• Lemon

    Lemon

  • Henri

    Henri

  • Sadie

    Sadie

  • Colorful painting of a smiling dog with floppy ears and blue background.

    Bentley

  • Colorful close-up painting of a dog's face with an open mouth and tongue out.

    Hugo

  • Sally

    Sally

  • Cha-Cha

    Cha-Cha

  • Barney

    Barney

  • Carlisle

    Carlisle

  • Fred Moose Maple

    Fred, Moose & Maple

  • Daisy

    Daisy

  • Pongo

    Pongo

  • Missy

    Missy

  • PeeJay

    PeeJay

  • Wanda

    Wanda

  • Basil

    Basil

  • Rusty

    Rusty

Bringing Your Pet’s Personality to Life on Canvas

I specialise in creating vibrant, unique portraits of your adorable furry and feathered companions, bursting with lively colours and expressive brushstrokes in a style I affectionately call ‘expressive realism.’ Each stroke captures the essence of their charming personality quirks and emotions. The twinkle in their eye, a cheeky, mischievous grin - these elements contribute to the overall narrative, making each portrait a magical, unique, and deeply personal piece of art.

Whether it’s the loving gaze of a loyal dog, the playful antics of a curious cat, or the serene elegance of a graceful bird, my portraits bring out the unique personality of each pet. I take the time to understand their stories, habits, and favourite moments, translating those precious details onto the canvas. My goal is to create a piece that not only showcases their physical beauty but also celebrates the bond you share with them.

Pet Portrait Price List

Curious about pricing for a custom pet portrait? Ready to learn more?

Ready to take the next step?

Download and complete the Pet Portrait Questionnaire so I can gather all the details and photos I need to review your request thoughtfully. Once I’ve reviewed your submission, I’ll be in touch to confirm timing, availability and next steps.

Is Now the Right Time? Let’s Check!

Whether commissions are open or closed, you’re welcome to download the questionnaire and submit it - I’ll review every submission and let you know the next available spot.

  • Are pet portrait commissions currently open?

    No

  • When will your pet portrait commissions be open?

    August 2026

    Pet portrait commissions open a few times each year, depending on my schedule and availability. To ensure you don’t miss out, I recommend joining my Art Lovers mailing list for early access and updates on when commissions will become available again. You can also check this page regularly for the latest updates.

  • Have More Questions?

    Check out the list of questions here but if you have any others not covered, feel free to contact me. I’m happy to help!

What Clients Are Saying

I’m so grateful to have worked with wonderful pet owners who trusted me to capture the unique spirit of their beloved companions. Here’s what a few of them have shared about their experience with Penny Apple Studio:

“Thank you so much Penny, hubby absolutely loved his Daisy portrait. He was amazed how beautifully you captured her. She certainly is a masterpiece”

– Jen B. (Daisy)

“I cannot thank you enough for this beautiful painting. You captured them perfectly and I will love this painting forever❤️”

– Angela & Mark H. (Fred, Maple & Moose)

"Penny’s portrait of our dog Bella brought tears to our eyes. She perfectly captured Bella’s playful energy and those soulful eyes we love so much. It’s not just a painting—it’s a piece of our family."

– Sarah & James H. (Bella)

"I can’t stop staring at the portrait of our cat, Mavis. Penny’s use of colour and texture made the painting so lively, and it truly feels like he’s right there with us. We’ll treasure this forever."

– Emily R. (Mavis)

"The entire process was seamless and Penny kept me updated with progress photos, which made the whole experience so special. The final piece exceeded my expectations and will hold a place of honour in our home."

– Michael L. (Echo)

"Penny went above and beyond to make sure every little detail of my dog’s portrait was perfect. From his floppy ears to his soft fur, it’s as if she knew him personally. It’s a piece I’ll cherish forever."

– Mark P. (Max)

Share Your Story

I love hearing how my portraits have impacted pet owners and their families. If you’ve commissioned a portrait and would like to share your experience, I’d love to feature your testimonial here! Please email me

Various types of art surfaces including a cradled wood panel, flat MDF board, painted edge canvas, and heavyweight paper, each displaying colorful dog paintings."
Surface Options

  • 1. Review pricing and options
    Start by reviewing the current pricing, sizes and surface options in the downloadable pricelist and brochure.

    2. Complete the Pet Portrait Questionnaire
    The questionnaire guides you through selecting your preferred surface and size, sharing details about your pet’s appearance and personality and uploading 2–3 clear, well-lit reference photos. This helps me understand not just how your pet looks, but who they are.

    3. Review and acceptance
    I carefully review each submission to ensure the reference photos provided will allow me to create the best possible result. If the commission is accepted, I’ll be in touch to confirm availability and timing.

    4. Agreement and deposit
    You’ll then receive a written agreement outlining our plan along with an invoice for the 50% deposit. Once the agreement is signed and the deposit is received, I’ll begin your portrait.

    Throughout the painting process, I’m happy to make minor refinements to ensure the finished artwork feels just right. The remaining balance is due once the portrait is complete and prior to shipping.

    This process ensures every portrait is thoughtfully planned and created with care, while keeping everything clear and stress-free from the start.

    • Quality:

      I would like to see your pet clearly. Details should be sharp and visible, not blurry. Avoid pixelated or low-resolution images, as I need to see fine details like fur texture and eye expression.

    • Distance:

      Nice and close is ideal. Too far away means I will not be able to see enough detail. Be sure your photo shows any distinguishing features, marks, or scars you would like included. Aim for a head-and-shoulders shot for a close-up portrait.

    • Lighting:

      Natural lighting is best. Avoid harsh shadows or overly bright areas. Darkness, flash, and filters can make it difficult to see your pet’s colours and features accurately. Outdoor photos or ones taken near a window often work best.

    • Expression:

      A happy & relaxed pet will make a big difference to the overall result. Your portrait will capture your pet's spirit and emotion, so try to include it in your reference photo. Photos that show their natural behaviour, like playing or lounging, are ideal.

  • Finding the right surface for your artwork can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to help you select the best option for your unique vision:

    1. Heavyweight Paper (300gsm) Ideal for those who prefer framing their own pieces, this high-quality, 300gsm paper offers a smooth, vibrant surface that captures detail beautifully. Each piece is shipped flat, not rolled, to preserve its shape and make it easy to frame at home. Choose this option if you’re looking for a versatile, framable surface that allows you to personalise the final presentation.

    2. Flat MDF Panel (3mm) Perfect for standard "off the shelf" frames, the flat MDF panel provides a smooth and stable surface, great for sharp details and vibrant colours. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a professional touch with a frame but who would prefer not to invest in a deeper surface. Lightweight yet sturdy, the panel fits easily into most standard frames without the need for custom fitting.

    3. Mounted MDF Panel (4-4.5cm Deep) This sturdy, gallery-style option features a 4.5cm deep cradle, giving it a beautiful presence on the wall. The cradled wood panel has painted sides, so it’s ready to hang as-is or can be framed later by a professional. Its natural wood backing gives a slightly rustic feel, perfect for adding depth and character to any artwork, while maintaining durability and a professional finish.

    4. Canvas (3.5cm Deep) A classic choice for a timeless look, this 3.5cm deep canvas comes with painted sides, making it ready to hang right away. Canvas is perfect for those who love a traditional, textured surface and a lightweight feel. This option looks stunning unframed for a clean, contemporary presentation but can also be framed later for a more polished, gallery-ready look.

    Each surface offers a unique way to showcase your artwork, whether you’re looking for a framable piece, a ready-to-hang canvas, or a gallery-style wood panel with added depth. Choose the option that suits your space and aesthetic best!

  • Once I receive your deposit and reference photos, please allow 3-4 weeks for your portrait to be completed. This timeline includes time for drying and any final touches before shipping. I will keep you updated throughout the process.

  • Yes, I can absolutely create a portrait featuring more than one pet! Additional costs apply for each additional subject, depending on size and complexity. Please contact me for a custom quote if you’d like multiple pets included in one piece.

  • I’ll do my best to work with the photos you provide, but feel free to send a few different options and we’ll pick the best one together.

  • I offer a variety of sizes on MDF Wood Panel, Deep Edge Canvas and 300gsm Paper. For more information please see my pet portraits leaflet available for download on this page.

    If you're looking for a custom size, feel free to get in touch for a quote. I can do any size and ratio for MDF flat panel and cradled panel pieces as we custom make these to suit. Framed Deep Edge Canvas is only available in 3 sizes at this time and paper can be made any size up to A3.

    I use professional acrylic paints on MDF wood panels, deep canvases or heavyweight 300gsm paper, depending on the size and style you choose. I also use gloss gel mediums for additional texture and depth and all pieces are sealed with varnish for protection and longevity.

  • While I appreciate all forms of art, my focus is on expressive realism—a style that’s vibrant, bold and captures the personality of your pet through loose brushstrokes and dynamic colours. If you’re looking for a different style, I may not be the right fit. I’m passionate about bringing out the unique spirit of each pet using my signature approach.

  • All portraits are carefully packaged to ensure safe delivery. Where possible, I use recycled packaging to minimize environmental impact. Each painting is shipped via a trackable method for peace of mind.

    I ship both domestically within Australia and internationally to selected countries. Shipping costs will be calculated based on your location and added to the final balance of your portrait.

  • If you’re working with a tight deadline, please let me know as early as possible. While I can’t always guarantee faster turnaround times due to my schedule, I’ll do my best to accommodate special requests for urgent commissions.

  • Before finalizing your portrait, I will send you a photo of the completed artwork. At this point, you can request any minor adjustments. I want you to love the final piece, and I’m happy to make small tweaks if necessary.

  • Due to the custom nature of pet portraits, I do not offer refunds once the portrait has been started. However, I will ensure you are happy with the final result through regular communication and progress updates. If you need to cancel your order before the painting process begins, your deposit may be refunded on a case-by-case basis.

  • Acrylic paintings are durable, but it’s best to display your portrait out of direct sunlight and away from extreme temperatures. For cleaning, simply dust the surface lightly with a soft, dry cloth.