Drawn To Life Pet Portraits
About Drawn To Life Pet Portraits
Working directly from the photo you provide, I create highly detailed portraits using premium quality pencils and self-taught drawing techniques.
Drawn To Life Pet Portraits Description
It's simple to book a portrait with Drawn to Life Pet Portraits - please read on and I'll aim to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
What materials do you use?
Faber-Castell & Derwent graphite (pencils and dust). Derwent charcoal. Colours are provided with Faber-Castell Polychromos and Caran D'Ache Luminance.
Do you work in paint?
Maybe in the future, but my current home situation doesn't allow me the space at the moment. Pencils are easier to hide away from my toddler when not in use!
My pet doesn't like the camera and I'm struggling to get a clear photo for you.
I cannot draw what I can't see I'm afraid and because I am open and honest about that, I will only book a portrait in when we have found an appropriate photo which I believe I can draw well to do your pet justice : )
What pet photos will you accept?
A clear, digital photograph. Photos are best taken outdoors as the lighting is natural and I can see the true colour of their fur /scales. I like to be able to see their eyes clearly (window to the soul. . . ?) and all parts of the pet which you'd like included on the portrait.
What sizes do you offer?
Generally A5 (suitable for head /neck portraits only), A4 and A3 sized. A3 /A2 are suitable for full body portraits, or multiple pets.
Can I commission you to draw something different?
Yes! I have drawn human portraits, and would welcome any baby portrait commissions. I'm open to discussing any ideas at all and will always be honest if I think its something not quite suited to myself.
How does your booking system work?
I provide a date when I estimate I will be available to begin your portrait and if you are happy with that date, I will take a small deposit and book your portrait for then. Please note I do not consider any portrait booked until I have received the deposit.
How much is the deposit?
I am not too strict with it, I will usually ask for ยฃ20 for an A5 /A4 sized deposit and double that for anything bigger. The deposit is non-refundable - it secures your booking and lets me know that you are as passionate about your portrait as I am : )
Tell me more about payment.
I accept PayPal and bank transfer. I'll send you photos of the portrait as I am drawing so that you can check it is looking the way you expected - if not, I can make changes. Many hours go into each portrait and I will only take full payment when you like what you see : )
How long will my portrait take to complete?
I cannot answer that I'm afraid, as some portraits take much longer than others. Differences such as fur texture can add hours to a portrait. I am not a full-time artist, I hold down a 9-5 job so an A4 portrait would be complete within 4-6 weeks as a rough estimate.
I wish to order a portrait for someone's birthday - can you finish it by a certain date?
I will only accept an order for a birthday /anniversary gift if I believe I can finish it on time, and I have never let anyone down yet! : ) please let me know when ordering if you expect it for a certain date.
What about postage?
Postage is currently FREE to the UK - your portrait will be sent securely packaged, and Royal Mail signed for. Please note I will not post a portrait until final payment has been received
As always, please contact me to discuss anything not covered above. . .
mandydraws@gmail.com
Reviews
I always advise this! (Stolen from Instagram) Hold their favourite treat right next to the camera lens to keep them still long enough to focus properly and take a super sharp photograph where I can see all that lovely detail! โ๐ผโบ๏ธ
Loving the adorable, slanty-head pose of Alfie on this one!
This was a special portrait to me as Alfie is no longer with us, so I hope I managed to capture some of his nature in his portrait ๐
A4 Bristol board - drawn using Faber-Castell Polychromos.
The adorable Domino ๐งก Iโm loving the natural pose of this one!
The beautiful Dontie, gifted for Christmas. Look at his sweet face - doesnโt he just look like a gentle giant!
This is my first Akita commission ๐คค and Iโm looking forward to drawing LOTS of new breeds in 2018. Books now open from May 2018 so drop me a message and letโs discuss some ideas! โ๐ผ
The gorgeous Laska is complete! This ones for you Margaret.
Thanks so much for all your likes and comments on her so far ๐ I've really struggled to get a good photograph of the tones in Laska's fur, and FB automatically lowering the resolution of all photos on here isn't helping ๐คทโโ๏ธ my apologies. Luminance & Polychromo pencils on toned gray Strathmore.
I've just opened my books again exclusively for Christmas delivery, so if you'd like to order a unique and personal gift, please drop me a message with your pet photos and ideas, or simply ask for a price list ๐
Lots of hours have gone into this beautiful girl already, still a long way to go! Please let me know what you think so far ๐
I don't get asked to draw these very often...! ๐๐
Molly's portrait is all finished and she's off to the postman (or woman!) tomorrow.
Slightly smaller than A4, Molly was drawn using faber-castell Polychromos with lots of help from a white Luminance pencil to add the fine details and highlights to her fur. ... It can be extra challenging drawing black-furred pets, so a high resolution photo is essential to ensure all that detail isn't lost in a mass of black!
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Here's the adorable Roxy, my final Christmas portrait.
So many pinks and yellows went into building up the delicate tones in her coat - blend blend blend!
My books are open from May, so keep your portrait ideas coming! ๐ฑ
Thanks everyone for supporting my little hobby, it means so much! ๐ Drop me a message to book your pet portrait for 2017, and have a great new year ๐
Order books now open from Easter 2017 and filling up fast! Drop me a message to discuss your portrait idea - I work in full-colour or graphite (black and white), and offer a variety of different portrait sizes.
More progress on this beautiful chocolate lab. I've been waiting to draw one for a long time - thank you!
#petportrait #wip #chocolatelabrador
Work in progress shot of a Christmas commission. So many pink and yellow tones are hiding in that chocolate brown fur!
#petportrait #wip
Caesar's portrait in progress... and my desk ๐
#petportrait #organisedchaos
Caesar's finished portrait - full colour, A4 size.
...His eyebrows remind me of my own pup's! ๐
Hi all, thanks for all your kind words and compliments recently, it means so much! I'm currently cracking on with the Christmas portraits so if you've placed an order for Christmas delivery, expect to hear from me very soon.
I'm now taking orders from Easter 2017, so please get in touch to book your slot!
Lexie's portrait is all finished. I love her casual stance in this one! I'm straight onto another Jack Russell Terrier portrait now, before I make a start on my Christmas portraits โบ๏ธ
I'm now taking orders from Feb 2017 so please get in touch to discuss your ideas.
... #petportrait #jackrussell
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We absolutely love this of Alfie can not thank Mandy enough we will treasure this always
Thank you so much for the wonderful portrait of our beautiful boy Homer. You have captured his character perfectly and we absolutely love it! ๏ฟฝ
So true to life. Fantastic drawing, beyond my expectation. A very big thank you Mandy. I'll treasure my picture forever.
Mandy drew our chocolate lab, Roxy, as a Christmas present for my fiancรฉe. When I saw it I couldn't believe the detail and realism that she had achieved, and neither could anyone else. The service throughout was great, step by step developments and what great value for the final result. Couldn't recommend highly enough!