Welcome to ClairesPetPortraits.co.uk

Fine Watercolour Animal Portraits

Claire works in watercolour laying the washes over the initial sketch of your pet. She then gradually builds up the fine detail almost hair by hair. The end result is your pet immortalised for ever in portrait form.

No payments are normally taken until you are fully satisfied with your pet portrait from Claire.

Commissioning Claire to paint your pet is a unique way of keeping your favourite pet near to you for evermore. Claire has been painting for customers all over the world for over 30 years and every pet portrait she undertakes is treated with the same care and passion as the last.

Commissioning a portrait

If geographically possible I like to visit all my subjects so that I have more than just a photograph to work from. It is also good to get to know my subjects.

However, it is not always possible to do so and in such cases I will accept good clear photographs from you by email or post. Most portraits are head and shoulder pictures and when mounted they will generally be up to 16” x 12” in size. Portraits can take 2 to 3 weeks to do and I will be pleased to keep you informed of commencement and finish times. As a general guide prices for cats are £220, for dogs £245 and horses £295.

A small additional charge may be added, dependant on factors such as breed type or distance to travel. If it is necessary to mail the portrait to you, it will be packaged with great care and delivered to you at no extra cost.

How to take great photographs

My forte is attention to detail and I aim to capture the personality and spirit of each animal that I paint.

Please remember that the pet portrait I produce will depend on the quality of the photographs you supply. You do not need to hire a professional photographer but you will need to set aside a little time and lots of patience! Natural daylight will ensure the best pictures. A bright but overcast day is the best. Try to avoid bright sunlight and it is better not to use flash photography please.

Get right down to your pet’s level. Engage their attention and take lots of shots from different angles. The head should fill the frame and be in sharp focus. Take many and discard most. That’s the beauty of being digital!

You may want your pet to look very alert or relaxed and at ease. Please remember most importantly that the deciding shot is going to be almost identical and on your wall for many years.

Usually I accept only a small deposit at the start of the commission. The balance is due when the painting is complete. You can pay by cheque or Pay Pal. You are under no obligation to purchase unless fully satisfied. So why not contact me today with your enquiry and I will delighted to assist you.

Testimonials

Claire has done a portrait of my husband's dog for his 40th birthday which I received yesterday. I am absolutely delighted! I was positive that Claire would do an amazing portrait but couldn't quite believe how brilliant and life-like the picture would be. Not only is the portrait precision perfect but also incredibly somehow shows the character of the dog. A very talented lady and a pleasure to deal with!

"I recently had a portrait of one of my cats painted by Claire; and the detailed and sympathetic way she has captured his particular character is truly astonishing. The texture and colours of his coat are so finely and delicately achieved as to make him come alive on the canvas. As a pet artist Claire is unique." GB Chalford

“I asked Claire to paint a portrait of my wife’s beloved German Shepherd "Prince". From start to finish Claire’s approach was second to none and the final result was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks, a truly professional service.” CW Gloucester

“Our two precious Guinea-Pigs are getting very old but Claire proved to be our life saver and managed to recreate 'Snowflake' and 'Sparkle' as if they are in the room with us. She is a truly gifted artist who manages to capture pets in their full glory. We all thoroughly recommend and treasure her work and just wish we had more pets needing painting!” GC Cheltenham

“Thank You Claire for my precious painting of our little Bruno. I am very pleased to show off your amazing talent.. I absolutely adore the painting. Every time I look at it it makes me smile! “ Katie C

“Claire, just a note to say thank you so much for the picture. It is lovely. Xander looks more like Xander than the photograph! “ Lisa and Scott

“Dear Mrs. Stallard, Julie and Dick J gave us the most gorgeous gift; the portrait you painted of our dog Dodger. We can hardly imagine that you are not a very close friend of Dodgers since you have been able to capture his essence and personality so perfectly. The portrait will always have a place of honor in our home. Thank you so much.” Mary Anne and Rick Dobbis USA.

“Dear Claire, many many thanks for our beautiful portrait of Clyde, it just blew me away and we are both over the moon.” Z H Gloucester

“Dear Claire, we are delighted with our Millie portrait, thank you. You have caught her character perfectly, even better than the photograph, if that is possible!” S and C Wilts

“Dear Claire, a short note to say once again, what enormous pleasure I have received with your very moving painting of Boxer. Not just a pet portrait but a truly feeling picture of my good companion”. J G France

“We think the painting Claire has done of Milly is wonderful. The girls could not get over how life-like the painting is. It has truly captured her sweet friendly nature” D & J

“Dear Claire, Thanks for the lovely picture of Ajax. It looks exactly like him and it makes me laugh every time I look at it.!” KG

“Dear Claire, Just to say that Harvey arrived safely today. It is such a beautiful painting and a wonderful reminder of a very missed friend. Thank you so much” J and J

“Wow wow ,wow was all I could say for once I was totally speechless! The portrait of my horses is amazing. It really brought a tear to my eye. Thank you so much!” Helena S

“I really must thank you so much for the lovely water-colour montage of “The Duchess". It is just what I wanted and your skills are superlative! Alan C