Timeless Dog Portraits

Hand Painted in Oils by Commission.
Creating The Ultimate Dedication.

Hello, I'm Neil. I create portraits of our wonderful dog friends for clients from my studio in Cornwall, UK

Meet Neil

“As a professional artist for over a decade, I feel so lucky to be able to follow my passion for painting dogs and sharing it with other animal lovers is a dream come true”

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a collection of questions people often ask. If you have any questions please email me

How do I commission you to paint my dog?

You can begin the commission process by getting in touch on our contact page. From there, we can discuss your requirements and your quote.

How does oil paint differ from pastels/watercolour etc.?

Oil paint has a unique beauty with its sense of depth, luminosity and richness of colour that no other medium can achieve. It's perfect from the beautiful sheen of the fur to the glassiness of the eyes. It is the gold standard medium of the masters.

How long is the waiting list?

The waiting time can vary depending on busy periods. The waiting time before I start pictures is generally 1-2 months, but the waiting time will be longer at busy times of the year.As soon as you enquire about your painting I will give you an estimate on when I will begin you painting. If you have a time you need your painting by, for example if you wanted to give it as a gift. Please tell me asap so I can accommodate.

Do you work from my photos?

Yes. Your dog will look at you in a completely different way than anyone else, such is the strong bond between you both. I will base my work on one photo of your dog, although I need a lot of photos of your dog for reference so please send lots of pictures! It’s vitally important that the photo I work from is in focus as the work I create is very intricate.

Can I have a group portrait from different photos?

Of course, I can discuss with you exactly what you would like and send you a mockup for you to approve.

Can I have a bespoke size?

Every dog portrait is different and sometimes your idea won’t fit into the standard sizes, which is absolutely fine. Tell me your idea and we can chat about your requirements. I can then quote for the size you would like.

Which surface will you paint my dog portrait on?

After years of testing for the best painting surface, the canvas your painting will be painted on is a Fine Italian Linen. Chosen for its durability, strength and archival properties. The canvas I use can be hung on the wall on its own, or it can be framed.

Can I request alterations once the portrait is finished?

Yes. Once the painting is finished, I shall take a digital photo and send it to you. It is at this point that you can request any alterations you would like me to make. Once you are completely happy, I will ship the painting to you.

How much will my dog portrait cost?

You can see the prices for various sizes of portrait on my prices page

Are there any credit payment options?

Unfortunately, I don't provide any credit options.

How much is shipping?

Shipping in the UK is between £20-£80 depending on size. Shipping outside of the UK varies. For a quote on shipping, please get in contact. We take great care packing your painting to ensure it arrives perfectly.

Do you ship outside of the UK?

Yes, I can ship paintings all over the world. Don’t let distance stop you from having your wonderful dedication to your dog! For quotes on shipping, please contact me.

Commission Process

Commissioning a portrait can seem daunting, but it’s easy! I can guide you through the process step by step.

Step 1: Send me your pictures

The first step is to get in touch on our contact page. After we discuss what you would love to have painted, I will ask you to send me the photos of your dog you would like me to paint, and others for reference. It’s really important that the picture you would like me to work from is in focus.

Step 2: The Mockup

I will then begin designing the picture for you and will send you a mockup of the painting. This step enables you to see clearly what the finished product could look like and you can advise me of any changes you would like.

Step 3: Confirmation & Deposit

Once you have approved the mockup, confirmed the size of your painting and confirmed whether you would like to use the framing service, I will ask for a deposit to secure your position on my waiting list. The deposit payment is 50% of the order total.I will then provide you with an approximate date of when I expect to begin your painting.

Step 4: Your Oil Painting

Two weeks before I am scheduled to begin your painting, I will contact you to confirm everything with you. I will then begin meticulously painting your dog, from initial background brush strokes to the detail in the whiskers, to the final layer of varnish. Once complete, I will email you a photo of the painting. This is when you can request any tweaks if needed, only when you are happy will I sign my name.
I shall then invoice the remaining amount due.

Step 5: Shipping

Once the full payment has been received I begin the shipping process. We take great care packing your painting to ensure it arrives perfectly. We use a tracked delivery service and ship worldwide.I'll then wait for the painting to arrive with you, excited to hear your reaction to seeing it in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kind words from my clients

Pricing and Contact

I pride myself on giving you the best service. Personalised to you.

The following prices are to have your dog hand painted in oils on linen canvas.All prices are in pound sterling. However, we ship all over the world. So please contact us for a quote in your currency. Please note these prices do not include framing.

Oil Painting
Head & Chest

12” x 10” = £55016” x 12” = £70018” x 14” = £95020” x 16” = £120024” x 18” = £1500Bespoke sizes availableIf you require a very complex background there will be an extra charge.

Oil Painting
Full Body

12” x 10” = £70016” x 12” = £85018” x 14” = £110020” x 16” = £140024” x 18” = £1700Bespoke sizes availableIf you require a very complex background there will be an extra charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Be sure to look at the FAQ Section as well as there is lots of information you may be looking for.

Shipping

Tracked shipping in the UK is £20-£80 depending on size.International shipping is also available.
For a quote please get in contact.

About Payments

A deposit is required to confirm your place on the waiting list. The remainder will be invoiced as I begin painting your picture.I accept all major credit and debit cards including Amex. You can also pay over the phone if you prefer.Please read my Terms and Conditions before ordering

Contact Neil

Let's create something wonderful

To begin your commission or if you have any questions at all please contact me anytime.

Terms and Conditions

7 Day Money Back Guarantee:
If you would like to cancel your commissioned painting within 7 days of ordering, you will receive a full refund.Cancellation Before the Painting Begins:
If the client needs to cancel their commission before I begin painting the portrait, then they must pay a £100 cancellation fee which covers mockups, transaction fees and administration costs. If the client has already paid a portion or the full amount of the portrait cost, this will be refunded minus the £100 cancellation fee.Cancellation After Painting Commences:
If the client requests cancellation once work commences on the painting I retain 50% of the final fee, to cover time and cost of materials.Changes to the Final Painting:
Once the painting is complete I will send the client a good quality photo of the final painting for approval. This is when the client can advise of any changes they would like. I strive to make every client completely happy with their portrait. However, if I cannot resolve the issue with the painting, clients can choose to have a 50% refund and refunded delivery charges.If the client would like changes once the approved painting has been shipped, the client must request them within 7 days of receiving the painting. The client must pay the delivery costs to return the painting back to the studio in its original packaging. If the client is not happy after further alterations and would like a refund, I retain the artwork for disposal and 50% of the total fee paid.Currency Exchange:
Please note that payments are in UK sterling and I can not be responsible for any loss due to exchange rate fluctuations. Deliveries outside of the UK may be subject to local import taxes, which are the customers' responsibility.Reproduction Rights:
Paintings commissioned are for personal use only and can not be used for financial gain. I own the copyright to the painting and I reserve the right to use paintings on my website and promotional material. I will not allow anyone else to reproduce your artwork for financial gain.Customers emails in whole or in part may be used as a testimonial on my website. If you would not like this, please let me know.Damage in Transit.
Every commissioned painting is packed to an extremely high standard. However, if there is damage to the painting please email me a photograph of the damage in the painting immediately. The artwork is to be returned to me at the client's cost in its original packaging. I will then paint another painting for you at no additional cost.Gift Vouchers:
Gift Vouchers are non-refundable. They are valid for 2 years and must be redeemed within 2 years of purchase.

Meet Neil

Your Personal Dog Portrait Artist

Ever since I was old enough to pick up a paintbrush I have loved both painting and animals.Text

After I received my degree in Illustration from Falmouth University, I began my art career as an illustrator working for high profile clients such as DreamWorks and the Harry Potter franchise, as well as some of the biggest publishers in the world. Throughout my career, I continued to educate myself in the practice of painting, studying the masters' secrets on how to create powerful, engaging artwork and my love of animals only grew stronger.With such a deep love of animals, I couldn’t hold back putting them, my two loves, together which is how 'Neil Price Dog Portrait Artist’ was born.I have now settled down on the coast of Cornwall with my wife Jacey, and our rescue beagle Toby, where I can paint the subjects that have both delighted and inspired me all my life... The wonderful dog.

Dogs are my perfect subject. Naturally expressive, daft characters and each one entirely unique, and we have complete unconditional love for them.My goal is always to create a breathtaking work of art of your dog, as a special dedication from the heart, capturing their wonderful character and spirit.To be able to achieve this there was only one medium I could use, the medium of the masters, oil paint. It may not be the cheapest to work with but oil paint has such depth and beauty that it has to be the only choice to give our friends the dedication they deserve.

Creating Your Perfect Dog Portrait

About Neil's Approach

My goal is to create an oil painting of your dog that you will cherish forever, as the ultimate timeless dedication.

Every Dog is Completely Unique...

They each have wonderful personalities that make them individual. So every painting of a dog must be unique, as there is no 'one size fits all' in a good painting. You may want me to celebrate your dog’s frantic moments when they are tearing it up in the woods or in the sea, or you may decide on the quieter more intimate moments when they are with you relaxing.

Hand Painted in Cornwall, UK

For the very best portrait, I need to work with the very best medium. It may not be the easiest painting medium to work in but it undeniably gives the best results. From the depth of colour to the luminosity and how it can depict light, oils are the gold standard and, as our dogs mean so much to us, how could we not paint them in the medium of the masters?

My Materials

When only the very best will do

Not all paintings are created equal. For a painting as special as a dog, only the best will do. All the materials I use are archival and extremely highest quality.

The canvas I paint your picture on is very important. It needs to be durable, archival and present the paint in the best way possible. The canvas I have chosen is Italian fine linen. It has a depth of 19mm, so it fits nicely in a frame, as well as sitting on a wall on its own.Oil paint has a unique beauty, with its sense of depth, luminosity and richness of colour it lends itself to painting dogs like no other medium. I have tried countless oil paints to achieve the best visuals for my dog portraits.

Oil Paint

The oil paints I have chosen paint your portrait are professional artist's quality paint. They are the richest and most beautiful oils available and are free from any fillers that could make your painting prematurely age. They are made in small batches to ensure their high quality.The brushes I use are from many different countries. I have collected thousands of brushes over the years, distilling the very best for dog portraiture.Every brush mark tells a story, and I want that story to be a love of dogs.

From the gentle brushstrokes for the quiet, tired moments with your dog to the flowing brushwork of the manic dog in a field.

How to Photograph your Dog

For the perfect painting

Your dog will look at you completely differently to other people because they love you. This is why I work from your photos. Photographing your dog takes time and patience. Take as many pictures as you can and have fun.

Dog Photo Checklist

1. Fill the frame.
2. Get down to their level.
3. Make sure it's in focus.
4. Use natural light.
5. Have a lot of fun!

1: Fill the frame

Try not to zoom as you lose a lot of detail zooming. get in close to capture all the lovely details.For a portrait of head and shoulders:
A photo is needed of the dogs head and shoulders close and in focus.For a full portrait:
A photo that shows the entire dog and a bit of background.

2: The Pose: Getting down to their level

As we are always looking down at our dogs, our instinct is to photograph them that way. However we want to see their eyes clearly, so it’s important to photograph them on their level.Try crouching down and holding a toy or a treat to get their attention. Making a funny noise can even make their head tilt, which can be a lovely picture.For a very small dog, put them up on a table, a sofa, even the bed if they are allowed!

3: Focus: Capture the Details

The details are what makes our dogs unique, a silly expression, a particular way of holding their head.These are the things that will make your painting come alive, so it’s important that I am able to see them in your photos.A good way of getting sharp details is to use as much natural lighting as possible, but try to avoid full sunlight as it can be a bit harsh.

4: Use Natural Lighting

Natural light is the ideal light for your dog as it shows off the fur and the colours so well. Indoor lighting can look at bit flat or dark at times. Try and photograph them outside in their favourite place, like a field or a beach or position them next to a window.

Things to Avoid

Sending Facebook Pictures
Facebook heavily compresses images which loses the detail. Please send the originals.Screenshots
Screenshots usually don’t contain enough detail to work with.Don't resize the picture
Send them in the highest possible resolution.

Have Fun

Photographing your dog can be challenging, but remember you don’t have to be a professional, have fun with your dog, if the dog enjoys it you’ll get that wonderful playful expression.

How to Photograph your Dog

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