Portrait
Commissions
Hand-Painted Watercolour & Charcoal Portraits
by Emma Keys
There’s something special about watching a blank sheet of paper come to life.
That slow build of colour, the soft pencil marks, the moment a face or a favourite pet suddenly appears — that’s the magic I chase every time I paint or draw.
Each portrait I make is completely bespoke, drawn or painted from your photographs
with hours (and plenty of tea) behind every brushstroke.
Whether it’s your dog, horse, cat, or the people you love most, I pour the same care and attention into every single one — making sure it feels personal, not just “a nice likeness.”
I work in both watercolour and charcoal/pencil, depending on the look and feel you want.
Watercolour brings softness, colour, and warmth — while charcoal captures expression, light and soul in beautiful simplicity.
Every piece is hand-painted, signed, and created to last a lifetime.
How it works
Ordering your portrait is simple and personal from start to finish — no forms, no fuss, just a real conversation.
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Send your photos — clear, well-lit photos give the best results (I’ll always help you pick the best one).
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Choose your size and style — watercolour or charcoal/pencil, depending on the tone you’d like.
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Pay a 25% deposit — this secures your booking in my schedule.
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Sit back while I paint! — I’ll keep you updated and send a photo before it’s packed up and ready to post.
My waiting list usually runs around 3 - 6 Months, depending on the season, but I’ll always give you a rough timescale before you book. If its for a special occasion I will always try to fit you in if I am able.
Charcoal
Charcoal was the first medium I ever fell in love with ( I was about eleven) and it’s held its place ever since. There’s something about the simplicity of it that still feels grounding: just light, shadow, and patience.
My charcoal and pencil portraits focus on tone, texture and expression. I build them up in soft layers to capture that sense of depth — the way fur catches the light, or how a face softens in shadow.
Below you will find sections for Charcoal and Watercolour along with price guides and information. If you would like to get a custom quotation please contact me on 07939943387 or fill in a contact form here.
Every portrait is completely hand-drawn from your photos with the same care and attention I give to my painted work.
Prices are in the table below, all work comes mounted set and ready to frame unless otherwise requested.
A simple base area (grass, blanket or cushion) can be added for £60–£80.
For other more complex backgrounds these are quoted on an individual basis.
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Watercolour
Watercolour came into my life much later — after years of working in charcoal — but it completely changed the way I see colour, light, and movement. There’s a looseness to it that invites you to let go of perfection and capture the feeling of a moment instead.
Each piece begins as a gentle sketch before I start layering transparent washes of paint. Bit by bit, the subject starts to appear — fur, skin, light, and shadow taking shape through colour. It’s a process that feels alive and deeply personal every single time.
Whether it’s a beloved pet, a family portrait, or a special gift, every painting is designed to feel warm, expressive, and full of life. I use the highest-quality watercolour papers and paints to ensure your portrait lasts for generations.
All pieces come professionally mounted and ready to frame, with the option to add a simple wash background or soft base (grass, blanket or cushion) for an extra touch of realism.
Recent Reviews
"I commissioned Emma to do a portrait of my two little kittens and she did not disappoint. We met at Clark’s Village and discussed what I wanted in detail and once I sent the photo over, the turnaround was quick. The other amazing thing was being able to watch the picture unfold before my eyes on her TikTok Live streams. Absolutely brilliant 😻😻
I was so happy with the results" - Lee
"I commissioned a charcoal portrait of my boxer cross Poppy, and was delighted with it. The detail and capture of Poppy’s likeness was outstanding.
I was so taken with it that I had another of my partners Westies. Another beautiful charcoal drawing.
I would thoroughly recommend Emma. Top artist."- John