Capture the Spirit of Your Pet

Transform cherished photographs into bespoke, hand-painted portraits. Experience the emotional realism that brings your pet’s personality to life with exquisite watercolour and gouache artistry.

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Artistic Journey

A Journey of Artistic Dedication

Julia Pewsey is a talented Suffolk-based illustrator with over 30 years of experience in creating heartfelt animal-themed art. With formal training from the North Essex School of Art, she has spent decades honing her skills in watercolour and gouache techniques. Julia’s passion for capturing the essence of animals shines through her bespoke pet portraits, bringing not just their likenesses but also their unique personalities to life. Known for her emotional realism, Julia has built a reputation throughout Southeast England, showcasing her work at various countryside and game fairs. Her dedication to her craft reflects in her growing online portfolio, where she accepts commissions year-round.

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Julia’s Artwork

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Dogs

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What Clients Are Saying

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Thank you for the wonderful painting of my cat, Bootsie. Everybody who comes to my house says what a good likeness it is.

Mr SheadChelmsford

The attention to detail in Julia’s work is simply amazing! The We are delighted with the picture of Amber and Megan particularly as you have portrayed such a true likeness… thank you.

RosemarySuffolk

Just a line to say how delighted I was with Nookie’s portrait. It is fabulous. Thank you, it is quite literally “gob smacking”. I was speechless – you have captured her to a “t”.

JudyCambridgeshire

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I commission a portrait?

Just reach out via email, phone or contact form with your details, and I’ll be happy to discuss your ideas and preferences to begin the process.

How long will it take to complete my portrait?

Once your order is in, I’ll assess my current schedule and let you know an estimated delivery date. Typically, a single pet portrait takes around two weeks, though this may vary depending on workload, subject complexity, and time of year.

What are your delivery and framing arrangements?

Portraits are usually sent unframed to avoid risk of damage in shipping. If you’d like framing, it’s best arranged via hand delivery or collection. For posting, I recommend Royal Mail Special Delivery, and I’m happy to discuss insurance or packaging details with you.

What kind of photos do you need?

High-resolution, well-lit photos are best—particularly nice, close-up shots of the eyes. These help capture your pet’s unique expression. You can send digital images via email or upload them, or post physical prints with a stamped return envelope. Learn more tips on the Photo Tips page.

Can I include more than one pet in a portrait?

Absolutely. Separate images of each pet work fine—no need for them to appear together in a single photo. I’ll carefully compose the final artwork to harmonise them in the portrait.

What are your payment terms?

A non-refundable deposit is required to begin your commission, with the balance due upon completion. I accept PayPal, BACs or UK cheques (please allow time for clearance). If you’re not fully satisfied, we can discuss a fair partial refund reflecting the time and materials invested.

Who owns the copyright?

All commissioned pieces are for personal use only. I retain full reproduction rights for my work.

Can you work from an old or imperfect photo?

Yes—I can often work from older or less-than-perfect photos, like cherished prints or faded pictures. Just share what you have and we’ll see how best I can create a portrait that honours your pet.

Can I receive progress updates during the painting process?

Certainly! If you’d like updates, I can email you a photo of the finished portrait before final payment. If you prefer not to see it yet because it’s a surprise—just let me know and I’ll manage accordingly.

How should I care for my portrait once I have it?

To preserve your artwork:
– Avoid hanging in direct sunlight
– Keep away from high humidity or extreme temperatures (like bathrooms or conservatories)
– Detailed care tips can be provided with your portrait.

What if I need it for a special occasion or gift?

If you’re commissioning a gift or need it by a specific date, please let me know early—I may be able to adjust my schedule to help you meet your deadline.

I have another question not listed here, can I still reach out?

Absolutely! I’m always here to help. Feel free to get in touch via the Contact page or send an email directly—I’ll reply as soon as I can.

Bring Your Pet’s Personality to Life

Whether for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, capture the unique spirit, charm, and presence of your beloved companion.

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