Debbie Steele Art

Pet Portrait Artist

Heartfelt pet portraits that capture the soul, spirit, and story of your beloved companion.

About the Artist

Houston based, Debbie Steele is a passionate self-taught artist known for her stunning pet portraits, created with artist-grade, lightfast colored pencils. Drawing inspiration from the unique personalities and characteristics of each animal, she tries to capture each pet with remarkable detail and vibrancy.

Her journey into art began as a personal endeavor, a way to connect with her own pets and express her love for animals. Over time, her talent blossomed, leading her to focus on creating lifelike representations that resonate deeply with pet owners. Each portrait is a labor of love, meticulously crafted to ensure that the final piece not only reflects the animal’s physical traits but also conveys its spirit and individuality.

Using only the highest quality colored pencils, ensures durability and vibrancy in her artwork. The choice of lightfast materials ensures that the colors remain vivid and true over time, providing lasting keepsakes that can be cherished for generations.

Through her portraits, she captures moments of love, loyalty, and companionship, allowing pet owners to hold onto the memories of their furry friends long after they’ve crossed the rainbow bridge.

Debbie limits herself to just a few commissions each month, allowing her to concentrate fully on each portrait and maintain its authenticity.

Pet Portraits

Portrait Preparation Guide

Lighting

Good lighting is key to a great pet portrait. Natural light is often the best choice, as it creates a soft, flattering effect. Aim for early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is golden and diffused. If shooting indoors, position your pet near a window where natural light streams in. 

Eye Contact

I must be able to see the eyes. You know the animal from their eyes.

The eyes are the window to the soul, and this is especially true for pets. Capturing direct eye contact can create a strong emotional connection in your portraits. Try to get down to your pet’s eye level; this perspective can help highlight their expressions and personality. Use treats or toys to grab their attention and ensure they are looking directly at the camera. The sparkle in their eyes can truly bring the portrait to life.

Contrast

The quality, lighting and composition of the reference photos has a direct relation to the quality of the finished portrait. I prefer photos with high contrast and detail, nice darks and lights.

Poses

Several photos are best to ensure color, character, and personality. 

Here are some poses to consider:

Headshot: Capture the details of their face and expressions. This is great for showcasing their unique features.

Profile View: A side view can highlight the shape and elegance of your pet. It’s especially effective for breeds with distinctive profiles.

Debbie’s Work is more than just art; it’s a celebration of the deep bond between humans and their pets, one portrait at a time.

Her portfolio showcases a diverse array of pets, from dogs and cats to rabbits and even frogs, each portrait infused with her love for animals. She works closely with clients to ensure that their vision is realized, often incorporating personal elements that make each piece uniquely meaningful.

Contact

I’d love to hear from you about your pet portrait inquiry! I aim to reply to all emails within 24 hours. If you haven’t heard back after a few days, feel free to follow up.

Best,
Debbie