Bespoke Pet Portraits
Capture your pet’s personality in a unique watercolour portrait
Every pet has its own personality and charm. I create hand-painted watercolour portraits that capture your pet’s unique character, turning your favourite photos into a keepsake you’ll treasure forever. Perfect for gifts, memorials, or simply celebrating your beloved companion.
Commissioning A Painting –
Here’s how it works
- Get in touch via my contact page
- I will chat about your requirements and help and choose the perfect reference photo.
- I will forward you the total cost and time scales.
- If you are happy to go ahead I will require a non refundable booking fee of 50% of the full costs prior to startingthe painting.
- Once received, I will then start the painting and keep you updated.I can forward progress pictures
if requested. - There can be a waiting time so it is advisable to book early to schedule in.
- Once the painting is completed, I will contact you for approval and arrange for you to collect.
- The balance of payment is required prior to despatch.
Pricing and Option
- Portraits are hand-painted to your chosen size, up to A1. Most commissions are A3, but I’m happy to discuss larger pieces if required.
- Each portrait is unique, and the cost depends on size, number of subjects, and complexity. This ensures every piece receives the time, care, and high-quality materials it deserves.
- Every commission is unique, and I’m happy to discuss your requirements to create a portrait that perfectly captures your pet. Don’t worry if you’re unsure about size or style — just get in touch and we’ll find the best option for you.
- For an accurate quote, please contact me directly — I’ll provide a personalised price based on your requirements.
What My Customers Have Said…
"She really captured Lola's personality" ...
” I met Joan at a makers market and loved her work so much I asked her to paint a portrait of my dog as a surprise gift for my girlfriend. She did a fantastic job, really capturing Lola’s personality, myself and my girlfriend absolutely love it. It’s now hung pride of place in our living room.”
Oliver Barlow
Lola’s owner
Client : Lesley Yeoman
“Joan conferred with me every step…”
I love her style of painting animals, so expressive and vibrant!
She was commissioned to paint a portrait of my very special tortoiseshell cat, when I met her at a craft fair and though I deliberated for almost 2 years, I now have the beautiful finished work of art.
I am very grateful to her and have also bought other items she has created. I will probably buy a lot more of her art over time.
What I can create for you..
Although I specialise in painting animals, I also create seascapes, landscapes, and city scenes — and I’m happy to discuss your requirements.
Each painting takes many hours of care and attention. I use high-quality artist paints, some with rare minerals from around the world, and occasionally inks. All work is on superior quality archival watercolour paper made with 100% cotton here in the U.K., which won’t fade.
My style is unique — I aim to capture the spirit and character of your pet, rather than just an exact photographic likeness.
Working from a clear photograph, each piece is handcrafted layer by layer, creating rich, one-of-a-kind results.
I decided to contact Joan to get two paintings for my daughter’s 20th birthday in December: her beloved horse and our tiny rabbit. And I had no regret!
Despite the kms between Joan and me (10.000kms!), we exchanged photos, questions, answers and the results were just fantastic!
As a professional she asked the perfect questions to capture the best of our loved ones.
And she was so generous to organise a surprise meeting with my daughter so that she could receive the two paintings as I could not make it. We are fully happy and are im love with the two spendid and trueful paintings by Joan.
Many thanks again and again!
Martine and Adèle,
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to paint a pet portrait?
This is a question I get asked a lot of times. Unfortunately there is no easy answer, because there are many factors in creating a unique piece of art. Not all photographs make for great paintings, and when I receive your photos, I spend some time studying them to see what would be suitable for the best composition. If you require more than one animal to be painted, you may have different photos that need to be blended together. This all takes time.
I then arrange a scan of the final images, and may have to alter the contrast to see the various tones. Then draw a rough pencil sketch, checking all the time it meets with your approval. It’s only at this stage, once you are happy with the shape and composition that I start to apply paint.
After that I then start painting initally with larger brushes, and build up each layer, leaving it time to dry. Sometimes I have to leave it and step away to come back with fresh eyes as a lot of concentration is needed. I then move forward to smaller brushes, then very fine brushes for the final tiny details such as reflections in the eyes.
As a general rule it can take anything between 4-8 weeks to complete a painting, especially if in between I am preparing new work for fairs, or have a waiting list already. However, it is always best to get in touch if you require a painting for a special gift, and need it for a specific date.
I have two pets on two different photos – is it possible to place them on one painting?
Yes, I am able to create a mock-up which I would show you, of working with separate photos to create an image showing all pets as if they are sitting together. You can see this before we begin the painting, so you are kept fully aware and happy along the journey.
Can you do a bespoke size painting?
Yes if you are looking for a particular size painting rather than the sizes here, we can discuss if it is possible, depending on the pose of your animal.
Can I use my painting for commercial purposes?
The copyright of the painting belongs to Joan Kennedy Artist and cannot be used for commercial purposes. I will never use your painting to sell as prints or various products, however I will display the final painting on my website and social media links and liturature. I am happy and grateful when you share my work on social media.
Can you paint other things such as a building or sea scape?
Yes! Depending on what is involved, I can paint a variety of subjects. Just get in touch through my contact page and we can have a chat
Can you supply gift vouchers?
Yes, if you are unsure which image would be best as a commission for a gift, or you are short on time, then a gift voucher is an ideal gift. You can find out more here
Is there anything I need to be aware of before I go ahead?
I try to be as transparant as possible, so please read my terms and conditions below particularly, section 19 here and if you have any further questions at all, please get in touch.
