
Companion Portraits
Realistic, highly detailed pet portraits that capture the personality and presence of the animals we share our lives with.
Pets in Coloured Pencil




How It Works
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1. Photos & Planning
Send through a few clear reference photos, and we’ll discuss the ideal size, details, and timeframe of your portrait.
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2. Carefully Hand Drawn
Your portrait is slowly created by hand using professional coloured pencils and materials. A 40% deposit is due before drawing begins, and you'll receive progress updates along the way.
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3. Approved & Shipped
As your portrait nears completion, you'll receive final photos to approve the piece before shipping. Once the remaining balance has been paid, your artwork will be carefully packaged and sent to you.
Portrait Pricing
Custom pet portraits are created in professional coloured pencil and arrive mounted, ready for framing. Prices include free New Zealand shipping.
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Size A5 (15 x 21 cm)
- 1 pet
- Mounted with 11 × 14 inch mat
$680 NZD
Face & shoulder portrait
Suitable for a single pet
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Size A4 (21 x 30 cm)
- 1 pet
- Mounted with 12 × 16 inch mat
$1150 NZD
Multi-pet portraits quoted individually
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Size A3 (30 x 42 cm)
- 1 pet
- Mounted with 16 × 20 inch mat
$1750 NZD
Multi-pet portraits quoted individually
Your Companion in Coloured Pencil
If you'd love a custom drawing of your pet, read through the photo guidelines below, then send me a few photos to get started.
Choosing the Right Photo
Clear, high-resolution reference photos help me capture the expression, personality, and little details that make your companion feel like them. The more reference photos you can provide, the better — multiple images often give me a fuller understanding of markings, colours, and personality.
Examples
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✓ Great Reference Photo
An excellent example. Taken indoors with the dog facing towards natural light (with no flash used), the photo is captured at her eye level and includes her full head in frame. The image is sharp, close-up, and in focus, allowing me to see the sparkle in her eyes and the subtle colour variations in her coat.
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✕ Less Suitable Reference Photo
This photo is more dull, slightly blurry, and her head is not quite fully in frame. I can’t clearly see the texture in her fur, details in her nose, or the colour of her eyes.
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✓ Great Reference Photo
This is a great example. Taken outdoors in soft overcast light and at the cat’s eye level, the image is close-up and sharply focused on the face. I can clearly see his eyes and fur details.
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✕ Less Suitable Reference Photo
Here, the cat is facing away from the sun, creating harsh shadows across his front. This makes the image appear duller, and it's harder to see his facial details. A photo of him facing towards the light would create a stronger reference photo.
✓ More Good Examples

Not sure whether your photos will work? Feel free to send them through to me at info@joanneboweartist.com — I'm always happy to take a look and provide direction if needed
Common Questions
Can more than one pet be included?
Yes. Multiple pets can be included in a custom pet portrait, although this may depend on the size and composition of the artwork. Larger size portraits generally allow more space for multiple animals.
Can you work from old photos?
Sometimes. For the best results, I prefer clear, high-quality digital reference photos, as they allow me to capture the detail, expression, and personality that makes your custom pet portrait feel truly special.
Older or lower-quality photos can sometimes be used, but the final artwork will always be limited by the detail available in the reference image. If you're unsure, feel free to send through what you have and we can discuss whether it’s suitable.
How long does a pet portrait take?
Timeframes vary depending on the size and detail of your portrait, along with my current workload. As each custom pet portrait is carefully hand drawn, some pieces naturally take longer than others. As a general guide, smaller portraits (A5) are often completed within around 1 -2 weeks from the start date.
I’ll discuss an estimated timeframe with you before beginning and keep you updated throughout the process. If your portrait is needed for a special occasion such as Christmas or a birthday, I recommend getting in touch as early as possible.
How do payments work?
A 40% deposit is required before I begin your portrait, with the remaining balance due once your portrait is complete. Payments can be made via bank transfer, credit card, or PayPal for both New Zealand and international customers.
Deposits are non-refundable once work has begun, as they secure your booking and cover time spent planning and creating your artwork. Final payment is required before your completed artwork is shipped. If you'd prefer to pay in installments, feel free to get in touch and we can discuss possible options.
Is framing included?
Framing is not included with my custom pet portraits; however, every artwork is mounted and ready to frame. I generally recommend professional framing for the best presentation and long-term protection of your artwork.
If you'd like me to organise framing for you at an additional cost, feel free to get in touch and we can discuss options. Please note that framed artworks can currently only be shipped within New Zealand.
What kind of pets do you draw?
I create custom dog portraits, cat portraits, and drawings of other animals too. Dogs and cats are the most common, but I also occasionally draw horses, cows, rabbits, and other beloved companions.
Can I commission a different animal or subject?
Yes. While many of my commissions are the usual pets, I’m also open to other animal subjects, selected wildlife, birds or flora. If you have an idea in mind, feel free to get in touch and we can discuss whether it’s the right fit.
At this stage, I don’t currently offer people portraits or full landscape commissions. If you'd like to get a feel for the type of work I create, you can explore my collection of work here.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. I offer both New Zealand and international shipping for my custom pet portraits. International shipping costs vary depending on location, so shipping will be quoted individually before confirming your commission.
I offer free New Zealand shipping for pet portraits.
Who owns the copyright to the artwork?
Copyright of all commissioned artwork remains with the artist. While your custom pet portrait becomes yours to enjoy and display, I retain the right to share images of the artwork for my portfolio, website, and social media. Your portrait is created as a one-off original piece and will not be reproduced or offered as public prints.
If your portrait is intended as a surprise gift, memorial piece, or you’d prefer it not to be shared online, just let me know and I’m always happy to discuss timing or privacy requests.
Ready for Your Custom Pet Portrait?
Send through a few reference photos along with the size you're interested in and any questions you may have, then I can guide you through the next steps.
All images and website text are protected under copyright © Joanne Bowe 2026 and may not be reproduced in any form.
