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Emma Keys Portrait Artist

Fine Art Pet & People Portraits

Hand-Drawn and Painted from your photographs

by Emma Keys

UK based portrait artist creating bespoke charcoal, pencil and watercolour commissions.

Limited Valentines portrait commissions

A thoughtful Valentine's gift - bespoke fine art portraits created from your photos.

Each commission is carefully drawn or painted by hand, with a focus on expression, character and the details that matter most. 

Valentines commissions are limited to ensure each piece receives the time and care it deserves.

Charcoal & Pencil Portraits

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 a quiet simplicity to both, just light, shadow and patience. 

I also work in pencil when a piece calls for finer detail, softness and subtle line. The choice between charcoal and pencil is guided by the subject, the photograph and the feeling the want the portrait to have.

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.

FAQs can also be found on here.

Every portrait is completely hand-drawn from your photos.

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.

Charcoal portrait pricing

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. 

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 work with professional watercolour materials to ensure each portrait 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.

watercolour portrait pricing

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

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.

Collie watercolour painting_edited.png

How it works

Ordering your portrait is simple and personal from start to finish — no forms, no fuss, just a real conversation.

  1. Send your photos — clear, well-lit photos give the best results (I’ll always help you pick the best one).

  2. Choose your size and preferred  style — I'll help guide you if you are unsure.

  3. Pay a 25% deposit — this secures your booking in my schedule.

  4. 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.

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