This is an Essential Guide for Clients Considering a Commissioning a Pet Portrait. Are you overwhelmed trying to figure out how much does a pet portrait cost in the UK or even where to begin? You are not alone. You are probably being faced by a huge array of artists all offering pet portraits of similar sizes, similar prices, with also varying styles and mediums.
In all honestly if you are just starting to look into having a portrait created you are probably a bit overwhelmed. Trying to understand the mediums that artists are using, exactly what they are and what it would look like in your home is a huge learning curve.
I have spoken to clients on the phone in the passed, they have joked that they have put aside one of their busy weekends to find an artist for a joint present for a family member and it just hasn’t gone to plan. Also thinking that they will just be able to google an artist and order, they find it is not that easy. It can quickly turn an exciting idea into a confusing weekend spiral of open tabs, mixed advice and no real clarity. Luckily I am always here to help.
Both Nicholas and I are professional artists, specialising in pencil and oil portraits. We have also offered all of the other mediums over the years. We have been doing this full time for nearly three decades, we have seen it all. So we are here to help you understand the real costs, the hidden factors and what to expect from a quality commission.
Why Prices Vary So Widely
It’s a fair question (How much does a pet portrait artist cost in the UK?) and the answer isn’t always straight forward. Just like our pets, no two portraits are alike. These days you are going to be faced with choosing from traditionally hand painted and drawn portraits like we produce in oils and pencil, to the very popular coloured pencil portraits, pastel portraits, watercolour paintings and acrylics on canvas.
Then there are digital sketches and Ai generated and computer mocked up portraits. It is easy to be fooled as some of these Ai images can look hand painted. This isn’t even mentioning the the large corporate websites who employ overseas artists on extremely low wages who are producing paintings for a fraction of the price for a very short turnaround. If you see a 24 x 18 oil painting for £80… you need to ask yourself why its only £80. They often aren’t signed and you can’t guarantee which artists or which style you will get.
Prices can vary wildly depending on all of the above. It is overwhelming. Its overwhelming for us when we look around, so we aren’t surprised non artists are confused.
There’s no industry standard for pet portrait pricing. There is no real right or wrong price for a portrait and every artist can price their artwork at what they feel its worth is. That’s both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it means there’s something for every budget. On the other, it makes comparison tricky. Here are the most common factors that influence price.
1. The Artist’s Experience & Style
- Emerging artists or hobbyists may charge less to be able to build a portfolio of work for their website or brand.
- Established professionals like us, with 28+ years of experience and a loyal client base, typically charge more due to our depth of skill, reputation and time invested in each piece.
- Established artists with different mediums. Artists usually charge more for an oil painting in comparison to a coloured pencil drawing for instance due to the varying time it takes between each medium. But you might also pay more for one artists to draw a coloured pencil than another due to their skill, popularity and waiting list.
You are not just paying for a product, you are also investing in someone’s eye, talent and dedication in their field of capturing your pet’s unique character.
2. The Medium
- Digital portraits: £50 – £150
- Simple pencil sketches: £90 – £350
- Detailed pencil drawings: £350 – £600+
- Pastels / Watercolours: £300 – £800
- Coloured pencil drawings: £250 – £700
- Acrylics: £350 – £1000
- Oil paintings: £500 to £2000+
- Mass Produced Oil Paintings: £50 to £600
Oil, with its richness, complexity and longevity, tends to be the most premium medium, while pencil drawings offer a timeless, more affordable route without compromising on beauty. Not forgetting the longevity of the product. Oil paintings are known for being handed down through generations. You pay a premium for this.
3. How Much Does a Pet Portrait Cost in the UK? Examples
To give you a clearer sense of what’s out there:
- Budget Digital Artists: £50 – £100 (usually no physical copy)
- Student or Beginner Artists: £150 – £250 (entry-level, often unframed)
- Experienced Professionals: £400 – £1000+ (hand-drawn, premium service)
- High-End / Celebrity Artists: £1500 – £2000+ (long waitlists, distinctive styles)
3. Size of the Portrait
The larger the artwork, the more time and materials required. Prices generally scale up based on size:
- Small (10×8” / A5): Ideal for head studies – most affordable
- Medium (16×12” / A4/A3): Suitable for single or double pets
- Large (20×16” / A2+): Perfect for full-body compositions or 2+ pets
4. Number of Pets
Each additional animal adds complexity. More eyes, more paws, fur textures, overlapping poses etc – it all takes time:
- Expect artists to add £30–£160+ per extra pet, depending on size and medium.
5. Background Detail
Many artists portraits include a subtle tonal background as standard. But if you’d like:
- A scenic setting (beach, garden, living room)
- Personalised elements (toys, furniture, landscapes)
These will raise the price. As a result backgrounds can add anywhere from £40–£300+ depending on complexity and medium.
6. Framing & Mounting
We can offer framing, but we haven’t in the last few years due to our framers retiring.
- Framing is personal and often better done locally.
- If added, framing can cost from £50 to several hundred pounds, depending on size and materials.
7. Shipping
If your artist isn’t local, you’ll need to factor in postage:
- UK shipping (tracked & insured): £15–£30
- International shipping: varies widely
Finding the Right Artist for Your Budget
With such a range of prices, how do you find the perfect artist for your budget and vision?
- Browse Online Portfolios: Social media is often the first port of call when looking for artists. Most are usually online. Research artists dedicated websites, this is a great places to discover artists and compare their styles and pricing. Visit galleries local to your home and talk to people! Also recommendations go a long way.
- Request Information: Don’t hesitate to contact artists directly for a personalised quote. Provide details like your preferred size, medium, number of pets and any background preferences.
- Consider Local Artists: Supporting local talent can sometimes save on shipping costs and also allow for in person consultations.
- Read Reviews: Look for testimonials and reviews from previous clients to gauge an artist’s professionalism and the quality of their work.
- Understand What’s Included: Always clarify what the quoted price includes. (e.g., framing, shipping, digital proofs, number of revisions).
- Payment Plans: Some artists also may offer payment plans or require a deposit to secure your booking.
Is a Pet Portrait Worth the Investment?
While the cost of a pet portrait can be a significant investment, many pet owners feel it’s truly priceless. It’s more than just a picture. It’s a hand crafted tribute that captures the unique personality and spirit of your cherished companion. It becomes a lasting memory. A conversation piece and a beautiful addition to your home as well as beeing treasured for years to come. As I have said above, oil paintings are the ultimate in pet portraits and are probably the best if you are looking for an investment.
So, whether you opt for a charming drawing or a grand oil painting, commissioning a pet portrait is a meaningful way to celebrate the unconditional love and joy our pets bring into our lives.
What Sets Us Apart
If you haven’t read about us yet, we are Melanie Phillips & Nicholas Beall, professional pet portrait artists with over 28 years of experience. Over 850 commissions and amazing reviews under our belts. Our hand drawn pencil portraits and traditional oil paintings are commissioned by families, dog lovers, horse owners and cat parents across the globe. Every piece is crafted by hand, tailored with care and also delivered with the utmost attention to detail and customer service.
You may have seen our work on:
- Our Oil Gallery »
- Our Pencil Gallery »
- Or explor our Contact Page » to discuss a portrait idea
We don’t mass-produce. We don’t outsource. Nor do we cut corners.
Nicholas and myself have poured our lives into this work and this guide is part of our mission to make commissioning a portrait a joyful and stress free experience, even if you choose another artist. Finally we hope you have enjoyed our blog post How Much Does a Pet Portrait Cost in the UK? If you would like to read our Pet Portraits FAQ guide then head over to one of our latest blog posts Pet Portrait Commission FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered.
Contact Us!
If you have a question or you would like to commission a portrait, contact us at any time. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel too.