Commissions and Comments
A portrait of a much-loved horse or dog can be a gift to treasure.
Anne works mostly in the medium of pastel, although some pieces include a mixture of pastel and charcoal. Because of the nature of these media, most portraits are supplied mounted, under protective glass and framed according to your preference.
Anne much prefers to meet the subject of the portrait, get an impression of his or her personality, and take some photographs as resources for the painting. However, if this is not possible, she can work very successfully from existing good quality photographs taken at suitable angles and supplied by the client. Please contact Anne for more information or to discuss your ideas for a painting.
Client Comments
Anne’s clients have very kindly taken the time to pass on their thoughts and the reactions of friends and family upon receipt of their commissioned paintings. All these comments are very much appreciated.
“Thank you so much — I’m thrilled with the picture! You really have got the subjects to a ‘T’. I’m amazed!”
Sarah Hobbs, Sandhill, Somerset | www.pjhobbs.com
commissioned composition of pony and cat “Chico and Ben”
“I commissioned Anne to paint Willie, our dog, having lost him in an accident in May this year. I could hear David opening the well wrapped box for a bit and then silence; he started to cry. It really is the most lovely likeness of a once in a lifetime dog. Every now and then I catch him looking at it and smiling.”
Henrietta Egan, Corduff Stud, Co Kildare, Ireland
commissioned painting of “Willie”
“Thank you for doing such a wonderful job with the picture — as I said, it is beyond me how you are able to capture the different personalities of the three ladies, but you have done so perfectly and exceeded all my expectations.”
Philippa O’Brien, Newmarket — commissioned portrait of three Thoroughbred mares
“We are loving Trixie’s portrait and getting super reaction from family and friends who have known the minx as long as we have! Thank you very much!”
Louise McCartan, Ireland — commissioned portrait of terrier “Trixie”
“So, so pleased with the fantastic portrait. You have captured the true essence of our mad, mixed up rescue boy :) His eyes tell his story more than any photo ever could. Thank you! By spending time with Max you have managed to capture his personality in a way that a thousand photos could never do. It really is Max.”
Sarah & John Smith, Cambridgeshire — commissioned portrait of “Max”
“When the portrait was unveiled I was amazed. The likeness is truly astounding and I think you have captured his personality perfectly. To say I was speechless would be an understatement. We both love it and it gives us immense pleasure to have it.”
Andrew Warburton, Cambridgeshrie — commissioned portrait of Spaniel “Winn”
“It took me many months to find the right artist to paint our elderly Labrador, Orlagh, for a surprise present for my husband’s 50th birthday. I read all Anne’s website reviews and they are completely right — she has totally captured our old lady, managed to find all her quirks and characteristics, and has produced such an individual portrait. Amazing. Exactly what I wanted! All our family and friends are speechless when they see it.
I would 100% recommend Anne to deliver a portrait that you will look at for many years to come and see that familiar loving face looking right back at you. Plus Anne is very good at keeping a present a secret and totally reliable and professional from the initial meeting right through to the end product. I can’t thank her enough.”
Sarah Martin, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of Yellow Labrador “Orlagh”
“The portrait of Keeley was absolutely spot on! A wonderful surprise for my daughter’s birthday. Thank you for making the whole process so easy; you have an amazing talent and the picture made a wonderful gift.”
Marion Webber, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of sheepdog “Keeley”
“My mum and dad absolutely loved the picture and it has pride of place in the living room. Thank you so much for capturing Peggy Sue perfectly.”
Kimberley Judkins, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of Saluki Lurcher “Peggy Sue”
“We absolutely adore the picture and the more we look at it the more incredible it is — you have managed to capture exactly the two characters of both of them and I know how difficult it is, particularly with hairy Westies. Needless to say we are thrilled with it.”
Ann Lewis, Berkshire — commissioned portrait of terriers “Lettuce and Pickle”
“We are truly thrilled with the portrait of Mouse; thank you so much. It looks perfect in the sitting room and when TV is boring I can gaze at her without anyone noticing!”
Diane Smith, Norfolk — commissioned portrait of Jack Russell “Mouse”
“The portrait was a great hit with Charlotte — her little face and squeal of excitement when she opened it was delightful! It has pride of place in the living room.”
Claire Thomas, Cambridgeshire — commissioned portrait of pet rabbits “Benjamin and Peter”
“Thank you, Anne, for portraying my mother’s horse so accurately — you really captured his character and spirit. It’s such a true likeness of him and we were thrilled to present it to her for her birthday. It has pride of place in the house! Thank you once again — it could not have turned out better.”
Georgina Alexander, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of half TB horse “Quinn”
“We are delighted with your painting of our cottage. It’s a great piece and a fantastic thing to treasure. We have loads of photos of Hillands, but they can never be the same. You have captured the beauty and the peaceful spirit of the place. The framing is excellent too and the piece will look great in our new house. Have to commission you for that too, once we are there and have had the front re-painted!”
Adrian McGlynn, Bedfordshire — commissioned painting of thatched cottage “Hillands Cottage”
“Thank you so much for the wonderful portrait of Athenian — we are absolutely thrilled with it. The likeness and attention to detail is quite remarkable and you have captured her personality and, above all, her temperament perfectly. It will serve as a permanent reminder of a very special horse, our first experience of ownership and of the exciting journey we had with Athenian over the last 4 years.”
David Andrew, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of racehorse Athenian “Athenian”
“How do we start to thank you for such a wonderful likeness you have achieved of our Harley? We enjoyed meeting you and are thrilled with the final result. It has pride of place in our lounge where it can be seen by everyone who visits. We will not hesitate in recommending you to all our friends.”
Carolyn & John Conway, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of Yellow Labrador “Harley”
“Thank you so much for the portrait of Bumbles. Torben absolutely loved it and has hung it in the sitting room at home — it looks perfect.”
Arabella Reeve, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of spaniel “Bumbles”
“I cannot begin to say how pleased we are with the portrait of our dog, Fudge, painted by Anne. She just got her spot on — even the way her ears slightly curl up at the tip. We are very happy customers.”
Alison Ryan, Newmarket — commissioned portrait of Norfolk Terrier “Fudge”
“Helen was delighted with the picture and everyone we showed it to was wowed by it. It must be great to have a talent such as yours.”
Michael Lynch, Cambridgeshire — commissioned portrait of cob “Mojo”
“Romeo and Izzy looking just like Romeo and Izzy — We love this so much. Thank you Anne.”
Michelle Saunders & Ryan Moore, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of pugs “Romeo & Izzy”
“Thank you very much indeed for Penny’s portrait. Apart from the meticulous detail and colouring, you have captured her character so well. The painting is hung and already much admired. We will treasure it. ”
George Walker, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of Yellow Labrador “Penny”
“I want to say what a fantastic job you’ve made of capturing my dogs and how much I love the painting.”
Matt Whiteford, Northamptonshire — commissioned portrait of Patterdale Terrier and Lurcher “Flint and Lily”
“After some six months of carefully storing your portrait, we were able to hand it to our son and his partner last Sunday. Not surprisingly they were as delighted as we were. I watched my son’s face intently as the picture was unwrapped and his pleasure was absolute! They immediately compared the dogs to your picture and were totally bowled over by the accuracy of the eyes, fur and whiskers! So, once more, David and I send you our thanks for a job exceedingly well done.”
Doreen Scriven, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of Jack Russells “Jimmi, Jacques and Jojo”
“Thanks very much, Anne, for the beautiful portrait of my dogs, Luna and Bruto. Moreover, you have been able to portray their personalities so that I will always have them with me.”
Giunio Bruto Cherubini DVM, DECVN, MRCVS | Cambridgeshire — commissioned portrait of two standard poodles “Luna and Bruto”
“Thank you so much for the amazing picture of Lucy — we’re delighted with it. You’ve managed to capture her perfectly despite her dislike of staying still for more than a minute or two and we can’t thank you enough.”
Sarah & John Smith, Cambridgeshire — commissioned portrait of Black Labrador “Lucy”
“Thank you so much for capturing Fern’s personality in such a unique way through your excellent artistic skills. A brilliant picture — I couldn’t have asked for a better 18th birthday present for my daughter. She loves it and has already given it pride of place. Once again, thank you so much.”
Annmarie Davey, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of “Fern”
“I approached Anne to do a portrait of Percy, our family dog, for my dad’s 60th birthday. She captured Percy’s characteristics perfectly and my dad was overwhelmed by the finished result!”
William Crack, Essex — commissioned portrait of Miniature Schnauzer “Percy”
“We both are delighted with Biscuit’s portrait. You have really captured his personality but with just a hint of his reticence. Comes of being the smallest dog in the litter I suppose!! The great thing is I now have my handsome boy forever.”
Colleen McGill, Essex — commissioned portrait of Vizsla “Biscuit”
“I was so touched that my husband wanted to give me such a wonderful gift for our 25th wedding anniversary, but the finished result surpassed all expectations. I was concerned that no artist would be able to see what I see in him, but you captured exactly not just his likeness but his spirit and character. Paddy means the world to me — I have been so lucky to have him, so to have him immortalised so beautifully by you is the perfect tribute to a perfect friend. At 24 years old he cannot be with me forever, and I know this portrait is going to come to be even more precious one day.
“Your courtesy, kindness, understanding and professionalism were faultless throughout, Anne, and I very much hope we will be able to ask you to paint for us again in the not too distant future. ”
Diane Smith, Norfolk — commissioned portrait of Connemara Pony “Paddy”
“Am writing to express my thanks and admiration for creating the portrait of Dino. Uncannily lifelike. When in years to come he has sadly gone I shall always have your brilliant portrait to remind me of him.”
Nigel Heath, Cambridge — commissioned portrait of Ridgeback “Dino”
“We have just given our daughter her birthday present of Lily’s portrait. It was greeted with total silence for 30 seconds (this was very unusual!). Then she quietly said, "It is brilliant — I just can’t believe how totally Lily it is". The whole family are thrilled and we are very grateful to you for giving them such pleasure.”
Carol Gardner, Cambridgeshire — commissioned portrait of Miniature Schnauzer “Lily”
“I am thrilled with the picture — it has certainly exceeded my expectations and caught all Bali’s features quite brilliantly. It has been a joy dealing with you from the early photographic experience right through to delivery of the finished product.”
Evelyn Faber, Lambourn, Berkshire — commissioned portrait of Labrador “Bali”
“The picture looks fantastic — it’s remarkable how much they look like Monty and Rosie! We are really pleased with it.”
Maria Calvy, Essex — commissioned portrait of Miniature Schnauzers “Monty and Rosie”
“The picture of Bethany has taken pride of place in my brother’s living room — he was so impressed with it. I still cannot believe the likeness you achieved — it really is amazing — and thank you so much for helping to make this present so special.”
Faye Enefer, Norfolk — commissioned study of Limousin cow “Bethany” and her calf
“Thank you for capturing and recreating such a wonderful impression of Papagena.”
Martin Owen BVSc MRCVS, Cambridgeshire — commissioned portrait of Bull Mastiff “Papagena”
“I gave this portrait of our dog Jack as a wedding present to my fiancé. We were both overwhelmed by how much the picture looked like Jack; the detail was amazing. Thank you so much.”
Rachel Todd, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of Patterdale/Jack Russell “Jack”
“We are delighted with the painting of our dog, Murray. Anne’s attention to detail managed to capture not only his physical appearance quite beautifully but also the very essence of Murray’s personality. Highly recommended.”
S Iron, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of Cockapoo “Murray”
“Thank you again so much. What you have done is fantastic. I wish I had just an ounce of the talent and skill that you have. Just incredible.”
Alastair Pawsey, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of dogs “Cato and Mouse”
“Thank you Anne — the birthday girl was delighted with your picture of Slipper and Pickle. You have them both down to a T!”
Nigel Wright, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of terrier and lurcher “Pickle and Slipper”
“Mum adores the picture of the dogs — she has hung it in pride of place so that when you walk into the kitchen it beams out at you. She was so touched and I can’t tell you how much joy this painting has brought to the whole family.”
Sophie Hughes, Cambridgeshire — commissioned portrait of terriers “Fidget and Trouble”
“We are so pleased with the likeness and character of Fudge that you have managed to show in the portrait. You had such a short time with him but you have captured the details perfectly — thank you very much! What a talented lady you are!”
Tracey Baxter, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of Spaniel “Fudge”
“Thank you so much for the beautiful portrait of Joe. You’ve captured his character so well, and I will treasure it forever.”
Polly Salmon, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of Irish Draught x Thoroughbred horse “Joe”
“Thank you so very much for the beautiful painting of our beloved Tess, which has really captured her!”
Dr Alison Yeatman, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of Black Labrador dog “Tess”
“Thank you so much for the portraits of Alfie and Billy. Pete was so happy with his present and the portrait has had lots of ‘in awe’ praise on how well you have captured Alfie and Billy’s characters. How talented you are! Pete has put the portrait in pride of place in our lounge for us all to admire. Thank you again for your talent, time and patience in creating such a treasured gift as an everlasting memory of our dear boys.”
Anne Janes, Suffolk — commissioned portrait of Miniature Schnauzer and Cairn x West Highland Terrier “Alfie and Billy”
“You have thrilled us with the portrait and exceeded all expectations; you should feel so proud of the quality of your work. I’m so glad I waited until now to have the portrait commissioned rather than when Harry was relatively young — you have not only captured his likeness but also Harry’s personality. The entire process has been a complete pleasure and please accept our warmest thanks and appreciation.”