Custom DOG Portraits
by Zann Hemphill
Welcome to my gallery of dog portraits, paintings I’ve made by hand using traditional oil-on-canvas techniques in my Canadian studio. I create unique, handmade dog art from photos and would love to paint your pup for you!
PROCESS
I paint dogs from photos
To get started with a custom dog portrait, send me a picture of your pup and then we can work on a composition together. You can use the contact form below, or email me at pawsbyzann@gmail.com
If your images aren’t lit or cropped how you’d like, that’s ok! Because an oil painting of your dog might be the right answer. Paintings allow you to keep the parts you love from an image – and take the rest to the next level. I’ll work with you so you get exactly what you’re looking for.
HOW IT WORKS
1. Send me a photo
I paint dogs from photos, so send me your favourite and tell me all about your pup.
2. Choose a size
Then I’ll work with you to make the composition just right based on your image.
3. Give Feedback
You’ll get updates as I paint so you can see the whole process—usually 1-3 weeks.
4. Enjoy!
Your oil portrait will arrive ready to display and brighten your day.
Orders
Please note I'm on maternity leave this fall.
I may be able to fit a couple more paintings in before I’m due in November, and if not I’ll give you a timeline estimate for 2024.
There’s no cost or commitment to joining the waitlist, but it would help me plan my year if you could include the size you’re thinking (info in the form) and a reference image that’s close to what you’re looking for.
Thank you for your patience!
























DOG PORTRAIT PAINTING videos
Paws By Zann on YouTube
To share more about how I work, I’ve put together a series of custom dog painting videos. You can find a more complete collection on YouTube, but these go through the basic steps I follow to ensure each pet painting comes out looking just right.
My custom dog portraits are all painted using traditional oil-on-canvas techniques. To start, I render a basic sketch of my subject, and then work up layer by layer, paying careful attention to lighting and form. It’s important to get these basics in before getting distracted by detail, so the final piece feels realistic and lifelike.
If you have questions about getting a painting of your dog from photos, get in touch! I’d love to go through the process with you and talk about the many options.