Melanie&Nicholas

Pet Portraits by Commission – Pencil Drawings from Photos

Jack Russell Pencil Portrait

Welcome to my Jack Russell pencil portrait of Coco, Monty, Daisy, and Nelson—a group drawing commissioned as a heartfelt leaving gift for a family’s long-time neighbours. Chloe contacted me from the UK to arrange the surprise, secretly photographing the dogs just for the portrait. Her family had lived next door to the recipients for 18 years, and the portrait was a way to say goodbye and thank them for the memories. I created the drawing by hand in graphite pencil at 20 x 16 inches, carefully balancing each dog’s position to reflect their individual personalities in one cohesive composition. A truly special project!

Jack Russell Pet Portraits

About the Commission of Coco, Monty, Daisy and Nelson

Chloe Armitage, UK, contacted me in 2011 to commission a group portrait of four Jack Russells—Coco, Monty, Daisy, and Nelson. The portrait was to be a surprise gift for her family’s neighbors.

Pencil Portraits Reference Photos

Chloe shared,
“I am able to take some photographs of the dogs in secret! It is going to be a surprise leaving gift; after living next door to my parents for 18 years, they are moving to Yorkshire, which is very sad. They will be truly missed (the owners also..). So my mum thought this would be a good way of saying goodbye.”

Chloe took time out of her busy schedule to take photos of the dogs specifically for this portrait. I worked closely with her to create a balanced composition to ensure the dogs were positioned correctly in the artwork.

Chloe and her family decided on a 20 x 16-inch portrait, which was the perfect size for a group composition. Read her wonderful feedback below!

Quick Facts

Happy Clients...

"I cannot thank you enough for the fantastic portrait. The rest of the family is thrilled, and I know our friends will love it too! It’s such a special gift."
- Chloe

"Just to let you know, the drawing has arrived at my parents’ house in one piece! My mum said it looks amazing. I can’t wait to see it myself! Many thanks for making this such a special experience."
- Chloe

Jack Russell Pencil Portrait

Do you have a Jack Russell - or maybe four, like Chloe’s neighbours? A pencil portrait is a wonderful way to capture their unique personalities. You can email me your photos at any time!

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