbelievable, quite magnificent & far and away better than I could possibly have imagined."
I got to see a video of the portrait being unwrapped, and there were tears.
I always feel honoured to be able to create memorial portraits, that can bring comfort to people who have lost their dogs.
Betty- A Memorial Portrait of a Miniature Schnauzer
Lovely Betty was a little lady who liked to lie down with her legs crossed. So that is how we painted her! Betty's owners kindly sent me a photo of her in place on the wall at home.
"Thought you might like to see your beautiful drawing framed and hanging above where Betty’s bed always was.
We are so pleased with it.
Thank you again"
Placing a memorial dog portrait on the wall above where their bed was is a very common, it turns a special spot into a meaningful memorial.
Scruff- A memorial portrait to put on the wall of his narrow boat home
Here is what Scruff's owners had to say "you really captured Scruff’s look and in particular his eyes. Thank you! Your work has made us both very happy. "
His portrait was created from a photo which had colourful narrowboats in the background, fitting for his memorial.
Frequently Asked Questions about Memorial Dog Portraits
Can you paint from an old or lower-quality photo?
In most cases, yes. I'll always review your photo first and let you know honestly whether I think it will work, and suggest what might help if not.
How much does a memorial portrait cost?
Prices depend on size, you can see full memorial portrait pricing here or get in touch for a straightforward quote.
How long will it take?
My time to completion varies, typically somewhere between 2 and 8 weeks. Please let me know if you're working toward a particular date, I do try my best to accommodate.
Can I include something specific, like their favourite toy or a particular setting?
Yes, many people like to include a small personal detail. Just mention it when you get in touch, we can change backgrounds etc to represent a specific place.
Do you offer framing?
I offer framing of my oil painted memorial portraits. Pastel portraits come with a mount which you then need to put in a frame. I can offer professional framing for pastels if you are able to collect the finished work from me in Derbyshire.