Bespoke Pet Portrait Commissions

  • Working Cocker Spaniel Custom Pet Portrait Drawn in Teddington South West London

    Cocker Spaniel.

  • Maine Coon Cat Custom Pet Portrait Drawn in Teddington South West London

    Maine Coon.

  • Pet portrait - Asian toy Poodle pet portriat

    Asian Toy Poodle.

  • British Shorthair Cat Custom Pet Portrait Drawn in Teddington South West London

    British Shorthair.

  • Morkie Dog Custom Pet Portrait Drawn in Teddington South West London

    Morkie.

  • French Bulldog Custom Pet Portrait Drawn in Teddington South West London

    French Bulldog.

  • Alsatian Dog Custom Pet Portrait Drawn in Teddington South West London

    Alsatian.

  • Cavapoo Dog custom pet portrait drawn in teddington south west London

    Cavapoo.

  • Fox Custom Pet Portrait Drawn in Teddington South West London

    Fox.

  • Owl Custom Pet Portrait Drawn in Teddington South West London

    Owl.

  • Giraffe Custom Pet Portrait Drawn in Teddington South West London

    Giraffe.

  • Lion custom pet portrait drawn in teddington south west London

    Lion.

  • Lemur custom pet portrait drawn in teddington south west London

    Lemur.

  • Stag Deer custom pet portrait drawn in teddington south west London

    Stag.

  • Horse custom pet portrait drawn in teddington south west London

    Horse.

What Clients Say

  • Thank you - The portrait was very well received! It is beautiful and a great reflection of Sherlock 😊😊. Attaching a picture from after unpacking Sherlock's picture.

    Joris, Cassidy and Sherlock | Teddington

    Dog Pet Portrait Teddington London England

  • This is perfect! Simba is in love with his picture, as you can see here. He certainly feels right at home with it above the fireplace where, in his opinion, it naturally belongs!

    Jenny and Simba.| St Margrets - Richmond

    MAINCOONE PET PORTRAIT

  • Thank you so much for the portrait of Winnie. As you can see, both Charlotte and Winnie loved it:-) A great Birthday present, capturing Winnie's likeness! Thank you.

    Ben, Charlotte and Winnie | Richmond

    Dog - Asian Toy Poodle pet portrait - In frame.png

  • I commissioned a portrait of Goose for my husband as a wedding gift. It will be treasured forever:) Mark even added our wedding date to the collar… Thank you!

    Sophie, Greg and Goose | Stratford Upon Avon

    Cat with Pet Portrit

  • Such a lovely portrait. Thank you. It's captured her little personality to perfection. The likeness is incredible. Thank you for getting it to me so quickly too!

    Suzanne | Hertfordshire

    Working Cocker Spaniel Pet Portrait

  • The whole family ove the picture. We couldn't have wished for a better gift and such a great likeness! You've captured that mischevious sparkle in her eye. Thank you!

    Carly, Stu and Roxie | Berkhamsted - Herts

    Cavapoo pet portrait

Each portrait is carefully hand-drawn in professional coloured pencil capturing character and the expression of your beloved pet. Commissions are available worldwide.

Meet Mark Mannering Barton

A small introduction video to say hi! You may need to click the volume to unmute and click the box to enlarge.

Portrait Investment

Each bespoke pet portrait is*:

£299

Includes consultation, composition planning, professional coloured pencils, archive quality materials, and craftsmanship.

*Excluding frame and postage. Deposit of £99 (non refundable) secures your slot.

How Your Custom Pet Portrait Is Created

Initial Enquiry

1

Complete the commission form or get in touch to discuss your ideas if there’s something unique you’d like.

Securing Your Commission

2

£99 deposit secures your slot.

Reference Photograph

3

I’ll review your chosen image to ensure the best possible result.

Creation

4

Your portrait is carefully hand-drawn using professional coloured pencil techniques.

Completion & Delivery

5

Once approved, your portrait is securely packaged and shipped.

FAQs

    • To ensure the utmost quality, I focus on drawing one subject per picture, specifically head and shoulders

    • While I am open to considering multiple subjects, please note that the investment would increase, as it requires twice the amount of time and effort

    • Additionally, full-body compositions can also be considered; however, they would entail more investment, reflecting the increased time and complexity involved

    • My commissions are usually hand-drawn with the subject fitting within A4 (approx.) drawn on A3 size paper/film for framing in A3 with a mount

    • While I am open to considering other sizes upon request, I generally do not work on smaller scales. Should we decide on a smaller size, the investment remains the same. If you’d like to commission a larger size, cost will be on application.

    • I employ premium materials, utilising high-quality paper, drafting film and lightfast pencils, pen and ink or pastels. This combination ensures the longevity and vibrancy of your pet's portrait, granting you a lifetime of enjoyment

    • Drafting film or high quality paper possesses a stunning finish, allowing for intricate details and vibrant colours. Moreover, with film (on occasions used) its opaque nature permits the incorporation of different coloured backgrounds, enabling personalisation that harmonises with your unique style

    • I will supply an invoice for the initial deposit of £99 to secure your place on my wait list (non refundable)

    • The balance will only be payable upon completion and prior to shipment plus postage costs (this is additional due to differences in locations and will be priced once your location is known) and framing if required.

    • Once commissioned, the deposit paid and image sent I begin work

    • Each piece takes approx. a week to complete but you will be given a completion date when your deposit is paid

    • I will only share a piece once I’m completely happy and I consider it finished

    • I will always check in to show you the finished illustration before shipment or delivery

    • For your peace of mind, the finished artwork will be hand delivered personally if local or shipped via Royal Mail (chargeable unless agreed)

    • Unless we have agreed otherwise, I ship unframed and unmounted to allow you to select a frame suitable for your needs (an ‘essential’ framing option can be supplied for £50)

    • Every delivery will only be sent tracked and insured for the safety of your investment.

    • International Clients":

    • Worldwide shipping will be quoted for and maybe included subject to my emails/offers.

    • Customs or import is not included. Please be aware that you may need to pay any applicable charges. I do not pay for this.

    • My wait list varies but is usually 2-3 weeks but I can, on occasions expedite orders but this maybe subject to an up charge

Thank you for choosing to own a piece of locally and lovingly made art from London. I genuinely hope it brings you years of pleasure and as much joy as it will have brought me in creating it!

Finally, if you’d like to further support me, do follow me on instagram and tell your friends and family about my work.

I very much look forward to speaking soon!

Mark Mannering Barton

Commission Form

How to Choose the Right Photo

Before I start your portrait, I need a great photo to work from the better the photo, the better the final artwork!

Don’t worry, this guide will walk you through each step. It’s easier than you think, and I promise you don’t need to be a professional photographer.

Scroll down to the base of the page and you’ll see some examples:

  • Natural light is your best friend.

    Lighting can make or break a photo. The goal is soft, even lighting that shows off your pet’s features clearly.

    • Take your photo during the day in natural light

    • If you’re indoors, position your pet near a large window with the light facing them (not behind them)

    • Avoid using the flash or indoor lamps — they can cause strange shadows or make colours look off

    • Bright but cloudy (overcast) days are perfect. If it’s too sunny, try moving into a slightly shaded spot to avoid harsh shadows

  • Eye-level is the sweet spot.

    Photos taken from above or below distort your pet’s proportions. Getting on their level creates a more natural, detailed portrait.

    • Crouch or lie on the ground to match their eye level

    • Or, raise your pet up onto a bench, chair or table so you’re face-to-face

    • Make sure their eyes are clearly visible from this position

  • Slightly side-on is a must.

    A straight-on shot can work providing the detail is there but usually looks odd. A three-quarter angle adds character and depth, as you’ll see from the majority of my portraits.

    • Position your pet at a slight angle to the camera (not completely side-on or straight ahead)

    • Use treats or toys to direct their attention where you want them to look

    • Aim to catch their eyes looking just off-centre — it creates a more engaging photo

  • Zoom with your feet, not your fingers.

    You want your pet’s head to fill most (or all) of the photo frame:

    • For a head-only portrait: zoom in or move close so the head fills the photo.

    • Don’t use your phone’s zoom — it reduces the quality. Instead, get physically closer

  • Focus is everything and is a must!

    I won’t work from a blurry photo = lost detail = less accurate portrait and you won’t be happy…

    • For Phones - Tap the screen to focus on your pet’s face

    • For cameras - Half-press the shutter before fully taking the shot to focus

    • Hold your phone/camera steady - or better yet, and if you have one use a tripod or rest it on something stable

    • Take several shots - animals move a lot, and the perfect moment might be in the next frame!

  • Catch their attention for a lively expression.

    Some pets need a little encouragement to perk up for the camera.

    • Hold a treat or favourite toy near the camera lens.

    • Rustle a plastic bag, squeak a toy, or make a funny noise — just don’t scare them!

    • This can help bring ears forward, open up the eyes, and capture a curious, alert look

    • That said, if your pet has a calm or serious personality, don’t force it, a gentle expression may suit them better

  • More is better.

    You only need one perfect photo — but you might need to take 20, 30, or even 60 to get it!

    • Try different angles, lighting spots, and expressions

    • Shoot from both sides of the face if you can

    • I recommend sending your favourite 3–5 photos so we can pick the best one together

    • Above all - Make sure you are happy!

Before Sending - Check List

Use this quick checklist before sending me your photos:

    • ✅ Is the lighting natural and even?

    • ✅ Can I clearly see your pet’s fur colour and eye colour?

    • ✅ IMPORTANT - Can I see the direction the fur lies?

    • ✅ Does your pet fill the frame appropriately?

    • ✅ Are any collars, accessories, or harnesses you don’t want included removed?

    • ✅ Is the image in full quality, not a screenshot or Facebook download?

  • To make sure I can work from your image:

    • ❌ Don’t send screenshots — always send the original photo.

    • ❌ Don’t use photos downloaded from Facebook or Instagram — they lose too much detail.

    • ❌ Don’t resize the photo when emailing it — send it in full/original size.

  • Working cocker spaniel posing for pet portrait in Richmond

    Good light with detail.

  • Cavapoo dog posing for pet portrait in Richmond

    Down to the right level.

  • Maine Coon cat posing for pet portrait in Richmond

    Slightly side on best.

  • Working cocker spaniel posing for pet portrait in Richmond

    Detail of the fur.

  • Fox posing for pet portrait in Richmond

    Fill the frame.