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Hello and welcome to my web site. I take great pride and enjoyment in my portrait painting and I hope that you also will enjoy browsing through. I create beautiful lifelike portraits of dogs cats horses or other animals. In the gallery you will see pictures of my original watercolour, pastel, oil and pencil commissions. In the reviews you can find out more about what people think of me as a pet portrait artist.

If you like what you see you can easily commission pet portraits on line or via the post. The FAQ (frequently asked Questions) section contains some helpful hints for taking great photographs for me to work from.

Please if there is anything else you would like to know just feel free to contact me – Julie Hodgson.

About the Artist

“I aim to capture the very essence of character and beauty of my subjects from the sparkle in their eyes, to the detail of their features.”

I live and work near Norwich Norfolk.

My paintings have been purchased by clients from several countries in the world.

Apart from my commission work , my favourite subjects include local street scenes, landscapes and people. These I exhibit regularly in Local galleries and exhibitions.

Many of these are currently for sale. If you see anything you like , just ask!

The views below contain a selection of comments from my numerous satisfied clients.

THE SOCIETY FOR ALL ARTISTS COMPETITION
www.saa.co.uk

2012

In 2012 I was proud to win the Animal and Wildlife category in the SAA Artist of the year competition. My painting of Ollie and Oscar was featured in their national magazine and on their website

2021

In 2021 I was awarded a Supporting All Artists Award certificate for the painting Lonely Lockdown.

Ordering

Ordering is easy! Just e-mail or call me to discuss your requirements and I will be able to quote a firm price for you.

Pricing

A standard head and shoulders portrait is from £105.00. A portrait painted in oil will be quoted for individually.

Extras

Every finished painting includes two complimentary greeting cards of the subject and is mounted ready for framing. Please note that a mount is not required for a portrait painted in oil.

Contact

01603211827
07795562580
hodgson.ja@btinternet.com

Gallery

All
Cats
Dogs
Horses
Special

Happy Customers

My husband was over the moon when he saw the portrait of Chester and thought that he is captured perfectly
- Angela
Searching for a special birthday present and this suited perfectly. Contacted Julie initially and sent in many high quality photos as requested. Julie kept me fully updated on progress and final painting was finished within 4 weeks. Viewed and arranged for framing and collected week later. A beautiful piece of work,done with loving care and superb attention to detail and will continue to provide many happy memories of our furry family. Would highly recommend Julie without hesitation for that special piece of artwork, believe me you won't be disappointed.
- Trevor V Norfolk
I would just like to say a big thank you for the painting of Corky. It is amazing and I love it! Its great having portraits of both dogs now and they now hang side by side in the hall, so I walk past them every day. Thanks again
- Sally
We are absolutely delighted with our oil painting. We just couldn't be happier!
- Matt & Mandy in Norfolk
I thought I must write to thank you for our painting of Basil. He has pride of place in the living room ,and is so lifelike, he almost appears 3D! We both love the way you’ve caught his expression and the sparkle in his eyes! We are trying to train Basil to look at his picture and wonder if he recognises himself! I think he does! The mount and frame are so professionally done so we must add a thank you to Ernie as well. Thanks again.
- Bryan and Barbara
Dear Julie. I thought I'd just let you know that each morning I get to appreciate your hard work and talent. I come downstairs to be greeted by the painting of Oscar and say "Good morning Oscar " to it. Thank you!
- Steve
We are absolutely delighted with our picture "Rescued comrades" You have captured the very essence of our dogs. It is the life in the eyes that you have captured so beautifully, that make our dogs come to life.It will certainly be treasured for life and be a beautiful tribute long after they have gone.
- Bernie and Jackie (from Cantley, Norfolk)
Julie, a big thank you from Ariela and Morgan for their beautiful and very special pictures. They are absolutely wonderful and are to take pride of place in their nurseries, something they will treasure for ever.
- Patricia M (from Luton, Bedfordshire)
It was a fantastic present to open on my birthday because it captures her just as she is and because of how special she is to me. Your beautiful picture will be a lifetime reminder of Emmy and her kind sweet hearted nature. Thank you very much.
- Alice (from Martham, Norfolk)
Dear Julie, Nigel was absolutely ‘over the moon’ with Max’s portrait. I couldn’t have wished for him to be more pleased or surprised. Thank you.
- Tracey (from Waveney River Centre, Suffolk)
Julie, Rex was delighted with the painting of Millie. It has been much admired by friends and family.
- Ann B from (Cantley Norfolk)
Thanks for painting of Tilly. My husband was very pleased with it and the likeness is amazing. I would definitely recommend you to my friends. With thanks.
- Frances J (from Thorpe Norfolk)
The likeness is incredible! The characters of Jess and Jewell shine through. Absolutely delighted!
- Maureen W (from Luton Bedfordshire)
Thank you so much for my wonderful portrait of Sam. I have thought long and hard of how best to express my feelings and this is truly how I feel. Thank you so much. This Is my Sam. Whenever I look at him as I come through the door I feel great comfort.
- Margaret G (from Brundall Norfolk)
Julie... I just can't find words (only joyous tears!) to tell you how pleased I am with Rudi's portrait. You have not only captured accurately and precisely every last hair on his body, but somehow you have captured his spirit! His laid back nature, but with a spark of mischief and fun just ouse from the painting. He is a delight that I shall be proud of displaying in my home, and, no doubt be a wonderful memory of him long after he is gone. Many thanks....
- Hilda (from Brundall Norfolk)

Frequently Asked Questions

I would like to commission a portrait. What do I do?

Firstly you will need to decide how you would like your portrait to look and consider such things as the medium to be used, the size and whether to include a background. Think of the style, i.e. would you prefer head or full body (this applies to all Pet and People portraits). Once you have decided please contact me via e-mail or post with your request and photographs. Please see for more details

As I live near Norwich would you take photographs of my pet for me?

Yes I much prefer to do this and at no extra cost to you. It just means that I can take the most suitable poses for your painting
AND even better, I will be better able to capture the character of your pet.
Many of my Norfolk clients have taken this option.
Just contact me via e-mail to arrange this.

Could you include my children in the painting with their pony?

Yes by all means. I will also need some extra photographs. Just contact me and I will discuss this with you.

How long will my portrait take?

This can vary according to the time of year (holiday periods) or according to how busy I am with other commissions. Once I begin a portrait, it normally takes 3 weeks to complete. When you contact me I will be able to give you a more accurate timescale. If you have a short timescale then you could consider ordering a gift voucher. (See the next FAQ for more details on gift vouchers)

Do you offer Gift Vouchers?

A gift voucher is a good alternative if you have left little time to commission a portrait or I am not able to meet your deadline due to work load.

Whatever the reason it makes a truly unique gift and is perfect for Christmas, anniversaries or birthdays.

Just email me with your suggestions, special personal message and the amount you wish to spend at julie@portraitsbyjulie.co.uk.

A voucher will be valid for 6 months from the date of issue but can be extended to suit you.

How do I make sure that I get good Photographs

You may already have a memorable photograph which you can send me but if not please follow my helpful guidelines by clicking the button below.

Set your camera on the finest quality (if digital). Choose a bright day but avoid bright sunlight. This is perfect because there will be no direct glare. Try to position the subject so that the best light is behind you.
It is important to position yourself at the same eye level as the subject so that there is no distortion of view. Squat down to photograph or place the pet on a chair or slope etc.
You will have already thought about what sort of portrait and positional image you would like, so bear that in mind with the next step. It is really helpful to have someone to help motivate the animal to look alert, by enticing them with a treat or squeaking a toy etc. Capturing that split second of expression is the secret of a good photograph for a portrait painting. Take numerous shots and some close ups of the features i.e. eyes, nose and mouth, which is important for my accuracy of detail. If you live within the Norfolk area I would be happy to take the photographs for you at no extra charge but I will have to add my actual travel costs if outside a 10 mile radius of my home.
If you used a digital camera, you can either e-mail the images to me but send them as jpeg files at the resolution of not less than 300dpi if possible. Or save them all onto a disc and send by post. Photos can be mailed and I will return them to you safely with your portrait.

My pet has passed away and I wonder if my photos are suitable.

Let me see all of them because I will certainly try to help you if possible.

I want a portrait of my four greyhounds together but only have single photographs of each.

As long as each photograph shows the dog clearly, I can put them together as a group for you.

Could I have a particular background?

Yes you can have a scene or setting behind your pet which could be your garden, a beach or the sofa. Just include some extra photographs of the scene you would like. Backgrounds like this would be a more expensive option.

Can you arrange for my finished portrait to be framed?

Yes as my partner is a professional framer.

Can I see my portrait before I pay for it?

Certainly you can. On completion of your portrait, I will email a photograph to you for approval. Or I can print a copy and post it to you.

Contact

Julie Hodgson – Norfolk, UK

01603211827 or 07795562580
hodgson.ja@btinternet.com

Please use the form below to email me.
I’ll get back to you within two working days.