Behind the Commission: Bringing a Beloved Pet or horse to Canvas with UK pet portrait ARTIST VIcky Tucker
- Vicky Tucker
- Sep 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 29
Every Portrait Tells a Story
Every commission begins with a story. Often, it’s about a much-loved pet whose character lives vividly in memories. My role as an artist is to honour that connection and translate it onto canvas. A pet or equine portrait isn’t just a painting – it’s a legacy of love that will endure long after pawprints and hoof prints have faded.
The Importance of Conversation
The journey of a pet portrait always begins with conversations.
These early discussions help me to understand not only the subjects personality and quirks, but also how the client sees them – the expressions, mannerisms, and little traits that make them unique. Choosing the right photographs together is an essential part of this process. Working from a selection of reference photos allows me to cross-check details and capture the pet’s character as accurately as possible. To learn the importance of choosing the right photos, and top tips on how to take them, click on the button below.
Progression or Big Reveal?
Some clients enjoy seeing progression shots as I work – it’s a wonderful way to share feedback in real time and to feel involved in the creative journey. Others prefer to wait for the final reveal, enjoying that magical moment when their pet or horse comes to life on canvas. Both approaches work beautifully, and it’s all about finding what feels right for each client.
Meeting the Subject
Whenever possible, I love to meet the subject in person. Meeting a pet face-to-face gives me such a powerful sense of their presence – the way they move, the way they look at their owner, their energy. It adds a deeper layer of connection that helps me bring their spirit into the artwork.
From Sketch to Canvas
The creative process begins with initial sketches from selected photographs, once finalised a basic line drawing is sketched onto the canvas. The next step is the colour blocking phase, here I make sense of the tonal values of the piece - areas of light and dark, gradually building up the painting in layers. Once basic colour blocking is complete, I start to bring in the detail, again layer at a time. This method, although time consuming is the key to how I achieve depth, richness, and exceptional fine detail – qualities that make the final portrait feel alive. I often hear from clients that they can “see” their pet’s personality shining through the painting, which is always my ultimate goal.
Why It Matters
Art is always emotional, but a pet or equine portrait carries something extra – it’s about love, memory, and connection. Whether it’s a celebration of a current companion or a tribute to one who has passed, the finished painting becomes an heirloom: a timeless reminder of the bond between humans and their animals.
I am always happy to chat through ideas for a commission, suggest options, and look over photographs - with no obligation all. You can reach me by email (at the bottom of the page) or simply use the contact form to get in touch.
Ready to commission your own pet portrait by ? Click the button below to find out more about the process and how we can work together to create a piece that captures the heart and soul of your beloved pet.
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