Pet Portrait Artist Julie Palmer
With a professional career spanning over 25 years, TV-commissioned pet portrait artist Julie Palmer (BA Hons) has created hundreds of bespoke custom pet portraits for clients around the world, including commissions for British television and members of the Royal Family. Working in traditional pastel, Julie’s aim in every portrait is to lovingly capture the beauty, character and emotion of each dog, horse or cherished companion.
Each portrait is drawn entirely by hand from your photograph — never digitally edited or AI generated — resulting in a timeless fine art piece to treasure for years to come. Thanks to the internet, you can commission a custom pet portrait wherever you live, with artwork carefully created in the UK and delivered safely worldwide.
Hi and welcome to my website. One of the most rewarding parts of creating a portrait is the process of careful observation. Every dog has its own unique markings, expressions and small details that make it instantly recognisable to the people who love it. When I draw a portrait, I spend a great deal of time studying these details so that the finished artwork reflects the individuality of the pet. It’s often the smallest touches — the tilt of the head, the warmth of the eyes, or the texture and colour of the coat — that bring a portrait to life and capture something of their true character.
Custom Pet Portraits from Your Photographs
A custom pet portrait is created using your own photographs, allowing you to commission a truly personal and meaningful piece of artwork. I work closely with each client to select the most suitable image and composition, ensuring the finished portrait reflects your pet’s true likeness and personality.
Working in traditional pastel, each portrait is drawn entirely by hand, layer by layer, capturing the fine details of expression, fur and form. Whether you would like a simple head and shoulders study or a more elaborate full body portrait with a scenic background, every commission is individually planned and carefully executed. I work from my studio in Chichester, West Sussex, where I create pet portraits in Sussex for local clients as well as commissions from across the UK and internationally.
Pastel Pet Portraits
I specialise in pastel pet portraits, a traditional fine art medium that allows for remarkable depth of colour and subtle detail. Pastel is particularly well suited to capturing the texture of fur, the softness of expression and the light within the eyes. Each portrait is built gradually in layers, creating a natural richness and lifelike quality that is difficult to achieve with many other media.
If you would like to learn more about why I work in pastel and how the process differs from watercolour, you can read more here.
Dog, Cat & Horse Portrait Commissions
Dog Portraits
I create dog portraits as either head and shoulders studies on a plain background, or as more detailed full body works with scenic settings. I can also compose group portraits from separate photographs, bringing dogs together naturally within one harmonious design.
In this Working Cocker Spaniel commission, the owner asked for the dogs to be shown in their favourite walking area. To create a balanced composition, I introduced a gentle horizon line with hills and blue sky in the distance. You can view more examples on my dedicated Dog Portraits page, including portraits of popular breeds such as Labradors, spaniels and terriers.
Cat Portraits
I create cat portraits as elegant head and shoulder studies or as full body compositions. Where needed, I can combine separate photographs to produce a carefully balanced group portrait.
Each commission is thoughtfully planned to reflect your cat’s character and individuality. You can view more examples and details on my Cat Portraits page.
Horse Portraits
I work on horse portraits from photographs supplied by the owner, carefully studying form, expression and atmosphere. Backgrounds can be plain, scenic or softly atmospheric, depending on the mood you would like to convey.
In this example, the client requested an atmospheric setting to enhance the sense of presence and movement. Please visit my Horse Portraits page to see further commissions.
I have just been given the portrait of Brig the collie you did for my birthday, and it is wonderful, I feel you have captured his personality, and it's as if he is in the room with me.
Diane Barratt
A Timeless Gift or Memorial
A custom pet portrait can mark a special occasion or preserve the memory of a much-loved companion. Many clients commission portraits as birthday or anniversary gifts, while others wish to create a lasting tribute to a pet who has passed away. My aim is always to produce a portrait that feels both personal and enduring — a quiet reminder of the character, presence and bond you shared. Whether celebratory or commemorative, each piece is created with sensitivity and care.
If you are considering a memorial portrait and only have older or imperfect photographs, please do get in touch. I am often able to work from reference images that are not ideal and can advise you on what may be possible. You can also read more about commissioning a memorial portrait here.
Pricing & Turnaround
Portrait prices start from £240 (approximately $325 USD) for a head and shoulders study, with several size options and background choices available. More detailed information can be found on my Prices page.
My usual lead time is around three to four weeks from confirmation of your order. During particularly busy periods — especially in the lead up to Christmas — completion times may be longer, so early booking is always advisable. If you require a portrait for a specific date, please do let me know when enquiring.
How to Commission a Portrait
Commissioning a portrait begins simply by sending me your photographs and an outline of what you have in mind. From there, I will advise on size, composition and background options, ensuring the final design reflects your wishes. If you are uncertain about the suitability of your images, please feel free to ask — I am always happy to help. You may also find my notes on choosing photographs useful.
For full details on the process, sizes and options, please visit my commission a pet portrait page.
I received my portrait of Angel today.... it was like she was still here with me. I looked at her and just cried. You really captured her beauty and spirit.
Junetta Lancaster
(Washington State, USA)
Frequently Asked Questions
• What if I'm not happy with the finished portrait?
I always send a photograph of the completed portrait before it is dispatched, allowing you to request any minor adjustments if needed. In the unlikely event that you are not entirely satisfied, I offer a full refund. My aim is that every client feels completely comfortable and confident in their commission.
• Can you work from older or imperfect photographs?
Yes — I can often work from reference images that are not ideal and will advise you honestly about what may be possible before proceeding. If you are unsure about your photographs, please feel free to send them for guidance.
• How is the portrait delivered?
Finished portraits are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive safely, and are sent by insured Royal Mail Special Delivery. I regularly ship artwork both within the UK and internationally.
• Do you offer framing?
I do not provide a framing service, as many clients prefer to choose a frame locally to suit their own home and décor. However, I am always happy to offer advice on suitable framing styles and mount options if required.
• Any more questions?
Please visit my full FAQ page for further information about background options, sizing advice and other details. You are also very welcome to contact me directly if you would like to discuss your commission.
A Pet Portrait in 60 secs!
Watch me draw "Hattie", my lovely and sadly missed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
From Photograph to Finished Portrait
Every portrait is created from your photograph, carefully developed into a finished pastel work that reflects both likeness and character. The example shown here demonstrates how a reference image becomes a completed portrait.
Commission a Custom Pet Portrait
If you would like to commission a portrait, please feel free to get in touch to discuss your ideas or send your photographs for guidance.
I look forward to hearing about your companion and creating a portrait you will treasure for years to come.
I’m deeply grateful for the beautiful words my clients express after receiving their portraits.
Contact Julie
If you would like to discuss a portrait, please use the enquiry form opposite, email your photographs for guidance, or telephone me directly on (01243) 773123.
If you already know the size and format you require, you may also place your order via my Commission a Pet Portrait page.
I have just been given the portrait of Brig the collie you did for my birthday, and it is wonderful, I feel you have captured his personality, and it's as if he is in the room with me.
Diane Barratt
I received my portrait of Angel today.... it was like she was still here with me. I looked at her and just cried. You really captured her beauty and spirit.
Junetta Lancaster
(Washington State, USA)