The artist behind the portraits
Hello,
I'm Sharon Woodley
Pet portrait artist · North London · Pastels & oils
I believe every pet has a story worth telling; a look, a gesture, a moment that captures who they truly are. My work is about finding that moment and painting it into something that lasts forever.
Sharon at work in her North London studio
My story
A lifelong love of animals and the art of observation
Growing up surrounded by animals, I always knew that pets are far more than companions, they are family. They carry personalities as rich and complex as our own, and they fill our lives with a kind of unconditional love that is impossible to put into words. But I have always believed it can be put into paint.
I am Sharon Woodley, a self-taught artist based in North London, and for over five years I have been creating bespoke pet portraits in pastels and oils for clients across the UK and beyond. My work begins not with a blank canvas, but with a conversation, about your pet, their quirks, the way they tilt their head, the expression they wear when they think no one is watching.
It is those small, intimate details that I live for. The glint in a pair of amber eyes. The softness of a muzzle caught in afternoon light. The way a tail curves just so. These are the things that make your pet irreplaceable, and they are exactly what I strive to capture in every piece I create.
“I don’t just paint animals, I paint the bond between a pet and the person who loves them.”
What drives my work
Authenticity
No two pets are alike, and no two portraits should be either. Every piece is wholly original, painted from scratch for you.
Craftsmanship
Painted entirely by hand using professional pastels and oils, with meticulous attention to every detail — from fur texture to the light in the eyes.
Connection
I take the time to understand your pet before I pick up a single pastel or brush. Your stories are the foundation of every portrait.
Lasting legacy
A portrait is a gift that outlives us all — a beautiful way to honour a beloved companion and keep their memory alive forever.
My process
How a portrait comes to life
Every portrait begins with a conversation. I want to know your pet, their name, their personality, the little things that make them uniquely them. From there, the work unfolds naturally, one careful layer at a time.
01
The conversation
We start with a chat about your pet, their temperament, your favourite photos, and the mood you would like the portrait to capture.
03
The painting
Working in pastels or oils, I build the portrait layer by layer, from broad washes of tone to the finest individual hairs and the light in your pet’s eyes.
05
Delivered with care
Your finished portrait is carefully packaged and delivered directly to your door, ready to frame and treasure for a lifetime.
02
Photo selection
You share your favourite photographs. I advise on which work best and may suggest combining elements from several images.
04
Review & refine
I share progress images so you can see the portrait taking shape. Your feedback is always welcome before the final details are added.
A portrait is not just a painting
Painted with love,
remembered forever
Whether your pet is with you still, filling your home with noise and joy, or whether they live now only in photographs and memory, a portrait is one of the most meaningful ways to honour them. I have had the privilege of painting beloved companions for clients across the country, and every single commission reminds me why I do what I do.
I work from my home studio in North London and take on a limited number of commissions each month to ensure every portrait receives my full attention. If you are thinking about a portrait, for yourself or as a gift, I would be truly delighted to hear from you.