Yorkshire Terrier Portraits & Paintings

Yorkshire Terriers are one of the most delightful breeds to paint. Their long silky coats, bright intelligent eyes and lively personalities make them wonderful portrait subjects. Over the years I have created many Yorkshire Terrier portraits in pastel, each carefully drawn from photographs supplied by the owner.

Although they may be small in size, Yorkies often have wonderfully confident personalities, and this character shines through beautifully in portraiture. My aim with every Yorkie portrait is to capture not only the detail of the coat and markings, but also the individuality that makes each dog so special to their family.


Yorkshire Terrier Portrait


yorkshire terrier portrait steel blue and tan pastel painting

The classic steel blue and tan coat of the Yorkshire Terrier creates beautiful contrasts in pastel. Their silky hair reflects light in subtle ways, allowing layers of colour to build depth and softness in the finished artwork.


Yorkie Portraits and Personal Details


yorkshire terrier portrait with bow in hair pastel painting


Yorkshire Terriers are often lovingly groomed and styled, and many owners enjoy including these special touches in their portrait. Bows, ribbons or small accessories can be incorporated into the artwork if you wish, helping to reflect the dog’s personality and the way they are known within the family.

In this Yorkie portrait, the small tie in the hair adds a lovely sense of individuality and charm. Details like this can make the portrait feel even more personal and meaningful.



Yorkshire Terrier Portraits with Backgrounds


yorkshire terrier portrait with soft background pastel painting


While many clients choose a simple background so that the focus remains entirely on the dog, it is also possible to include subtle scenery or interior settings if you prefer.

A gentle background can help create atmosphere and context for the portrait, perhaps reflecting a favourite resting place, chair or garden setting. If you would like to explore these options further, you may find my guide to backgrounds for pet portraits helpful.



teacup yorkshire terrier portrait pastel drawing

Teacup and Mini Yorkshire Terrier Portraits

Some owners have particularly small Yorkies, often referred to as teacup Yorkshire Terriers or mini Yorkshire Terriers. These tiny dogs have all the character of the breed in an even more delicate frame, which can make them especially charming portrait subjects. A teacup Yorkie portrait can beautifully capture their soft coats, alert ears and bright expressions. Because these little dogs change quickly as puppies, many owners like to preserve this stage of their life in a portrait.



Thank you so very much for the beautiful portrait of Murphy …I am absolutely delighted with it and I know our friend will be too when he receives it at Christmas. You are a very talented lady and your work must give pleasure to so many people. Thank you, thank you!

(Angela Millie)



Julie at work on a dog pastel portrait

Yorkshire Terrier Drawings in Pastel from Your Photos

Many people searching online for a Yorkshire Terrier drawing, Yorkie painting, or Yorkshire Terrier portrait are hoping to find an artist who can create a meaningful artwork of their own dog.

All of my portraits are drawn entirely by hand in professional soft pastels using photographs provided by the owner. If you have several photographs of your dog, I can often combine elements from different images to achieve the most natural and flattering composition. (I've written more about what makes for good photos to work from here in my FAQ's.)

My aim is always to produce a portrait that captures both the physical likeness and the lively personality that Yorkshire Terriers are so well known for.




Julie Palmer Portrait Artist

A Note from Julie


Hi and welcome to my site! One of the most enjoyable aspects of painting Yorkshire Terriers is observing the beautiful texture and movement of their coats. Their fine silky hair, combined with their bright expressions, creates wonderful opportunities for detail and subtle colour in pastel.

When working on a Yorkie portrait, I spend time carefully studying the small details that make each dog unique — the direction of the coat, the tilt of the ears, or the gentle expression in the eyes. These details are often what bring a portrait to life and help capture something of the dog’s true character.


Other Dog Portraits

Over the years I have created portraits of many different dog breeds. If you love Yorkshire Terriers, you might also enjoy exploring some of my other dog portrait galleries, including:

Commission Your Yorkshire Terrier Portrait


If you would like to commission a Yorkshire Terrier portrait from your own photographs, I would be delighted to hear from you.

I work closely with each client to choose the most suitable reference image and composition, ensuring the finished portrait reflects the individuality of your dog. Whether you would prefer a simple head study or a portrait with additional details or background, each piece is created with great care and attention.

Please feel free to contact me to discuss your ideas or send your photographs for guidance. I look forward to hearing about your Yorkshire Terrier and creating a portrait you will treasure for many years.



I’m always touched when clients take a moment to share their thoughts after receiving their portrait. Here are a few of the kind comments they have left in their Google reviews.


Julie at work on a dog portrait

Contact Julie

ask me a question by filling in this form

Email your photos to find out which ones can become a portrait

Feel free to ring me on (01243) 773123

or commission a portrait here



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