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

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. I’m a self-taught artist, and my love of creating started when I was little—an artistic streak I happily inherited from my mom.

Over the years, I’ve drawn everything from intricate architecture to classic cars, but I found something especially meaningful in drawing animals. Pets have such distinct personalities—the expressions, quirks, and tiny details that make them completely their own—and those are the things I love most about capturing on paper.

My love for animals extends beyond my art. As a pet sitter, I’ve been lucky enough to get to know so many incredible pets and the people who adore them. Sharing my artwork with pet owners and seeing what a portrait of their companion means to them is what inspired Paw and Pencil Studio.

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.

Questions

Frequently asked

What type of photo should I send?

A clear, well-lit photo taken near eye level works best. Natural light and visible eyes help me capture your pet’s expression.

Can I send multiple photos?

Absolutely. Multiple photos are encouraged and help me understand coloring, markings, and personality.

Are portraits created by hand?

Yes. Every portrait is individually drawn or painted by hand by Samantha.

Can I order a portrait as a gift?

Yes. Custom portraits make meaningful gifts, and you can note the occasion and preferred date in your request.

Your story, thoughtfully drawn

Ready to celebrate
the one you love?

Commission a portrait