Painting with Paper: Custom Pet Portraits

Golden Retriever pet portrait by collage artist Megan Coyle
“Golden Girl” Collage on paper. 5″x7″
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There’s something timeless about honoring a beloved pet through art. For years, I’ve been creating custom pet portraits entirely from magazine cutouts – a process I call “painting with paper.” Instead of brushes and paint, I carefully layer bits of printed color and texture to bring animals to life. The result is a vibrant, contemporary work of art that captures your pet’s personality in a way that feels both familiar and unexpected.

A Unique Way to Celebrate Your Pet

A pet portrait is more than just a picture – it’s a lasting keepsake. Each piece is hand-cut and hand-assembled, meaning no two works are ever alike. Whether you’re an art lover who appreciates original work, or you’re looking for a meaningful way to celebrate your pet, a portrait brings warmth and character to any space.

Perfect as Gifts

Custom portraits also make thoughtful gifts for family, friends, or anyone who has a deep bond with their pet. A handmade artwork goes beyond the typical framed photo—it’s a one-of-a-kind keepsake that can be passed down for years to come.

Some of My Favorite Pet Portraits

The Colorful Conure by collage artist Megan Coyle
“The Colorful Conure,” Collage on paper, 7″x5″
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One of my most memorable commissions was a conure portrait created for a client’s daughter who had studied my art in school. It was incredibly meaningful to know that my work had inspired her studies, and being asked to create a portrait of her beloved pet felt like the perfect full-circle moment.

The Happy Bernedoodle by collage artist Megan Coyle
“The Happy Bernedoodle,” Collage on paper, 7″x5″
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This cheerful Bernedoodle portrait was all about capturing joy. I used layers of textured magazine strips to bring out the fluffy fur and big smile, creating a piece that radiates warmth and playfulness.

The Curious Kitten by collage artist Megan Coyle
“The Curious Kitten.” Collage on mat board. 7″x5″
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Sometimes everything just falls into place, and that’s what happened with this cat portrait. Using a soft, neutral palette, the collage came together seamlessly—highlighting the cat’s elegance and quiet personality.

Chinchilla Portrait by collage artist Megan Coyle
“Fluffy the Chinchilla – Front.” Collage on paper. 7″x5″
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I don’t often get requests for exotic pets, so I was thrilled to create a collage portrait of a chinchilla. Their soft fur and delicate features made this a fun challenge, and the result is one of my most unique pet portraits to date.

Meet the Bostons collage portrait by Megan Coyle
“Meet the Bostons – Ivy and Molly.” Collage on paper. 12″x16″
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I’ve worked on several Boston Terrier commissions, and each one has reminded me of how expressive and happy this breed can be. Their playful personalities and big smiles make them especially fun to capture with my “painting with paper” technique.

Smiling Dog Portrait by collage artist Megan Coyle
“Noah.” Collage on paper. 9″x12″
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Over the years, one client has returned to me again and again for custom portraits of her dogs. Her most recent commission was of a smiling pup, which was a joy to work on since it continued a larger series of pieces that celebrate the pets who’ve been part of her life.

How to Commission a Pet Portrait

Commissioning a portrait is simple: you provide a few favorite photos, and I’ll create a custom piece using my collage technique. You can find more details about the process by visiting my custom art page.

I also have a collection of animal portraits that are available for sale through my website.

A Work of Art That Lasts

Pets leave a lasting mark on our lives, and a custom portrait is a beautiful way to honor that bond. Whether you’re treating yourself or searching for the perfect gift, my “painting with paper” pet portraits are designed to capture the heart and soul of your favorite animals.

Commission a Pet Portrait

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