Oil vs Pencil Pet Portraits
Choosing between a pencil drawing or an oil painting for your pet portrait
Both pencil drawings and oil paintings offer something very special. Whether you are looking for quiet elegance or a bold centrepiece, we are here to help you choose the style that’s right for you, your pet, and your space. Below you’ll find an easy comparison to guide your decision.
Our pencil drawings are hand drawn using professional graphite on beautiful Italian paper. This medium offers a timeless and elegant look – perfect for those who love fine detail and classic simplicity. Pencil drawings are particularly good at capturing delicate fur textures, soulful expressions and soft shading.
A pencil portrait suits almost any interior and with the right framing it becomes a centerpiece in your home. They are also ideal if you're looking for a slightly quicker turnaround or a more cost-effective option.
- Detailed and Delicate: Ideal for fine lines and subtle shading
- Framed Under Glass: Keeps the drawing protected from dust and light
- Timeless Appeal: Suits both traditional and modern interiors
- Faster Turnaround: Usually quicker to produce than oils
- Budget Friendly: More affordable than oil paintings
Oil paintings are rich, vibrant and full of colour and character. Painted on linen canvas, they have depth, texture and that ‘wow’ factor. Oils take longer to create and require a little more investment, but the result is something truly enduring. An oil painting feels like a statement piece – something to pass down through generations.
Unlike pencil drawings, oils don’t need glass. The brushwork and surface textures are left open for you to enjoy, adding a tangible depth that changes in the light throughout the day.
- Vibrant Colour: Rich tones and painterly depth
- Timeless Heirloom: Oils last for centuries with proper care
- No Glass Needed: Appreciate the texture directly
- More Expressive: Ideal for atmosphere and movement
- Luxury Investment: Perfect for statement pieces
There’s no right or wrong here – it depends on your taste, space, budget and the kind of feel you want your portrait to have. A pencil portrait can feel quiet and thoughtful; an oil painting bold and glowing. We’re always happy to guide you if you are unsure.
- Love a classic look? Go for pencil.
- Want impact and colour? Choose oil.
- Need a faster gift? Pencil usually has the quicker turnaround.
- Looking for a showstopper piece? Oil all the way.
Still unsure? Just get in touch and we can talk it through. We are always happy to advise based on your photo, your room or the story behind your pet.
Life Story Pencil Drawing of Kipling by Melanie Phillips
Oil vs Pencil Pet Portraits - Frequently Asked Questions
There is no one size fits all answer, it truly depends on your preferences and vision. Pencil drawings offer elegant detail and a timeless, classic feel, ideal for intimate spaces and traditional interiors. Oil paintings bring rich colour and dramatic presence, making them perfect as statement pieces. Think about your space, budget, timeline, and the overall mood you want to create.
Pencil drawings are typically more budget friendly due to their shorter creation time and fewer material costs. Oil paintings, on the other hand, are a luxury investmen, created on premium linen canvas with professional grade oils and built up in layers over time. Both offer excellent value as bespoke, hand crafted pieces of original art.
Pencil drawings are often completed more quickly, making them a good option for tighter deadlines or special dates. Oil paintings take longer due to their layered technique and drying times between sessions. If time is limited, a pencil portrait still delivers exceptional quality with a shorter turnaround.
Both mediums capture personality beautifully, just in different ways. Pencil drawings are perfect for delicate expressions and fine details, especially gentle eyes and soft fur textures. Oil paintings use colour, light and expressive brushwork to convey warmth and presence. It all depends on how you want to remember and celebrate your pet’s character.
That depends on the feel you are after. Pencil drawings are elegant, timeless and quietly detailed – great for intimate spaces or classic interiors. Oil paintings are rich and tactile – perfect as a focal point in a room. If you are unsure, we are always happy to guide you.
Pencil drawings are ideal for intricate detail and soft shading. We can capture subtle fur textures, gentle eyes, and delicate features with incredible accuracy. Oils are expressive and beautiful but naturally looser due to the brushwork and blending techniques.
We recommend framing under glass with a mount / mat to prevent the drawing from touching the surface. Use acid-free materials and avoid hanging in direct sunlight or humid rooms like bathrooms. A good frame will protect your portrait for years to come.
Oil paintings don’t require glass – in fact, it's better to let the texture breathe. A classic open frame lets the colour and brushwork shine. You can choose ornate, traditional or simple contemporary frames depending on your style and space.
No – glass isn’t typically used with oil paintings. The surface needs to breathe and framing without glass enhances the natural depth and texture. If your space is particularly dusty or high traffic, we can advise on protective finishes instead.
Frame it as soon as possible to avoid accidental damage. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from moisture. We wrap each drawing in tissue, so it’s safe during shipping – but framing is the best long-term solution for preserving the work.
With proper care, oil paintings can last for centuries. We use professional canvas and pigments, just like traditional museum artists. Keep it dry, away from direct sun, and ideally framed – and it’ll stay vibrant and beautiful for generations.
