Commissions
Dog Character Paintings
Not your average pet portrait
I do not paint dogs sitting politely for the camera.
I paint dogs with presence. With mischief. With loyalty. With that unmistakable who, me? look that tells you exactly who they are.
These are character paintings, not photographic copies. I am interested in the tilt of a head, the defiant stare, the clownish grin, the quiet watchfulness. The things that make your dog family, not just a subject.
People often say:
“It’s their personality right there.”
“That is completely them, not just a copy of a photo.”
Each painting is created from your photographs and the stories you share with me. I take time to understand what makes your dog your dog, then translate that into a one off fine artwork with humour, warmth, and honesty.
I only take on a limited number of dog commissions each month, so every piece gets the attention it deserves.
Prices From:
Small £240
Medium £480
Large £900
Owd Lasses Commissions
Bold. Brilliant. Bloody unforgettable.
I paint Owd Lasses.
Not sweet little grannies who knit quietly in the corner, but women with stories etched into their faces. Women who raised us, scared us, loved us, challenged us, or were us.
These portraits are unapologetic, funny, sometimes fierce, sometimes tender, and always truthful. They celebrate character over convention and spirit over polish.
An Owd Lass can be commissioned in memoriam, as a future heirloom, or simply as a celebration of yourself exactly as you are, without softening the edges.
Clients often tell me:
“You’ve captured her spirit. I can hear her voice.”
“Everyone who sees it asks about her.”
Each piece is created from photographs, memories, and shared stories, resulting in a one of a kind artwork full of humour, warmth, and lived experience. I take on a limited number of Owd Lasses commissions so each story is given the care it deserves.
I also accept commercial commissions from business owners looking for unique merchandise. Imagine a quirky character painted outside your business (chip shops, bistro, florists, pubs etc) I then produce cards, prints on canvas or mounted giclee prints as well as the original painting as exclusive merchandise.
Some businesses then sell these for a charity or send them as unique pr gifts. Prices and terms on request.
Prices From:
Original painting Prices £260
Digital portrait £75
Bespoke Original Art by Sue Dewhurst
Have you fallen in love with Sue’s work and wish you could have something created just for you? Whether the piece you adore has already sold, you want a work in a specific size, or you have your own ideas you’d love brought to life — Sue offers personalised commissions that capture character, colour and story with her unmistakable wit and style.Born in the shadow of Pendle Hill, growing up in a Lancashire mill town, studying art in the North East (degree from Newcastle Poly then post grad at Sunderland) steeped me in working class values, gave me a passion for social history and industrial heritage, but also a dark sense of humour.
Aged nine I won my first art competition, a road safety campaign for Lancashire police. Things were a bit different in the 1970’s it was the most gory picture you could imagine, a child psychologist would have had a field day. But it gave me confidence to post endless paintings to Vision On. Each week I waited by the tv to see my fantastic art in ‘the gallery’. Nothing…who knew you needed postage stamps? I realised then that being an artist wasn’t going to be easy, but I was determined…
Here I am forty odd years later, hopefully a bit more humble.
It’s not been an easy journey but I have managed to carve a career over the last 30 years as a professional artist working in Community Arts, as a buyer in galleries, artist in residence and as the owner of various galleries most recently Oriel Haywire in Llandysul. I am now happily settled on a Welsh hillside in a small studio painting full time with my two dogs by my side and I love it.
Colour and humour guide my endeavour to create vibrant, uplifting artworks for fed up people. My paintings evoke memories of lost weekends in the country, salty beach holidays on the coast or cheeky characters to raise a smile. A customer described my work as ‘dopamine hits of colour’ on her wall a reminder every time she walked past ‘to breathe, refocus and smile’. A quick instant fix in this mad, depressing world…
Why Commission a Painting?
My paintings celebrate stories, rural heritage and Northern humour, full of personality and vibrant colour. A commission may be right for you if:
You have seen a painting you love but it has already sold.
You would like a piece created in a specific size or format.
You have your own photo or idea that you would like me to interpret in my style.
Your space calls for a painting tailored to your colour palette or wall size.
Typical Commission Scenarios
The artwork you loved has already sold
Don’t worry — I can create a fresh original in a similar style, spirit and palette. Each piece is unique, not a copy, but will echo the feel of the work you were drawn to.
You need a specific size or format
Found something you adore but the proportions aren’t right for your wall? I can adapt the composition to suit your space — landscape instead of portrait, larger or smaller, triptych or single canvas.
You want a colour scheme to match your home
Love the style but need different colours? Share your colour inspiration and I can work with it — or suggest options that keep the integrity of her distinctive look.
You have an idea or photo you’d like interpreted
Perhaps it’s a beloved barn, a local scene, or a character that makes you smile — I can help you develop this into a painting that tells your story.
How It Works
Get in touch
Email me with your ideas, photos or inspiration.Discuss details
I will talk through size, colours, style and timescales.Creation
Once confirmed, I will begin your bespoke piece — each brushstroke blending character, colour and story.Delivery
Receive your custom original ready to enjoy on your wall.
Not Sure How It Will Look in Your Space?
It is completely natural to feel unsure about how a piece of art will sit in your room, especially when commissioning something bespoke. I understand that choosing artwork is a personal decision, and I will guide you through the process with care and clarity.
You are very welcome to share photos of your room, wall space or interior style. I can advise on size, orientation and colour balance to help ensure the finished artwork feels right for your home. If you are undecided between options, I am happy to talk ideas through with you and suggest directions that complement your space while staying true to my distinctive style.
My aim is always for your finished painting to feel considered, confident and perfectly at home on your wall.
Some Recent Commissions
How Much Do Commissions Cost?
Commission prices are based on Sue’s existing original artwork pricing and are determined by the size and format of the piece. You do not pay extra simply because the artwork is commissioned.
Each commission is an original painting created specifically for you, offering exceptional value while giving you the freedom to choose a size, colour direction or subject that suits your space.
Pricing will always be discussed clearly before any work begins, so you know exactly what to expect. I am happy to talk through options to help you find a commission that fits both your vision and your budget.
