Melanie and Lily
Classic Pencil Pet Portraits by Melanie Phillips
Welcome to my Pencil Pet Portraits Gallery, where you can view a selection of my recent commissions of dogs, cats and horses, all hand-drawn in graphite pencil. Each portrait is created using your favourite photographs and carefully drawn to capture your pet’s unique personality and expression.
I work with clients across the UK and worldwide, and every portrait is delivered beautifully packaged and ready to give to the recipient if it's a gift. Scroll down to read more!
Obi the Cockerpoo
Widgeon the Spaniel
Mollie the Cocker Spaniel
Padfoot the Newfoundland
Sam the Labrador
Leon The French Bulldog
Labrador Called Ted
Betty The Labrador
Kegan's Pencil Drawing
Louis's Pencil Drawing
Pencil Drawing of Meg
Beano's Pencil Drawing
Louise and Molly
Classic Drawings
I create Classic pencil pet portraits of dogs, cats and horses. All I need are a few clear in-focus photos to work with. If you have a specific space in mind, I can work to bespoke sizes too — just let me know your measurements and I’ll be happy to provide a personalised quote.
Have a special occasion coming up? Let me know so I can save you a space in my commissions list. My pencil portraits are popular and I have a waiting list, but I always do my best to meet your deadline. Availability can vary throughout the year, so feel free to get in touch to check my current schedule.
What to Know About My Drawings
- Starting price: From £250 depending on layout and size
- Sizes: Each drawing is made to fit your chosen composition
- Medium: Traditional graphite pencil on archival-quality paper
- Timescale: Usually completed within 2 months — earlier if needed
Dexter the Labrador
Pencil Drawing of Flippette
Pencil Drawing of Emrik
Pencil Drawing of Moo
Pencil Drawing of Stormy
Pencil Drawing of Swiffer
Drawing of Kirby
Drawing of Milo
Pencil Drawing of Memphis
Adam and Beano
Classic Drawings
Choosing the right photo is one of the most important steps when commissioning a pencil pet portrait. It can take a few chats to find the perfect image, but it’s worth it. I’ll guide you through the process to help select a photo that really captures your pet’s character.
I work from one main reference image, so it needs to be clear, well-lit, and in focus. If you’re unsure, I’m always happy to offer feedback. You can send your photos to me at any time.
Have a special occasion coming up? Let me know so I can save you a space in my commissions list. My pencil portraits are popular, and I have a waiting list, but I always do my best to meet your deadline.
Classic Drawing Facts
- Price: Drawings start at £250
- Sizes: Bespoke sizes available
- Hand drawn: Created using graphite pencils and archival paper
- Turnaround time: 2 months (let me know if it's urgent!)
Pencil Drawing of Biscuit
Boxer Pencil Drawing
Pencil Drawing of Tyson
Pencil Drawing of Teasel
Drawing of Brodie
Drawing of Aspen
Drawing of Daisy
Drawing of Siyoni
Drawing of Kilo
Drawing of Max
Drawing of Flash
Drawing of Bilbo
Helpful Tips for Taking Pet Photos
Photographing pets isn’t easy — I know this firsthand! Over the years, I’ve taken many photos for clients and often shoot 50+ pictures just to get a few perfect ones. Don’t worry if your first attempt doesn’t go well. Keep your phone or camera handy for a few days and snap photos when your pet is naturally resting or moving about. Capturing a variety of poses really helps when designing the perfect portrait.
Drawing of Rusty
Drawing of Duker
Drawing of Django
Drawing of Al
Drawing of Jenkins
Stanley and Jarvis
Combining Multiple Pets in One Portrait
I can combine more than one pet into the same scene, even if they’re not pictured together in your photos. I usually prefer working from individual pet photos as they provide more detail and clarity, but it’s also helpful to have a few pictures of the pets together. This allows me to gauge their size relationship and keep lighting and shadows consistent — helping to create realism and harmony in the final piece.
Drawing of Monty and Duffy
Drawing of Jenny and Fern
Dexter, Tui and Purdey
Drawing of Pixie and Boots
Winston, Alfie and Ziggy
Jenson, Liffey, and Forrest
Jack Russells
Drawing of Al
Maddie and Jacob
Drawing of Tai and Chi
Drawing of Violet and Gil
Khona with his Portrait
Montage Portraits - Something a Little Different
The Story of...! My pencil montage portraits are a special way to capture your pet's unique story in one drawing. Sometimes one image isn't enough to capture the story of your pet's life. Instead of a single pose, I create a bespoke composition showing your pet in different ways. Perhaps sleeping, playing, running on the beach, or as a puppy alongside their grown-up self.
Montages are all about celebrating your pet’s personality and life, combining multiple moments or memories into one meaningful piece.
Although I can draw more than one pet in a portrait, montage drawings are usually focused on a single pet, captured in several poses special to you.
Montage Story Facts
- Photos: Poses are based on your photos
- Price: Starts from £950
- Size: Available from 16 x 12 inches upwards
- How many drawings: 2 on smaller sizes, up to 6 on larger
- Timing: These take time, contact me for my current schedule
The Story of Khona
The Story of Gilli
The Story of Vera
The Story of Holden
The Story of Rose
The Story of Dean
Archie and Roly
The Story of Mikey
The Story of Frog
The Story of Charles
The Story of Cassanova
Kipling the Labrador
Thinking of Booking a Portrait?
I’d be delighted to see your pet photos and chat through the best layout for your sketch. Just drop me a message — I’ll walk you through the steps, simple and stress-free.
My pencil portraits make truly thoughtful gifts. Each one is hand-packed in a ribbon-tied archival box, protected with acid-free tissue paper. They’re ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or any meaningful occasion where you want to give something personal and lasting.
Paula with Teasel / Caroline's Partner with Romy / Josie's mum and Jasper
Commission a Drawing
Why not send me photos of your dog, cat or horse, I can help you choose the perfect photo for the drawing. We can chat about your pet and your ideas for a custom piece of artwork. Really looking forward to working with you!