Your pet, drawn by hand. Every whisker, every look.
Pastel and coloured-pencil portraits from your favourite photo, made slowly and with care. Mounted in a white mat, ready to frame, and shipped free anywhere in New Zealand.
- From $100
- Free shipping in NZ
- An original, not a print
For the ones who aren’t with us anymore.
“In many cases the pets I draw have passed away, so I put a lot of care into creating a special memorial portrait.”
If your photo isn’t perfect, send it anyway. I’ll tell you honestly what I can do, and we can work from more than one picture to get their markings and expression right.
— Diane
Four simple steps, no rush.
Every portrait is drawn to order, so we talk first. Nothing is charged until you’re happy with the plan.
- 1
Send your photo
A clear photo in good light, where you can see their eyes, fur colour and markings. Send a few if you have them.
- 2
Choose a size
Mini for a head-and-shoulders portrait, or Standard. Both come mounted in a white mat, ready to frame.
- 3
I draw your portrait
A 50% deposit books your place, and I’ll confirm a completion date before you pay anything.
- 4
Delivered to your door
Ready in 2–3 weeks, then carefully packed and posted to you. Shipping is free within New Zealand.
Dogs, cats and much-loved characters.
Matted and ready to frame.
Every portrait is mounted in a white bevel-cut mat on backing board, sized to drop straight into a standard 8 × 10″ or 11 × 14″ frame.
Simple, all-inclusive pricing.
One pet, on a white or soft grey background. Prices in NZ dollars, including free shipping within New Zealand.
Mini
4.5 × 6.5″ portrait · fits an 8 × 10″ frame
$100
- Perfect for a head-and-shoulders portrait
- White mat on backing board
- Free shipping within NZ
Standard
7.5 × 9.5″ portrait · fits an 11 × 14″ frame
$250
- Room for more of your pet
- White mat on backing board
- Free shipping within NZ
Gift voucher
They choose the photo, you give the portrait
A card in the post, or emailed the same day. Lovely for Christmas, birthdays, or someone who has just lost their companion.
- Mini or Standard value
- They choose the size and photo
Would you like a detailed background, like a garden or a favourite blanket? That can be added to a Standard portrait, just ask for a quote. Larger sizes or more than one pet are also priced by arrangement, so send me your photos. Allow 2–3 weeks for completion.
Kia ora, I’m Diane.
I’m an artist living in the Far North of New Zealand. Most days you’ll find me painting our native birds and coastline — tūī, kōtare, kererū, the bays I walk past — or at my table with a box of pastels, working on someone’s dog or cat.
I draw with pastel and coloured pencil because it lets me build fur up in fine layers, until the eyes look back at you. Each portrait is an original, signed by me, and no two are the same.
See my nature paintingsWhat kind of photo works best?
A sharp, well-lit photo taken at their eye level, where you can clearly see the eyes, fur colour and markings. Daylight near a window is ideal. If you only have older or blurry photos, send them anyway with a few others, and I’ll let you know what’s possible.
How long does a portrait take?
Allow 2–3 weeks from when we agree the details. I’ll confirm a completion date before you pay anything, so if you need it by a birthday, just tell me when you enquire. For Christmas, please order by 30 November.
Can you draw more than one pet, or a bigger size?
Yes. Larger sizes and two or more pets together are priced by arrangement. Send me the photos and I’ll give you a price.
How do I pay?
Once we’ve agreed the details, I’ll send an invoice for a 50% deposit by bank transfer to book your place. The rest is due when the portrait is finished, before it’s posted to you.
Can I give a portrait as a gift?
Of course. A gift voucher lets the person choose their own favourite photo, which is often the kindest option for a memorial portrait.
Can I have a detailed background?
Every portrait comes on a white or soft grey background, which keeps the focus on your pet. On a Standard portrait I can also add a detailed background, like your garden or their favourite blanket. Just mention it when you enquire and I’ll include it in your quote.
Does it come framed?
Each portrait comes mounted in a white bevel-cut mat on backing board, sized to drop straight into a standard frame: 8 × 10″ for a Mini, 11 × 14″ for a Standard. You can pick a frame you love from any frame shop or homeware store.
Do you post overseas?
Shipping within New Zealand is free. Overseas postage is possible, so get in touch first and we’ll find the best option.
Have a photo you love?
Send it through with a few details. I’ll reply personally with a confirmed price and a date. No payment until you’re happy.
Start your portrait