A commissioned dog painting is one of the most personal and meaningful pieces of art you can own. Recently, I completed a custom portrait of a beautiful Blue Merle Border Collie – Harvey. And this commission perfectly reflects why hand-painted dog portraits remain so special and timeless. Every commission dog painting tells a story — not just of the dog’s appearance, but of their character, soul, and the bond they shared with their family.
Creating a Commissioned Dog Painting from Photographs
Like many of my recent commissions, this Border Collie portrait was created entirely from photographs. This commissioned dog painting was created from a selection of photographs provided by Harvey’s family. There was no single image that could be used as a perfect reference, so I worked with several photos together to build the final composition. In some images, certain details were clearer, while others captured Harvey’s character better. For example, we loved his expression with his mouth open in one photo, but the overall pose was much stronger in another. Even small details, such as the unique pattern on Harvey’s nose, were taken from an earlier photograph where these features were more visible. All of this was carefully discussed, allowing me to combine the best elements from each image to create a natural, balanced, and lifelike portrait that truly reflected Harvey.
To create a detailed and realistic commissioned dog portrait, I carefully studied several reference photos, combining the best features from each one. This process allows me to accurately capture the dog’s expression, coat texture, and personality — even when working with imperfect images.
What matters most is not photo perfection, but experience, observation, and artistic interpretation.
The Process Behind a Hand-Painted Dog Portrait
I work slowly and thoughtfully on every commissioned dog painting, allowing the portrait to develop naturally over time. Rather than following rigid stages, I gradually build depth, fur texture, and highlights, paying close attention to subtle details that bring the dog to life. Particular care is always given to the eyes, nose, and expression, as these features carry the character and personality that make each portrait unique.
This portrait was created using soft pastel on Clairefontaine Pastelmat, a professional surface specifically designed for pastel work. Soft pastel is especially well suited to pet portraits, as it allows for a beautiful softness while still achieving a high level of detail and realism. The medium enables me to layer colours gently, creating natural transitions in the fur and a sense of depth that feels both rich and delicate.
I use only professional-grade pastels, which offer excellent colour vibrancy and lightfastness. When properly framed and protected under glass, a soft pastel dog portrait will retain its beauty and intensity for many years. This traditional medium has a timeless quality, making it a wonderful choice for a commissioned dog painting that is meant to be cherished for a lifetime.
Memorial Dog Portraits – A Timeless Way to Remember
Many people choose a commissioned dog painting as a memorial, and this is one of the most meaningful parts of my work. A memorial dog portrait is far more than just an image; it is a way to keep a beloved companion close, to honour their life, and to preserve their memory in a beautiful and lasting form. In a time when digital images are everywhere, a hand-painted dog portrait stands apart and becomes something deeply personal, carrying emotion, love, and remembrance. Although there are many modern options available today, such as digital effects and automated images, there are still many people who truly value authentic, hand-painted dog portraits created with care, time, and skill. A commissioned dog painting captures individuality rather than just appearance and becomes a timeless piece of art, not a passing trend. Knowing how much these portraits mean to people, and being trusted to create something so personal and important, is what gives me the greatest pleasure as an artist.
Commission Your Own Dog Painting
Whether you’re looking for a commissioned dog painting to celebrate your pet’s life, create a meaningful gift, or honour their memory, a hand-painted portrait is always a special choice.
Every dog is unique, and every portrait I create is approached with care, respect, and genuine love for the subject.
If you’re considering commissioning a dog painting from photos — even if the images aren’t perfect — I’d be happy to help bring your beloved pet into a timeless work of art.
If you’d like to commission a pet portrait or explore my work further, you can:
get in touch to discuss your ideas
view the gallery to see previously created commissioned pet portraits
fill in the commission enquiry form to start your own custom portrait
visit my online shop dedicated to our beloved pets, where you’ll find a wide selection of greeting cards, art prints, and more, all created from my original artwork
I’m always happy to help and to guide you through the process of creating a portrait that feels truly personal and meaningful.
