Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Order a Pet Portrait?
The first step is to get in touch. Whether you are just exploring the idea of commissioning a portrait or you are ready to go, that is the first thing to do.

How Do I Choose the Correct Photos for my Portrait?
Most likely you have a bunch of photos on your phone.. some are going to be clear, well lit, full face, “perfect” photos. Others are going to be the ones you always stop to look at, the ones that are blurry, poorly lit.. but make you laugh, smile, feel a bit teary… represent something to you that no one else would get. A bit like the difference between your passport photo, and the one of you and your bestie cuddled up, pulling faces, having a moment…
Send me the clear ones, but do send me the funny, emotional, special ones too.

How Much Do You Charge?
I create custom personalised pet portraits, and each order is unique.
Before I start, we’ll discuss and agree on all the details, including the size, style, and final price. My prices are transparent and include P&P and your luxury gift box, so there are no surprises or added costs along the way. As a guide, sketches start at £90, full-colour portraits start at £150 -for an 8”x10” piece.

What Do You Use To Create Portraits?
I always use premium, professional, artist quality materials and papers. I love colour, and will pick a couple to add to a sketch- perhaps the eye colour, a prop (like a toy, or blanket), or colours reflected on the nose, or in the fur. I am a big fan of a pink tongue. In full colour portraits, I do stay within ‘true to life’ colours, but add some less expected colours to areas, such as the nose, eyes, etc. Black and white fur tends to have colours reflected in it, and I pick these out to bring depth and character. I experiment with combinations of media, but generally sketches are colour pencils, and full colour portraits use inks, colour pencils, and small amounts of acrylic paints. Paper types are specific to the task, I generally use white papers, as they show the best colours.

What’s the difference between a Sketch and a Colour Portrait?
Each of my portraits is a unique artistic interpretation. In general, a sketch has an immediate, energetic sense of a moment in time. It’s brilliant for capturing those funny little 'only you know' expressions—a sleeping upside-down tongue out, or a knowing look across the room. They can feel contemporary and fun, or intimate and personal. A full-colour portrait is a more formal, lifelike representation. It focuses on detailed observations to capture emotion and personality, from the quiet confidence of a feline to the joyful energy of a dog. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the feeling you want the final piece to convey. I can help you decide.

Can You Draw More Than One Animal in One Drawing?
Yes, you can have as many animals as you want. However, there will be an additional charge.
I will also let you know if I feel you might be better to have separate pieces of art that compliment each other, rather than one big piece. There are examples of cat siblings in my Colour Portrait Gallery, where they worked better separately… much like their real life relationship. I sometimes also include the owner, this is always as a sketch- but the animal can still be a full colour portrait. I want your pet to be the star.

Do You Create Memorial Art?
Yes, I do. It is an honour to create memorial art, and I approach each piece with the deepest care and empathy. I understand that the loss of a beloved pet is a unique and extremely painful experience. My goal is to create a piece that is a beautiful, lasting tribute to the love and connection you shared.

How Long Do Portraits Take?
When you get in touch initially I can let you know how busy my Studio Diary is looking. When I have your photos, we have agreed on style, size, price etc, I send a deposit request, which secures your spot in the Diary. When I start work I aim to finish within 2 weeks. I then send you a pic of the finished piece, and a request for final payment. Once you are happy with the artwork, and hav paid, I will confirm delivery details, and you should receive your finished portrait within 5 working days

Can I Send A Gift Voucher?
Yes you can.
Pet Portraits make great gifts, particularly for someone grieving the loss of a beloved companion, however long its been since they passed. Being involved in the process of choosing photographs, and telling me about their best pal, can also be quite cathartic.
You can read more details about gift vouchers, or ordering a portrait as a gift here, but the quick answer is to get in touch and let me know what you have in mind.

Do you Ship Internationally?
I am happy to ship my artwork worldwide.
International logistics can be complex, and the rules for different individual countries seem to be constantly changing and evolving.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you like my art.
I can look into the specific shipping and import requirements for your country and give you a detailed quote.
Even if you aren't ready to order, I'd love to say hello and connect on Instagram.
If nothing else, perhaps we can exchange postcards.

Do you sell Greetings Cards, Prints, or Mugs?
I do not currently sell pre-made products, such as prints, cards or mugs. That is not to say I will not in the future. If there is something like this you are interested in, please let me know- even if it’s just a comment on the Insta.
Greetings Cards are something I can do as a unique hand-drawn gift- but do be aware this might be slightly more expensive than a typical card.
I occasionally create little postcards as giveaways. Instagram is the place to find out about fun things like that.

I sent you a message via your contact form, and have not heard back from you!?
The most common reason for a breakdown in communication is an email issue:
Either your email system has filtered me out completely, or sent me to spam jail.
It is also possible your email address was auto-corrected somewhere along the line, and my response to you has bounced back.
If you are able, please resend a message (double checking your email address is correct) and if you can, add an alternative contact- such as WhatsApp or your Instagram account.
If I am away, taking a break, or there is a reason I cannot respond to customers within my normal 48hrs, there will be a banner on the homepage of this site, with details, and a return date.

Are you the Linda Boucher who used to be on Brighton Seafront?
Yes, hi!
For nearly 30 years I worked in one of the old fishermen’s arches on the beach, and was a founder of the Brighton Seafront Artist’s Quarter. I am incredibly proud of my involvement in Brighton’s flagship attraction, the community we all made, and of the art I created during that time.

I now work in the studio I have created on my boat.
Painting with oils on huge canvases on the boat is a recipe for a bad time.
But I am finding new ways to connect with people through my art.
I am loving my new chapter, and the fresh creativity it has brought to me.