from your photo…
Dog portraits, from your photos
Send Christine a few photos of your dog and she'll paint a true likeness by hand, in watercolour, at her studio in Weobley, Herefordshire. Puppies, rescue dogs and Crufts champions, one dog or the whole pack.
From £195 mounted · Painting dogs since 1987 · Exhibited at Crufts
Breeds Christine has painted
Every breed has its own coat, its own shape of head and its own look, and every dog its own expression. Christine is known for catching the character in the eyes, so your dog looks as if it could jump out of the picture.
These are the 26 breeds in the gallery so far, as well as rescue dogs of no particular breed. Yours isn't here? Send Christine a photo and ask.
see all 33 dog paintings →- Beagle
- Border Collie
- Border Terrier
- Boxer
- Cairn Terrier
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Cocker Spaniel
- Corgi
- Dachshund
- Deerhound
- English Bull Terrier
- German Wirehaired Pointer
- Golden Retriever
- Great Dane
- Husky
- Italian Greyhound
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Patterdale Terrier
- Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Shih Tzu
- Springer Spaniel
- Vizsla
- Weimaraner
- Whippet
- Wire-haired Vizsla
From photo to painting
Each of these was painted from the owner's photos, taped beside it. One photo or several, taken at home, at a show or at the studio.
one side… 
…and the other 
two photos, one painting
Great Dane
Christine took these photographs during her exhibition at Belton Horse Trials. Dianne couldn't decide which side of her Great Dane's magnificent head to paint, so they chose a portrait showing both sides, to show the different markings. She was extremely pleased with the result.
three separate photos
Three English Bull Terriers
Three beautiful English Bull Terriers, painted from three separate photos and placed together. Christine cropped the heads from larger photos and zoomed in close for the painting. By slightly changing the angle of the heads and adding a neutral background, she made the three of them look as if they're sitting together.
for the pose 
for the head 
full body, a new background
Weimaraner
Christine visited this lovely Weimaraner at home. The client wanted a full-body pose, so they chose a lying-down position. Working from one photo for the pose and a close-up for the head, Christine placed the dog in an outdoor scene with a hint of greenery behind.
More dogs from the studio
the whole gallery →Which size for your dog?
It depends on the size and breed of your dog, how many dogs, and whether you'd like a head or a full body. A small dog or puppy fits a full-body portrait on the Small size; a big dog's full body needs more room. Christine is happy to advise when she sees your photos.
| Size | Suits | Mounted | Framed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small11″ × 14″ · 1 animal only | Head, or full body of a small dog or puppy | £195 | £220 |
| Standard18″ × 14″ · 1 or 2 animals | Single head or part body, or a pair of heads | £345 | £380 |
| Medium22″ × 18″ · 3 or more animals: add £50 | Full body, or 2 to 4 heads | £480 | £525 |
| Large30″ × 24″ · 3 or more animals: add £50 | Group | £690 | £755 |
Head or full body?
Head portraits usually have a pale colour wash behind the head. For a full-body portrait, Christine can change the background from the one in your photo to a scene from your garden or another memorable place, and include toys, trophies or rosettes. Please send photos of anything you'd like included.
Two favourite poses? Both can go on one painting, like the two sides of the Great Dane above.
Photos of your dog
The better the photo, the better the portrait. Send a good selection, and say which ones you like best.
- Get close: your dog should fill the frame, with detail in the eyes and coat.
- Get down to its eye level, outside if you can. A three-quarter view of the head stops the nose looking flat.
- Choose its usual pose and expression. For a black dog, try a cloudy day.
- If it keeps moving forward, ask someone to hold it, and hold up a toy or treat.
- Add close-ups of the nose, eyes and markings. Ears down in your favourite photo? Christine can work from several.
More in the photo tips. No good photos yet? Book a photo shoot and Christine will take them.
Questions
Can you paint more than one dog in a portrait?
Yes. The size depends on how many dogs, and whether you'd like heads or full bodies. Small: head, or full body of a small dog or puppy (1 animal only); Standard: single head or part body, or a pair of heads (1 or 2 animals); Medium: full body, or 2 to 4 heads (3 or more animals: add £50); Large: group (3 or more animals: add £50).
Your dogs don't have to be in the same photo: Christine can work from individual photos, but if you do have a photo of them together, please send it too.
Head or full body, and what about the background?
Tell Christine whether you'd like a head or full-body portrait. Head portraits usually have a pale colour wash behind the head. For a full-body portrait, Christine can change the background from the one in your photo to a scene from your garden or another memorable place, and include toys, trophies or rosettes. Please send photos of anything you'd like included.
Which size is best for my portrait?
It depends on the quality of your photos and the size or breed of your pet. See the prices and size guide, or ask Christine.
What photos should I send?
A good selection of clear photos. Say which are the main ones to work from, and add notes to help with expression and colouring. See the photo tips, or book a photo shoot.
More answers in How to order.
Ready to have your dog painted?
Call or send Christine a message with a few photos. She handles each order personally, and will help with the photos, the size and the layout.
Or call Christine on 07790 726719, or send her a message.