Hand-Drawn Pet Portraits From Your Favourite Photograph
Original graphite and colour pencil pet portraits, created by UK artist Matthew Lloyd.
Custom pet portraits created in Birmingham, West Midlands by professional pet portrait artist Matthew Lloyd.
I create bespoke graphite and coloured pencil pet portraits from your photos, carefully hand-drawn to capture your pet’s unique personality, expression, and character. From highly detailed dog portraits to meaningful memorial commissions and elegant horse portraits, every artwork is individually created using premium artist materials.
With over 20 years’ experience creating realistic animal artwork for clients across the UK and internationally, my portraits combine refined technical skill with a deep understanding of animal form, texture, and detail to produce timeless, gallery-quality artwork.
Whether you are searching for a realistic dog portrait from photos, a custom cat portrait, or a professional pet portrait artist near Birmingham, every commission is created through a personalised process from first consultation to final delivery.
EXPLORE
PET PORTRAITS
Custom pet portraits created in Birmingham, West Midlands by professional pet portrait artist Matt Lloyd.
I create bespoke graphite and coloured pencil portraits from your photos, carefully hand-drawn to capture your pet’s unique personality, expression and character.
From realistic dog and cat portraits to meaningful memorial commissions and elegant horse portraits, every artwork is individually created using premium artist materials.
With over 20 years’ experience creating realistic animal artwork for clients across the UK and internationally, every commission is created through a personalised process to produce timeless, gallery-quality artwork.
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How it Works
Commission Your Portrait
Commission your very own pet portrait in 5 easy steps
The process below provides a clear overview of how commissioning a portrait works, from choosing your photo through to final delivery. You can also read the full guide for more detailed information about ordering a custom portrait in graphite or coloured pencil.
Your Portrait in 5 Simple Steps
From choosing the perfect photo to receiving your finished artwork, the process is straightforward and fully guided. Each portrait is carefully created by hand and typically completed within 2–3 weeks.
Choose a Photo
Send a clear photo of your pet. I can help you select the best image for a strong portrait.
Mock-Up Preview
I create a preview mock-up so you can see how the portrait will look before drawing begins.
Secure Booking
A 50% deposit confirms your slot in my schedule.
Artwork Creation
Your portrait is carefully hand-drawn with patience and attention to detail.
Approve & Delivery
You approve the finished artwork before secure tracked delivery.
A Thoughtful Gift
Discover Artwork Inspired by Animals
Explore one-of-a-kind original artwork, professionally produced art prints and collections celebrating wildlife, cats and much more.
Original Artwork
Discover unique hand-drawn and hand-painted animal artwork, professionally presented and supplied with a certificate of authenticity.
View original artworkAnimal Art Prints
Bring character to your walls with detailed animal artwork available as high-quality prints for your home or as a gift.
Shop art printsWildlife Collection
Explore expressive artwork featuring giraffes, elephants, tigers, big cats and other extraordinary animals from around the world.
Explore wildlife artCat Artwork & Gifts
Find thoughtful cards, prints and artwork celebrating the personality, elegance and charm of much-loved cats.
Shop cat designsFind Something Featuring Your Favourite Breed
From greeting cards and mugs to art prints and original artwork, discover designs inspired by the dogs who make our houses feel like home.
for Pet Lovers
Pet Portrait Gift Cards – The Perfect Gift for Pet Lovers
A carefully drawn pet portrait is more than just a picture, it celebrates the connection between people and the animals they love. Created from a favourite photograph, a custom pet portrait captures the personality, character, and expression that make every animal unique.
If you are searching for a thoughtful pet portrait gift in the UK, a gift card offers a flexible option. Instead of choosing the photograph yourself, the recipient can commission their own custom dog portrait, cat portrait, or animal portrait from a photo that is meaningful to them.
Gift cards can be used towards personalised pet portraits or any artwork available on the Matthew Lloyd Art website, making them ideal for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, or memorial gifts.
Beautifully presented and easy to redeem, gift cards provide a meaningful and memorable gift for anyone who loves their pets.
Buy Gift CardFrom Photo to Finished Portrait
See how Winston the Dachshund’s portrait evolved step-by-step, from the original reference photo, through the design mock-up stage, to the finished pencil portrait. Click the image or use the arrows to explore each stage of the process.
ORIGINAL PHOTO
COLOUR
GRAPHITE
FINAL PORTRAIT
Click the image or arrows to view each stage
In the original photo Winston was sitting on his owner's leg with a distracting background. The customer wanted this removed and Winston to be standing on a cushion with his name on the tag.
During the mock-up stage the background was removed and Winston was placed on a cushion to create a cleaner composition. Mock-ups were created in colour and black and white to help the client choose.
The final portrait captures Winston exactly as the owner imagined — with a clean background, balanced composition and personalised details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions - Everything You Need to Know
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.
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To order your custom pet portrait, choose your preferred size and medium (graphite, coloured pencil, or acrylic), upload your reference photo, and pay a 50% deposit to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due once your artwork is completed. Please view the How it Works Guide for more information
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Yes! You can view Matt Lloyd’s custom pet portrait gallery featuring graphite pencil and coloured pencil portraits on the Portfolio pages. Each gallery showcases a variety of pets, sizes, giving you a clear idea of the realistic, lifelike detail and personalised style you can expect for your own portrait.
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Pet portrait prices start from £100. The final cost depends on the size, medium, number of pets, and any custom background details. Visit the Price List page for full details.
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A 50% deposit confirms your pet portrait commission and secures your place in Matt’s schedule. The remaining 50% is payable upon completion before your artwork is shipped.
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For the best results, provide a clear, high-resolution photo taken in natural light. Close-up images showing your pet’s eyes and facial detail work best for creating a lifelike and detailed portrait. Please view our Photo Guide for more information
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Yes. Matt can combine elements from different photos to create a balanced and realistic custom pet portrait.
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Completion times vary depending on size and demand, but you will receive an estimated turnaround time when booking your portrait or contact us to discuss your requirements before booking in
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Yes, all custom pet portraits are carefully packaged and securely shipped across the UK. Tracked Postage is included within the price
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Personalised pet portraits make thoughtful gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, and pet memorials. They are meaningful keepsakes for any animal lover.
