a portrait to remember them by…
Pet memorial portraits, painted with care
When a much-loved dog, cat or horse has died, a portrait can keep them with you. Christine paints each one by hand, in watercolour, from the photos you have, and she's known for catching the character in the eyes.
“Because of you, Florence will always be here with her brother and her 2 best friends.”
The owners of the four Vizslas, on Florence
Not ready to decide anything yet? You're welcome to call Christine on 07790 726719 and talk it through first.
Remembered
Some of the portraits Christine has painted for owners who wanted to remember a much-loved pet.
Lara 
a portrait to remember her by
Lara
At nine years old, Lara was diagnosed with cancer. Salli wanted a portrait to remember her by, so Christine took some photos before she became too poorly. It was very sad when Lara died, but the memory of this much-loved family dog lives on in the painting.
a much-missed little dog
Jess
It was hard to choose the best pose, so both went on the same Standard-size painting. Jess is a much-missed little dog, and her owners very much appreciate this portrait to remember her.
Working from the photos you have
You don't need to have the perfect photo before you get in touch. Send Christine the photos you have, and she'll tell you whether they're suitable: after painting animals since 1987, she'll know before taking on a commission whether a photo will make a good painting.
If one photo isn't quite right, with the ears down or the mouth open, Christine can work from several: the body from one, the head from another. Any close-ups of the eyes, nose or markings help, and so do your notes about expression and colouring.
Only have printed photos? A clear phone photo of the print usually works: take it in daylight, straight on, without glare. If that doesn't work, Christine will tell you where to send the prints, and they'll be returned.
the photo tips →
Together on one painting
Pets don't have to be in the same photo to be painted together. Christine can work from individual photos, taken years apart if need be, and place them side by side.
three dogs, over the years 
three dogs, over the years
Brenda's three Jack Russells
Brenda emailed photographs of the three Jack Russells she has owned over the years, for a portrait as a present to herself with money she received on retiring. Choosing the most typical expressions, Christine put the three heads together on a Medium portrait and sent it, framed, by courier. Brenda was overwhelmed with the result.
Choosing a size
A single head suits the Small size. A Standard takes one or two animals, or two poses of the same pet, as Jess's portrait does. For more pets together, choose a Medium or Large. Christine will suggest a size when she sees your photos.
| Size | Including mount | Mounted | Framed | Deposit | Animals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small11″ × 14″ · 1 animal only | 11″ × 14″ | £195 | £220 | £60 | 1 animal only |
| Standard18″ × 14″ · 1 or 2 animals | 18″ × 14″ | £345 | £380 | £90 | 1 or 2 animals |
| Medium22″ × 18″ · 3 or more animals: add £50 | 22″ × 18″ | £480 | £525 | £125 | 3 or more animals: add £50 |
| Large30″ × 24″ · 3 or more animals: add £50 | 30″ × 24″ | £690 | £755 | £175 | 3 or more animals: add £50 |
If there's a date that matters
An anniversary or a birthday, perhaps. Waiting times vary with workload, so please allow at least four weeks, and tell Christine the date when you order.
For someone who's lost a pet
If the portrait is a gift, tell Christine if it's a secret, so she doesn't mention it if she phones. Or give a gift voucher: they don't expire, so they can order when they're ready.
Questions
My pet has died. Can you paint them from the photos I have?
Send Christine the photos you have, and she'll tell you whether they're suitable. She'll know before taking on a commission whether a photo will make a good painting. If one photo isn't quite right, she can work from several to paint the portrait you want. See the photo tips.
I only have printed photos. What can I do?
A clear phone photo of the print usually works: take it in daylight, straight on, without glare, and add it to your message. If that doesn't work, call Christine on 07790 726719 and she'll tell you where to send the prints. They'll be returned.
Can pets who were never photographed together be in one portrait?
Yes. Pets don't have to be in the same photo: Christine can work from individual photos and put them together, as she did for Brenda's three Jack Russells, below.
Can I give a memorial portrait as a gift?
Yes. When you order, tell Christine if it's a secret, so she doesn't mention it if she phones. Or give a gift voucher: they don't expire, so there's no hurry to use one.
More answers in How to order.
When you're ready
Call Christine or send her a message, with a few photos if you have them to hand. She handles each order personally, and will talk through what you'd like.
Or call Christine on 07790 726719, or send her a message.