Gundog Portraits
Portrait of a white and brown italian spinone called Emily
Portrait of a cocker spaniel in pastels, with a sofa background
A gundog portrait in pastels of a black labrador with a grey background.
Portrait of a white and brown italian spinone called Emily
I paint gundog portraits in oil and pastel from your photographs. I’m Amy, a pet portrait artist based in Derbyshire, and I take commissions from across the UK and outside the UK. Whether you are looking for a Labrador portrait, a Golden Retriever oil painting, a Springer Spaniel portrait or another gundog breed, I can help you choose a photo and plan a portrait that feels like your dog.
A gundog portrait is a wonderful keepsake for yourself or a gift for a friend or family member. Whether you want it as a representation of a working gundog, or a pet dog that happens to be a gundog, portraits are a great way to honour your dogs place in your life.
Gundog Portraits- About the Breeds
I love gundogs. As the owner of one absolutely wonderful Miniature Schnauzer, who I love to bits, but is- dare I say, slightly... Useless? I am in awe of the level of skill that highly trained gundogs hold. I remember visiting the Gundog Journal stand at Crufts 2020, and there was the most beautiful black lab lay on the ground. But she wasn't just lying about, not paying any attention to her owner. You could tell she was waiting every second for her next command, her eyes never left him.
Gundogs have a wide range of shapes, coats and expressions. Some owners want to remember a particular look or favourite photo. Others want the portrait to show a dog at home or in a familiar outdoor setting. We can talk about the photo and the composition before the painting begins, so the finished portrait reflects the details that matter to you.
The page already features spaniels, Pointers, Labradors, Retrievers and a Spinone. If your dog is a Setter, or another gundog, you can still enquire. Send a few photographs and tell me what you would like the portrait to show. I will help you consider which photo gives us the best starting point.
Gundog Portraits- The Composition
Gundog Portraits- A choice of pastel or oil painting
You can choose an oil portrait or a pastel portrait. I paint oil portraits on canvas, or wood panels and varnish them with Gamvar varnish. Pastel portraits are created with pastel sticks and pencils on pastel mat paper. If you are unsure which medium feels right for your dog, tell me what you like about the photos and the finished artwork you have in mind. My oil painted pet portraits page explains more about the oil medium, and my pastel pet portraits page shows some of my works in pastel.
Gundogs hold a wide variety of looks, Every dog is unique and has a personality of their own. It is important to me that my dog portraits not only capture the likeness of your dog but capture the very essence of their personality too.
Whether your dog is a working gundog or a silly spaniel who loves nothing better than lounging on the sofa, it is hugely important to get a portrait that shows their true personality. With every pet portrait, the photograph you provide me with is the basis of your portrait. From this I work to create a realistic likeness.
If you are wanting a portrait of a working gundog it might be nice to have a portrait that shows some of their surroundings as well. If you have a water-loving gundog, you may want a portrait of them all wet after a splash about in the water. Any time taken to get the perfect reference photo is time well spent. I've done gundog portraits of them out in the great outdoors, but also of them curled up on the sofa too.
Gundog portraits- the photo
Your photograph is the starting point for the portrait. You can send more than one, and I can help you choose which one to use as the main reference. A clear photo makes it easier to see your dog’s expression and the details of their coat. If you are not sure whether a picture will work, ask me before you decide. Often a photo taken specifically for the portrait can work best. Here is a link to my guide on taking photos for a pet portrait.
You do not need to be local to commission a portrait. I work from photos and also take photos by arrangement when a commission is local. If you are considering a memorial portrait, get in touch with what photographs you have, and together we can work out what is possible. I have a page specifically dedicated to commissioning a memorial dog portrait which I have linked here.
Gundog Portraits- the commission
Once we have chosen a photo and agreed the size and medium, I prepare a mock-up of the composition and send it to you. You can check the design before I start painting. This is the time to request any major changes to the pose or layout.
I can send progress photos while I paint if you would like them. When the portrait is nearly finished, I email you a photograph so you can approve it. If changes are needed, I make them and send another photograph for your approval. My step-by-step guide to commissioning a pet portrait explains the full process.
Gundog Portraits- Timing, Pricing and Delivery
Oil and pastel portraits use the same prices. The price depends on the size you choose. Please see my pet portrait prices page for the current options. The typical timescale for an oil portrait is 8 weeks. Please enquire for current timing before you commit, as it can change. I do try my best to fit people in for special dates, as my portraits do make lovely gifts and are often commissioned as presents.
UK portraits are sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery. I also take commissions from outside the UK. Delivery costs depend on the destination, so contact me for a quote if you live abroad.
Gundog Portraits- Frequently asked questions
Can I commission an oil portrait of my Labrador or Golden Retriever?
Yes. You can commission an oil portrait of your dog from photographs. My Golden Retriever oil painting post shows one example, and the black Labrador portrait post shows a Labrador portrait in pastels.
Can you paint a Springer Spaniel or Cocker Spaniel?
Yes. The page includes spaniel portraits, including Dolly. You can also read about some of my recent spaniel portraits.
Can you paint a memorial portrait of my dog?
Yes. I take memorial commissions. Send me the photographs you have to hand and tell me a little about your dog. I can then discuss what may work for the portrait. and what our options are.
How do I start a commission?
Start with the step-by-step guide to commissioning a pet portrait, then get in touch with your photos and any questions. You can also check the pet portrait prices page before enquiring.
