Art inspired by

the ones who leave paw prints on our lives.

Custom graphite and watercolor pet portraits, thoughtfully created by hand to celebrate the animals you love most.

Graphite portrait of Lincoln the dog
Featured portrait
Lincoln · Graphite

Two styles. One love.

Graphite portrait of a dog
Graphite

Timeless, detailed and expressive.

Hand-drawn with graphite pencil to capture every detail, texture, and personality.

View graphite gallery →
Watercolor portrait of Summer the dog
Watercolor

Playful, colorful and full of spirit.

Loose, expressive watercolor portraits that highlight your pet’s unique personality.

View watercolor gallery →
Samantha Miller, artist behind Paw and Pencil StudioSamantha with her dog Monty at Lake Tahoe
Meet the artist

Samantha Miller

The expressions. The quirks. The little things that make them yours.

More about Samantha

A lifelong love of drawing

While pets are my passion, art has always been my language. Here are a few pieces from my sketchbook.

Graphite drawing of Gothic architecture
Architecture study
Detailed graphite drawing of a Trans Am
Classic car study
Graphite drawing of Paris and the Eiffel Tower
Paris study
Simple and thoughtful

How it works

01

Choose your portrait

Select graphite or watercolor, your preferred size, and the number of pets.

02

Send your photos

Upload clear reference photos and tell me about your pet’s personality and quirks.

03

Your portrait is created

Your custom artwork is drawn or painted by hand, one portrait at a time.

Kind words

Made to hold a memory.
Loved for years.

The greatest compliment is hearing that a portrait feels unmistakably like the pet it celebrates. These notes are shared by clients who welcomed a Paw & Pencil piece into their homes.

Drawn entirely by handCreated from your photosThoughtfully packaged
Share your experience

Have a Paw & Pencil portrait?

I'd love to hear what your portrait means to you. You can also upload a photo of the finished artwork, your pet, or both.

Every submission is reviewed before anything is published. Your email address is only used to contact you about your testimonial and is never shown on the website.

Questions, answered

Everything you need to know,
before we begin.

Commissioning a portrait should feel personal and easy. Here are the questions clients ask most often, from choosing photos to receiving the finished piece.

Still wondering?

Send me a note and I’ll personally help you decide what will work best for your pet and your space.

Ask Samantha →
Photos & preparation
What type of photo should I send?

A clear, well-lit photo taken near your pet’s eye level works best. Natural light, sharp focus, and visible eyes help me capture expression and detail. Phone photos are absolutely fine when they meet those basics.

Can I send multiple photos?

Absolutely—and I encourage it. Several photos help me understand coloring, markings, proportions, and personality. I can use one image as the main pose and others as supporting references.

Can you combine pets from different photos?

Yes. Pets do not need to appear together in the same reference photo. I can thoughtfully compose them into one portrait as long as each pet has a clear, usable image.

Artwork & approval
Are portraits created entirely by hand?

Yes. Every graphite drawing and watercolor painting is individually created by hand by Samantha. Digital tools are not used to generate the finished artwork.

Will I see the portrait before it ships?

You may request a digital proof during the ordering process. When a proof is requested, I’ll send it for your approval before the artwork is packaged and shipped.

Can small changes be made?

Reasonable adjustments can usually be made at the proof stage. Because each piece is handmade, major changes to pose or composition may require an additional fee or a new portrait.

Timing, gifts & delivery
How long does a portrait take?

Turnaround varies with portrait size, medium, complexity, and current commission volume. Your estimated timeline will be confirmed after I review your request and reference photos.

Can I order a portrait as a gift?

Yes. Custom portraits make especially meaningful birthday, holiday, memorial, and “just because” gifts. Include the occasion and your preferred date so I can let you know whether the timing is possible.

How is the finished artwork packaged?

Your portrait is carefully protected for transit and packaged with the same attention given to the artwork itself. Shipping details and any applicable costs are shown during the commission process.

Ready when you are

Have your favorite photos nearby?

Choose your medium and size, upload your references, and tell me a little about the pet you love.

Begin your portrait
Your story, thoughtfully drawn

Ready to celebrate
the one you love?

Commission a portrait