Bespoke Pet Portrait Commission in Dorset
Handcrafted pastel art from my studio in Wimborne
How do I Commission a Custom Pet Portrait?
You can commission a bespoke pastel pet portrait by contacting me, Wendy Turner at Turn 2 Art. Working from my studio in Wimborne, Dorset, I use professional-quality pastel pencils to capture the true character, depth, and personality of your beloved pet from photos. I ship UK wide.
Below, you will find everything you need to know about the booking process, pricing, and how we can work together to bring your portrait to life.
📋 How the Booking Process Works
Get in Touch: Fill out the contact form with your ideas and details.
Review Reference Photos: We will discuss your photographs together to choose the perfect pose and composition.
Secure Your Slot: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking. (In the unlikely event that I cannot complete your commission, this is fully refunded).
Approval & Completion: Once your portrait is complete, I will share it with you for final approval. The remaining 50% balance is due before delivery.
Please note: While I always try to accommodate specific deadlines (like birthdays or anniversaries), I can only provide an estimated completion date at the point of confirming your booking.
🏷️ How much does a pet portrait cost?
Prices start from just £100
Size Dimensions (Approx.) Ideal For Base Price
Small 8 × 6” Single Pet (head & shoulder £100
Medium 10 × 12” Single Pet (head & shoulder £175
Large 11 × 14” Single Pet (head or full body £250
XLarge 16 × 20” Double Pet (head & shoulders) £350
*Prices are for a portrait with a plain background and include professional mounting. Tracked UK delivery or intricate backgrounds will be quoted separately and added to these prices.
💰 What is included in the price?
My pricing reflects the highly detailed nature of pastel pencil work and the premium materials used to ensure your artwork lasts a lifetime.
What's Included: All quotes include the portrait of the animal chosen (head and shoulders ideally) set against a clean, plain, or softly blurred background. It also includes professional mounting.
Additional Pets: Including more than one/two animals will incur an extra charges. For two pets or more animals, a 16 × 20” size is the minimum recommended to display them to their best advantage. I can also go bigger if required.
Detailed Backgrounds: Complex backgrounds involve significant extra time and can be added for an additional fee upon discussion.
Framing Advice: Portraits are supplied mounted but unframed. Because pastels are a delicate medium, your portrait must be protected behind glass. I highly recommend having it professionally framed as soon as you receive it to preserve its longevity.
Insured UK Delivery: If you cannot collect your artwork from my Dorset studio, tracked and insured UK shipping can be arranged at an additional cost upon completion.
📸 What kind of photo do you need for a pet portrait?
Here are my top hints & tips:
Because I work entirely from your photographs, the fine detail and ultimate quality of your portrait rely heavily on the images you provide. High-resolution photos where your pet's eyes and nose features are sharply in focus will give us the best results.
☀️ Lighting & Angles
Use Natural Light: Take photos outdoors on an overcast day, or indoors near a bright window. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight and camera flashes, which distort natural coat colours.
Get Down to Eye Level: Crouch down so you are looking directly at your pet. Looking down on an animal rarely makes a good angle for a formal portrait.
Capture the "Life": Look for a shot with a small white or grey highlight (catch-light) in their eyes. A clear view of a lovely "wet" nose texture is also fantastic!
🐕 Tips for Success
Be Patient: Take plenty of shots! Use treats, toys, and a helper to keep your pet engaged and looking toward the camera.
Send Original Files: Do not crop, edit, or filter your photos before sending, as this lowers the image size and resolution.
How to Send: Email them as attachments. If the files are too large, you can use the free online service WeTransfer.
Note: Ultimately, you know your pet's personality best. We will collaborate to find the perfect pose, though I do reserve the right to decline a commission if the available reference photos lack the necessary detail to create a high-quality portrait.
Other FAQ’s:
Can I arrange to collect my finished pet portrait in person?
Yes. While I offer fully tracked and insured shipping across the UK, clients located in Dorset are more than welcome to arrange a personal collection from my studio in Wimborne. This is a wonderful opportunity to view the final details of your custom pet portrait in person and ensures your artwork doesn't spend time in the postal system.
Do you create custom artwork inspired by local Dorset wildlife?
Absolutely. Alongside bespoke dog and cat portraits, I frequently create original British wildlife pieces inspired by the local countryside surrounding Wimborne, Poole, and the wider Dorset area. If you are looking for a unique, locally made wildlife drawing or want to commission a specific animal, please get in touch to discuss your ideas.
How do I book a local pet portrait commission with Turn 2 Art?
Booking a custom portrait is simple. You can get in touch directly through my website contact form or via email to check my current waiting list availability. Once we discuss your ideal size and you supply your favorite pet photographs, a booking deposit will secure your slot in my studio calendar.
I hope that this has been of interest to you and look forward to helping you cherish your pet(s) with a beautiful portrait that will be a keepsake for many years to come.
Thank you
Wendy
