Most people have seen somewhere the image of a human subject posed in some way, with a portrait artist at the easel recreating the scene on canvas. It's not quite so easy for a pet portrait artist. Most pets will not remain in the same position for hours on end to allow the artist to finish the portrait. Pet portrait artists mostly work from photographs. There are some excellent pet artists out there - what distinguishes them from others is their ability to capture the personality of a pet they most likely have never seen. A really good artist will question the owner on aspects of the pet's personality - is it ornery, loving, intelligent, etc.? What is the pet's name? What breed(s) is the pet?

While every hair may not be perfect on the finished portrait, a really good artist will have captured that all-important look in the eyes. A really good artist will have a genuine love of animals, and the talent and skill to bring them to life with that unique and special look in the eyes of every one they recreate. The animal should look ready to jump in your lap and ask to be petted.