Welcome! I’m Melanie, a classically trained artist with over 25 years of experience, specializing in bespoke pencil portraits of dogs, cats, and horses. My work is highly sought after worldwide, with each portrait meticulously hand-drawn to capture the soul and character of your beloved pet. Due to the level of detail and craftsmanship involved, I accept only a limited number of commissions each year, ensuring every piece is a true work of art, created exclusively for you.
We will work together to design a portrait that's perfect for you, your family and your home. Capture that special moment in your pets life with all of your memories held within one drawing.
If you are new to the commissioning process, I hope that my website will be a good starting point, however you can always drop me a message if you have any questions. I am always happy to help out and give guidance where needed.
The first thing to do is find photos of your pet that really captures them well and send them along to me. If you need advice on capturing the perfect photograph for your portrait, my Photography Tips page offers lots of insights to help you take or send the perfect photo.
For a step by step guide on how to commission one of my bespoke pencil pet portraits, visit my Commission Info page. Finally if you would like to get in touch, please feel free to either via the Whatsapp buttons on my website, or drop me an email.
"I'm stunned by those photos of the portrait, they are fantastic. You have such a talent! I think my husband will be thrilled when he sees it. We both miss Beano very much still even though it's 9 months since he died. He was such a character and you've captured that perfectly in the drawing. "
Graphite pencil has long been my preferred medium, offering the perfect balance to create realistic yet subtly delicate portraits of animals. It is a timeless, classic choice, ideal for capturing the grace of each subject on my drawing board. Visit my galleries below to see some of my previous commissions.
Pencil Portraits Gallery
Latest Pencil Gallery
Having been professionally trained in the south of the UK in wildlife illustration, I moved back to rural Wales with my husband, Nicholas Beall, a well known oil pet portrait artist, to start my own business in pencil pet portraits. I live in a 300 year old cottage which we renovated ourselves, with our Tibetan Terrier Lily and three pet chickens. Read more about me....
Each portrait I create is a bespoke piece, meticulously crafted to capture the unique essence of your wonderful companion. Due to the time and dedication involved, I will only be accepting 10 to 15 commissions in 2025. Availability is limited, so if you are considering a portrait or have a specific date in mind, I recommend securing your spot as early as possible. Visit my prices page for an overview, or contact me directly to discuss your specific requirements and to receive a bespoke quote.
Our art studio is nestled amongst the trees in our garden. It is a peaceful retreat where each portrait is created with care and precision. We are surrounded by nature and this tranquil space allows me to focus entirely on bringing each pet’s unique character to life in pencil. Come on down our garden and take a look for yourself...
If you’d like to commission a portrait, have any questions, or discuss your ideas, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out via email or WhatsApp, and I’ll personally guide you through the process.
There is always a story behind every commission that I receive. Every family loves or have loved their pets devotedly, just like I do with my dog Lily. So it's truly my honour to work with everyone who commissions me.
I feel as though I spend a lot of time with my clients pets getting to know them. They sit with me on my drawing board while I take the time needed to bring them to life on my paper.
Sandra commissioned a 16" x 12" pencil portrait of her family dog, Brodie, especially as a gift for her husband Dave. Brodie was a joy to draw, especially all those wonderful curls. Once framed, Sandra shared a beautiful photograph of the portrait framed, with Dave and Brodie together. Read Sandra's words below.
"Hope you are both well and being kept busy in the studio. We finally got Brodie framed and are delighted with the finished article. We went for a darker frame with a touch of gold which looks really nice with the pencil drawing. It really does look beautiful on the wall and your work has been admired by all our visitors. My husband really loves the picture and is amazed how you have captured the likeness of Brodie from the photo. Thank you again for all your help and advice."
With over 25 years of expertise, I create timeless, hand-drawn portraits that capture the unique essence of your special friend. My drawings are meticulously crafted as a one-of-a-kind pieces. Truly personal works of art.
I accept only a limited number of commissions each year. If you would like to secure a portrait, please explore my gallery and contact me via WhatsApp or email. I look forward to creating something truly special for you.