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Looking after your Artwork & Framing Advice

Ginger cocker spaniel dog sits beside a framed realistic drawing of them.
Honey, cocker spaniel portrait size 12x16", mounted to 16x20".

When trusting me with your pet's portrait, you can be assured that your portrait is created by me with the utmost care from start to finish. It is made to last a lifetime, but how can you be sure it remains in perfect condition..?

Well the answer is easy - in fact there’s not a lot you need to do - and honestly the less you touch it, the longer their portrait will last!


In this post I’ll explain my top tips for ensuring your portrait stays protected and looked after for years to come.



Two black cockapoo dogs sit looking at a framed portrait of themselves completed in graphite pencils.

When considering your art commission, it's important to know how your artwork will be completed - the last thing you want would be to spend a lot of money on a piece, for it to only last a couple of years before fading/discolouring. 


Your custom portrait will be completed on 100% cotton paper - this is acid-free, meaning with care it will last a lifetime in its original condition.


I only use the best artist quality pencils for my artwork, from brands such as Faber Castell and Caran D'Ache. Every pencil has a high lightfast rating - this describes their resistance to light, meaning your artwork will not fade over time.


Once complete, I will wrap your portrait in cellophane. The cellophane I use is acid free, so please keep your portrait in the wrap until you are ready to frame it - it's clear, so you can still enjoy your artwork in the meantime!


Three framed realistic dog portraits hung on the wall, all of a brown cocker spaniel in different poses.

Top Tips for Artwork Care :

  • Avoid touching the paper and mount as much as possible - if you are framing the artwork yourself, as opposed to a professional framer, please wash and dry your hands first.


  • Keep the artwork in the cellophane sleeve provided until you are ready to frame it. The cellophane I use is acid-free so will not discolour the paper, and it will keep your portrait protected from dust/damage while it awaits the perfect frame!


  • If you have chosen to mount the portrait yourself, please ensure the mount is acid free as this helps to protect the paper. A mount will also protect the drawing by creating a barrier between the paper and the glass of a frame.


  • Avoid displaying your portrait in direct sunlight - the pencils I use have a high resistance to fading from light, but prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and heat may cause premature fading/paper damage. Click here for more information about my materials.


  • Avoid displaying your portrait in rooms of high humidity i.e. the kitchen or bathroom.


  • I recommend taking your artwork to a professional framers near you to ensure the highest level of care.


Brown cockapoo sits beside a framed realistic coloured pencil portrait of himself.
Winston, cockapoo portrait size A5, mounted to size A4.
To display your pet’s portrait I always recommend mounting and framing the artwork to protect it and ensure it lasts a lifetime.

I offer mounts at a small extra cost for two of my standard sizes, A5 with an A4 mount, or A4 with a 12x16 inch mount.


With these, you will not have to worry about finding a mount/doing it yourself. My mounts are white and match the paper colour almost exactly. This will also make finding a frame and framing your artwork that little bit easier.


There are many different frame options, sizes, and styles, so naturally when choosing a frame for your artwork, there are a few things to consider.

You will want to make sure the frame complements the artwork's colours, for example, I find a graphite pencil portrait often works best with a thin black, white, or silver frame. For coloured pencil portraits, there will be many options that suit your pet's colouring, so it's a good idea to also consider your home decor, and what will complement both the artwork and your interior.


I would always recommend finding a gallery or framers local to you, you can take your portrait to them and they will have it professionally framed, usually within a couple of weeks. This way you won't have to worry about accidentally damaging the artwork at all, as they will take care of everything for you.

A quick Google search for 'framing near me' should provide you with a few options of nearby services. When you visit they will have a huge selection of frames and mounts to choose from, and generally will be able to offer advice if you are unsure (speaking from experience as a very indecisive person!!)

I hope this post has been helpful, as always, please get in touch below if you have any further questions - I'd love to help!


Click here to get in touch regarding your pet portrait commission


Follow Catrin Membery - Pet Portrait Artist on social media for recent artwork, up-to-date availability, and behind the scenes.




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