A portrait of a familiar face

Anyone who shares a home with a pet knows how much a small expression can say. There is the sideways glance, the patient look and the head tilt that seems to be a question. A portrait gives those familiar features a place on the wall.

The dog portraits in my collection show several ways character can come through in a painting. The pug tilts its head against soft green. The basset hound has long ears and an expressive face, while the schnauzer is recognisable through its beard and grey tones. Each background gives the face a different setting, from the chihuahua's warm pink to the boxer's blue.

I also take commissions for pet portraits. To begin a conversation, tell me about the animal you would like painted and what makes that face familiar to you. You can attach reference photographs to your email and mention colours, an approximate size or where the painting will hang. If you have a particular date in mind, include it in your enquiry.

The design, price and making time are discussed individually before work begins. You are welcome to ask about a cat or another much-loved pet as well as a dog. The portraits shown here can help you describe the kind of painting you have in mind.

Linda Cipruse