The Commission Studio

Heirlooms drawn by hand

Turn your favourite photograph into a pastel or graphite portrait that captures the pet you know and love. From my Ayrshire studio, I draw each commission by hand in layered soft pastels or graphite pencils on the right paper, bringing out expressive eyes, familiar markings and those little details that make your companion unique. A personal keepsake for you, or a thoughtful gift for someone special.

Portrait Sizes

Sizes, Prices and Turnaround

Transparent pricing based on standard framing sizes. Every portrait is hand-drawn using premium soft pastels & graphite pencils on quality archival paper.

Choosing Your Portrait Size

How Much Does a Pet Portrait Cost?

When Will Your Portrait Be Ready?

Turnaround depends on my current commission diary and the work involved in your portrait. I’ll confirm an estimated completion date before you book.
If your portrait is for a birthday, anniversary or another special occasion, please mention your preferred date when enquiring so I can check availability.

Each portrait is individually quoted according to its size, medium, number of pets and any additional details. Send me your favourite photographs and an idea of what you’d like, and I’ll provide a personalised quote before you book.
A 50% deposit secures your booking, with the remaining balance payable before dispatch.

The right size depends on how many pets you’d like included, the level of detail and where you plan to display your artwork. A smaller portrait can make a lovely personal keepsake, while a larger piece gives more room for expressive detail or several pets together.
If you’re unsure, I’m happy to help you choose.

Let’s Plan Your Portrait
Tell me a little about your pet and the portrait you have in mind. Together, we’ll find the right size, style and composition to capture their character.

Request a portrait quote

Pet Portrait Prices

Original portraits by Jaz Melville. Prices in GBP for one pet.

Prices are for unframed portraits. Framing can be quoted separately.
Size names identify your options; the actual paper dimensions are shown above.
Additional pets: £25 each on medium portraits; £35 each on large portraits.
No additional pet price has been supplied for small portraits.

The Reference Photo

Capturing their true spirit

A great reference photo is the starting point for every portrait. As I don't know your pet personally, I rely on your photographs to capture their unique character, expressions and details – after all, I can only draw what I can see.

Whenever possible, use a good-quality camera or smartphone and send the original image rather than a reduced-size version. The higher the resolution, the more detail I can see, from the texture of the fur to those tiny whiskers and expressive eyes that make your pet so special.

Try to get as close to your pet as possible when taking photographs. Clear, close-up images allow me to see the details that bring a portrait to life, from expressive eyes and unique markings to the texture of their fur. Photographing your pet at their eye level often creates the most natural and flattering result.

Choose a photo that shows your pet as you know and love them best. Whether it's a favourite pose, expression or those little quirks that make them unique, the more detail I can see, the better I can capture their personality, character and unmistakable charm.

If your pet is no longer with you, I'll happily work from the photos you have. If you're taking new ones, natural daylight is best. Don't worry about the background; unless requested, my focus is always on your pet and the personality you know and love.

Secure Your Place

Open the studio door

Select your preferred portrait size and share a few details about your companion animal. I will respond within two business days to confirm my current commission calendar availability.