Wildlife Art Commissions

In Watercolour

Watercolour painting of lion and lioness with their heads resting together

Commissioning a painting is a simple, collaborative process. Whether you’re looking for a unique wildlife painting, a meaningful gift, or a portrait of a much-loved animal, I will work with you to create something personal and lasting.

Browse my original paintings and prints to get a feel for my style, and when you’re ready, follow the steps below to begin your commission.

The Commission Process

  1. Initial Enquiry – Use the contact form to share your ideas, subject, and timeframe.

  2. Discussion – I’ll be in touch within 2 working days to confirm details and answer questions.

  3. Confirmation – Once you’re happy, you can secure your commission with a 50% deposit.

  4. Creation – I will paint your piece and share photos once it is finished.

  5. Completion – Final payment is made once the painting is finished and ready to ship.

  6. Delivery – Receive your artwork, frame it if you wish, and enjoy.

Things to Consider

When commissioning a painting, it helps to think about:

  • The subject: A particular bird, animal, or even a beloved pet.

  • The mood & colours: Light and uplifting, or mysterious and atmospheric.

  • The size: Small and intimate, or larger and more dramatic.

  • The occasion: A gift, a memorial, or simply a piece to enrich your own home.

Watercolor painting of a dog lying on green grass indoors, with a window and a sideboard holding a open book, a white vase with dried flowers, and a scented reed diffuser.

Testimonial

"We were inspired to ask Rachel to paint our dog Karma who sadly passed away in autumn, after seeing her beautiful paintings on Facebook.

From start (asking us for three words that summed up her spirit) to finish (opening the most exquisitely packed parcel) it was a wonderful experience and the painting is amazing  - it captures Karma so perfectly that it’s almost like she is back in the house with us. We will treasure it always. "  

Rachael Polkinghorne

Watercolor painting of a dipper standing in the river amongst the rocks with the water surrounding it.

Testimonial

I wanted a painting of a particular bird (a dipper) for a special occasion, however, Rachel did not have one available at the time. I therefore decided to commission one from her and am so glad that I did!

From start to finish of the process, Rachel could not have been more accommodating, from providing the initial sketches to select from (I wanted the bird in a particular pose), to the delivery of the final painting well within the agreed deadline.

And as for painting itself, I could not be more delighted, as it captures precisely the pose I was looking for!"  

Nick Schaffer

Guide Prices (unframed)

  • 6 x 6" square – £250

  • 8 x 8" square – £300

  • 8 x 10" rectangle – £300

  • 12 x 12" square – £430

  • 12 x 16" rectangle – £480

  • 16 x 16” square - £550

Framing options: I offer a special process that mounts the painting on a panel within a wooden frame, without glass. This avoids glare and creates a modern, refined effect. This adds around £80–200, depending on size.

How Long Does it Take?

Most commissions take 4–6 weeks to complete, depending on size and current demand. If you’d like me to arrange framing, please allow an additional 2–4 weeks.

Commission A Painting

If you’d like to commission a wildlife watercolour painting, or just make an initial enquiry without any pressure, please get in touch. Share your ideas, ask questions, or simply start a conversation — I’d love to hear from you.