Ann Seward’s Animal Portrait Commission Process

Because you want to remember your friends forever

Personally meeting each subject, wherever possible, I spend some time discussing the portrait and its framing with you. I take notes on colouring, markings, blemishes, etc. followed by a set of photographs. Having the unique ability of recognising the animals’ characters, I am able to project them into my detailed watercolour portraits.

However, if a personal meeting is not possible, I am able to work from a set of good photographs, thus enabling me to ascertain the detail and character to project into the portrait.

By building up thousands of fine brushstrokes, I capture the tactile depth of the coat and individual features, making each and every portrait an authentic, accurate and totally lifelike evocation of the subject, appearing alive to you.

Each portrait takes up to three weeks to complete.