How Long Does a Pet Portrait Take to Complete?

Wondering how long a pet portrait takes? Learn about timelines, and what to expect when you order.

Portrait of Bobby the springer spaniel waiting patiently

When commissioning a pet portrait, one of the most common questions I receive is: “How long will it take?” It’s a perfectly natural question—after all, when you’re excited to see your beloved companion immortalised in art, you want to know what to expect. Every portrait is a labour of love, and while I aim to work efficiently, I never rush the process. The time it takes depends on several factors, including the number of pets, the level of detail, and whether the portrait is for a living pet or a memorial piece.

The Process and Timeline

Creating a portrait involves multiple steps. First, we select and review the reference photos. The best photos show your pet’s personality and features clearly. If you’re commissioning a memorial portrait, I appreciate your photos may be limited or of poorer quality so sometimes I work from several photos to capture their essence.

Once the photos are chosen, I work with you to discuss layout, background colours and any specific requests you have. I will mock up ideas so you can visualise the outcome before I start to draw. This stage can take time as most customers find find it difficult to settle on their final choice - it means so much to them.

Next I create a basic linework sketch of your pet, mapping out the proportions, facial expressions, and pose. I pay close attention to the eyes—they’re the window to your pet’s personality.

I then mask off your pet using a protective paper to keep them clean while I work on the background. Some people prefer a classic plain background and others like to capture something more detailed such as a favourite walk location.

After the background is complete I start building layers with high-quality pastels and pencils, gradually bringing out textures like fur, whiskers, and subtle markings.

Layering and blending is one of the most time-consuming stages, but it’s essential for creating a lifelike portrait that feels alive. After the final touches, I carefully inspect the work to ensure it truly represents your pet. Only then is it ready for presentation and secure packaging for delivery.

Factors That Can Affect Timing

Several factors influence how long a portrait takes to complete:

• Photo quality: if photos are blurry, lack clarity or don't show true colours I spend time comparing references and adding details back in.

• Number of pets: Each additional pet adds time, as each must be rendered with equal attention to detail.

• Size: The larger the portrait, the more time it takes

• Coat complexity: Long-haired, curly or patterned coats can take longer to render.

• Custom backgrounds or special requests: Including toys, accessories, or unique backdrops requires extra care.

• Client collaboration: I like to spend time with customers to make sure they are happy with their portrait before and during drawing which can take some time.

• Final details: To make portraits extra special, I add those extra details that really make them come alive, such as extra sparkle in they eyes, the gloss in their coat or those little stray whiskers, you know, the ones that always go in their eyes, those ones!!

• Postage: With UK postage, you can expect your portrait within a couple of days however international postage can take longer and be unpredictable. Unfortunately I can't control customs!

This portrait of Lee Jones Official's K8 family took around 2 weeks to plan and 6 weeks to complete

Typically, portraits take between 3–6 weeks from drawing to completion. If you’re commissioning a gift for a birthday or holiday, it’s always best to plan ahead to allow enough time for a stress-free process.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

To help your portrait be completed efficiently:

• Choose the clearest reference photos possible.

• Consider providing multiple images if your pet has distinctive features you’d like captured.

• Respond to progress updates promptly if you wish to provide feedback.

• Order in advance to allow time to enjoy the experience without the worry of missing an occasion.

  
  

Why the Wait Is Worth It

Every portrait I create is a celebration of your pet. The time I spend carefully building layers, capturing expressions, and perfecting details ensures that the final artwork is not just a picture, but a keepsake filled with life and personality. Waiting a few weeks is a small price for a piece that you and your family will treasure forever.

If you’ve been thinking about commissioning a pet portrait, now is the perfect time to start planning. Whether for a gift or a personal keepsake, each portrait is crafted with care, attention, and love for your furry friend.