Custom Pet Portraits, Art Workshops & Original Artwork by Emma Keys – Sherborne, Dorset

About

My name is Emma Keys

I have what some might call a creative soul, I am happiest when making, designing, painting and drawing. I think that shows through in my passion for art, whether that be painting commissions, teaching at my classes or talking to people at my pop up shops and events.

About Me

Commission Artwork

Commission Portraits

2026 Bookings Now Open

I’m so grateful to everyone who’s booked a portrait this year — my 2025 commission list is now full.

Gift vouchers are still available and can be used toward 2026 portrait commissions or any artwork, homeware, or workshop.

I’m also now taking advance bookings for next Christmas season (2026) — so if you’d like to secure a spot early, please get in touch.

Vouchers

Kim (Charcoal Triple Portrait) Spring '25

I asked Emma if she could create a triple portrait of my 3 girls (doggies) for my Husbands birthday, 2 of which have crossed the rainbow bridge and one still with us and she did the most outstanding job! She captured all three of them perfect. I can’t thank her enough for putting all three together. If you ever need anything doing she really is the one to go to! Thank you again Emma, they will forever captured together now x

Original Artwork Available
To Purchase

Workshops & Classes

Emma (Facebook Cover)_20240418_220927_0000.png

It’s SCI-FI WEEK! 🌌
Three original space-themed paintings are up for silent auction — message your bid and claim your favourite fandom 👽✨
#scifiart #silentauction #silentauction #watercolourart #artistsoninstagram #starwarsart #startrekart #reddwarf

✨ It’s back! 🎨
My Christmas Card Workshop returns on Friday 14th Nov, 6pm — £28pp (all supplies, festive nibbles & hot drinks included!)
Paint your own set of cards in a cosy, beginner-friendly evening full of laughs, glitter, and mince pies 😄

These sessions always fill up fast, so grab your spot via the l!nk in bi0 🎅

From blank paper to Bull Terrier — meet Delilah. 🎨🐾
Tell me she doesn’t have main character energy 👀
#petportraitartist
#custompetportrait
#dogportrait
#petartwork
#bullterrierlove
#dogloversofinstagram
#artcommission
#dorsetartist
#smallbusinessuk
#supportlocalartists
#artistsoninstagram
#madeinuk
#petportraitartist
#dogportrait
#bullterrierlove
#custompetportrait
#dogloversoftiktok

Working hard on portraits in the run-up to Christmas 🎄🐾
This time of year always means a studio full of wagging tails and whiskers (on paper, at least).
If you’ve ever thought about having your pet painted, now’s the time to take a peek at how it all works — I’ve popped everything on my website ❤️
[emmakeysportraits.co.uk]

When people ask why pet portraits cost £450… 👀
Every detail, every layer, every tiny brushstroke — it all adds up to something that feels alive.
✦ Commissions now open — link in bio 🐾
#petportrait #artistsoftiktok #watercolourartist #paintingprocess #arttimelapse #fyp #viralreel #creativeprocess #trendingart #dogportrait #artreel #arttok

Still so much more to do on the gorgeous Frenchie dog, but coming together beautifully! 2026 bookings already being taken 📅
#frenchielove #frenchiegram #DogParentsOfInstagram #frenchbulldog #dogmomlife🐾

Layer by layer, he appeared on the page ✨
There’s something therapeutic about watching a blank sheet turn into someone’s best friend.

#PetPortrait #PersonalisedGift #SmallBusinessUK #CatMumLife #bengalsofinstagram

Sunday mornings be like… 🐾💤
Professional cuddler mode: activated.
Who else gets pinned down by a snoring dog and just accepts their fate? ❤️
#SundayMorningsBeLike #SundaySnuggles #DogMumLife #LazySundayVibes #LifeWithDogs #DogParentsOfInstagram #SleepyDog #CurlyPup #CuddleBuddy #FurryBestFriend #WholesomeMoments #WeekendMood #DogCuddles #SundaySlowDown #DogLoversClub

From pencil lines to personality ✨
Every stroke brings this gorgeous Bengal to life 🐾
🎨 Hand-painted with love — because your pets deserve art as unique as they are.

#PetPortrait #WatercolourArt #CatArt #BengalCat #ArtProcess #EmmaKeysPortraits #CommissionArt #PetLovers #Handpainted

Join us with some seasonal painting, hot chocolate and nibbles this October. Everything included for £28 per person at Sherborne Digby Hall.
Booking essential
#sherborneart #SherborneDorset #artdorset #ArtWorkshop

Currently moo-d: channeling Mary Poppins with this tote 🐮✨ It fits snacks, XL honey, a Halloween sweet tub… and yes, a wok. Which design are you—Shopping ’til the Cows Come Home or Moody Cow?

#ToteBag #CowBag #SmallBizUK #ArtistMade #GiftIdeasUK #CountrysideStyle #EmmaKeysArt

✨ I’ve got the cutest idea for Christmas presents… ✨
Portraits of the kids (or grandkids), finished with their own name and age written in their handwriting. 🖊️🎁

Only 4 slots left for Christmas 2025 – once they’re gone, that’s it!
Pop me a message to grab one before they go. 💌

#ChristmasGifts #GrandparentGift #KeepsakeGift #GiftForMum #GiftForDad #GiftIdeasUK #ChristmasShopping #PersonalisedGift #Christmas2025 #UKMums #GrandparentLove

From a blank page to a framed original ✨
First sketch ➝ light washes ➝ countless layers ➝ final details.
There’s nothing quite like watching a portrait come to life, stroke by stroke 🐴💛

Framed up and ready for its new home!

#artprocess #horseportrait #watercolourart #commissionart #fromsketchtopainting #artistsoninstagram

Saturday morning painting sesh. Messy messy happy.
#horsey #happy #horsegirls #dowhatmakesyouhappy❤️

Walking and talking about Christmas 🎄🚶
Drop me a comment and tag businesses that you think would be great to stock my products.
#dorsetbusiness #shoplocal #artistuk #christmasideas

🎨✨ Need a midweek reset? ✨🎨

Come join my Wednesday evening drop-in art class — 6:00–7:30 pm in Sherborne.
No pressure, no experience needed — just colour, play, and a satisfying tape-peel moment at the end 💦🖌

All materials provided. Just bring yourself (and maybe a friend!).

💌 DM me or hit the link in bio to book your spot.
#SherborneEvents #SherborneLife #ArtClassUK #EveningClass

The big reveal 🖤🐾 Meet Pepsi. A commission created in my favourite medium — charcoal. There’s something about the depth and softness it gives that makes portraits like this feel alive on the page
#CharcoalDrawing #DogPortrait #PetPortrait #CharcoalArt #CharcoalPortrait #CommissionedArt #PetArt #PetPortraitArtist #DogArt #ArtistsOfInstagram #ArtCollectors #SupportSmallBusiness #HandmadeWithLove #ArtCommunity #DogLoversOfInstagram #ArtReveal

Where my Trekkies at? 🚀✨ Been a while since I shared a reveal… here’s my Star Trek: TNG Enterprise vs Borg Cube 🎨💫 What do you think? #StarTrek #Trekkie #Enterprise #Borg #SciFiArt #ArtReveal #WatercolourArt

🎨✨ A Creative Week in Sherborne! ✨🎨

Need some time out to paint, play, and get inspired? Here’s what’s happening:

🖤 Wednesday – Art Drop-In
6–7:30pm | £15pp | Digby Hall
This week’s focus: charcoal 🪶
All abilities welcome — a relaxed, friendly group with mixed media + topics each week.

💧 Thursday – Foundations in Watercolour (6-week course)
Starts Sept 11th | 6–7:30pm | £90
Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to build confidence. Step-by-step learning in a supportive atmosphere.

🌸 Friday – Loose Florals Workshop
6–8pm | £28pp | Digby Hall
An evening of watercolour & pen — create a floral painting to be proud of! All supplies, snacks & drinks included.

✨ Come for one, or come for all — your midweek creativity boost is waiting in Sherborne!

📩 Message me to book your spot or visit www.emmakeysportraits.co.uk

#Sherborne #DorsetLife #SherborneEvents #ArtClass #WatercolourWorkshop #ArtDropIn #CharcoalDrawing #CreativeWorkshop #EveningClass #ArtForBeginners #MindfulArt #CreativeEscape #TrySomethingNew #LearnToPaint #SherborneCommunity

So nice to be able to get back to it today even if just for a little while ❤️✏️
#CharcoalPetPortrait #terriersoftiktok #mydogisbetterthanyours

✨ Let’s learn to paint 🎨
From first brushstrokes to confident creations — look at this amazing student progress! 💧🌟

If you’ve been wanting to try watercolour (or pick up your brushes again), my Foundations in Watercolour course is the perfect place to start. Friendly, step-by-step, beginner-friendly.

📅 Starts Thursday 18th Sept | 6–7:30pm | Sherborne
💷 £90 for 6 weeks

👉 DM me or book at www.emmakeysportraits.co.uk
💬 Tag a friend who’s always said they’d love to learn!
#Watercolour #WatercolourPainting #ArtClass #ArtWorkshop #Sherborne #DorsetEvents #LearnToPaint #WatercolourArt #BeginnerArt #CreativeConfidence

✨ Just a quick heads up… I now have only 3 portrait slots left for Christmas 2025.

I honestly feel so privileged each time someone asks me to create a portrait. They’re not just paintings — they so often turn into family heirlooms, kept and treasured for years. 💜

If you were hoping for a special gift under the tree this year, please don’t leave it too late. You can book now, or if you’re not quite ready with photos, I also offer gift vouchers so you can give the promise of a portrait.

📖 I’ve written a little more about this on my blog (link in bio!) — why now is the time to book, and why it’s never too early to think about next year too.

#ChristmasGifts #PetPortrait #CustomArt #SherborneArt #UniqueGiftIdeas #ArtWithHeart

Birthdays can be bittersweet… this was commissioned by his daughter after they lost their gorgeous boy, Bailey. To paint him in watercolour and bring him back in some way — well, let’s just say a few tears may have been shed 💙
#dogportrait #petportrait #petmemorial #dogartist #watercolourart #customart #dogsofinstagram #doglovers #artcommission #petportraitartist #birthdaygiftideas #foreverinourhearts #dogartwork #artistsoninstagram #emmakeysportraits

Part of this school’s summer renovation included a splash of paint from me — and I couldn’t be happier! 🎨🍯 Every library deserves a little magic, and every mural I paint is completely unique. I love switching between styles — whether it’s bright and child-friendly, detailed and realistic, or something completely out of the box. If you’d like your walls to tell a story, bookings are open for Autumn /winter. Limited spaces for 2025.
#MuralArt #SchoolLibrary #CreativeSpaces #StorybookMagic #LibraryRenovation #HandPainted #KidsSpaces #WhimsicalArt #InspiringSpaces #BookAMural #SherborneArtist #DorsetArtist

"A wedding day is full of fleeting little moments — I love turning them into something timeless. This charcoal piece captures the quiet beauty of walking into the future together. 💍🖤 Would you like your own wedding day memory drawn like this?"
#WeddingPortrait #CharcoalArt #WeddingDrawing #CouplePortrait #BrideAndGroom #WeddingDayArt #WeddingGiftIdeas #PersonalisedArt #CharcoalDrawing #FineArtPortrait #WeddingIllustration #TimelessKeepsake #UKArtist

From blank page to ‘oh my dog’ 😍 #ArtReveal #DogLovers #PetPortrait #DogArt #ArtistOnTikTok #ArtTok #DogLoversOfTikTok #PetArtist #paintingReveal #ArtVideo #PetPortraitArtist #CustomArt #FurryFriends #DogDrawing

🎨 Wednesday Night Drop-In Art Class
Last night we went with layered watercolour landscapes 🌄
Next week? We’re switching it up with pen & wash architecture 🏛️✏️ — perfect for beginners or seasoned doodlers.

📍 Digby Hall, Sherborne
🕕 6–7:30pm
💷 £15 — booking advised but drop ins are welcome!

Bring your creativity, we’ll bring the materials.

#Sherborne #SherborneDorset #SherborneLife #SherborneEvents #DorsetArtist #DorsetEvents #DorsetLife #DorsetArt #ArtInDorset #SherborneArt #SherborneArtist #SherborneUK #DorsetCreatives #WhatsOnSherborne #WhatsOnDorset #ArtClassSherborne #PenAndWash #WatercolourArt #CreativeSherborne

🍦🎨 Ice cream, paint, and plenty of laughs! Did you know I offer private hire art workshops for birthdays, staff socials, hen dos & more — from just £18pp?
Perfect for teams that want a creative afternoon.

#PrivateHire #TeamBuilding #ArtWorkshop #CreativeWorkshop #PaintingWorkshop #AfternoonWellSpent #WhatsOnSomerset #DorsetDaysOut #DorsetWorkshops #DorsetArtists #SherborneArtist #SherborneEvents #SherborneBusiness #CreativeDorset #SouthWestBusiness

🐝 Fancy learning how to paint buzzy little beauties like these?
This Tuesday evening (6–8pm, Digby Hall, Sherborne) we’re getting creative with Pen & Wash — a super relaxed, beginner-friendly art style that’s all about loose watercolour and inky details.
Come along, meet some lovely people, and leave with your own frame-worthy artwork.
✨ Few spots left — book via link in bio.

#Sherborne #DorsetEvents #WatercolourArt #ArtWorkshop #PenAndWash #BeePainting #LearnToPaint #SherborneLife

Hello from the studio this Saturday afternoon.
I’m building up the layers on this gorgeous face — all from photos, of course, because mine would never sit still long enough for this.
There’s something about painting the eyes that suddenly makes a piece feel alive, and this stage is always my favourite.

What are you up to this weekend, or what’s your go-to way to relax?

#cockapoo #cockapoolove #cockapooworld #cockapoolife #cockapoolovers #cockapoosofinstagram #cockapoomom #cockapoodad #doodlelife #poodlemixlove #poodlemixesofinstagram #dogmumlife #dogdadlife #dogownersuk #pamperedpooch #dogsoftheuk #ukdoglover #dorsetdogs #somersetdogs #petportraitpainting #custompetart #petportraitsofinstagram #dogportraitartist

Reviews matter! Each and every review shows my prospective clients that they can trust me to create something beautiful for them or teach them to create their own something beautiful.
#review #dorsetlife #artist #learntopaint #sherborne

Hey lovely PEOPLE 👋Just a little reminder that this Wednesday's class is coming up, and I’d love to see you there.
We do need you to book your spot in advance No need to commit to every week—just come along and enjoy a fun, creative evening with us.
Bring along what you are working on for help or just companionship or join in on the weeks topic. This week - Mindful Mark Making
Can't wait to see you!
#artformentalhealth #sherborne #dorsetart #dorset #artclass #artgrouo #mindfulliving

👋 I'm Emma, the artist behind the scenes, and I wear quite a few creative hats. 🎨✨

While many of you might know me for my commissioned pet portraits, there’s so much more to what I do! I love getting creative with all sorts of projects. From designing illustrations for greeting cards and books to creating personalized homeware designs, and even painting murals for fun spaces like school libraries, I thrive on variety and new challenges. 🌟

One of my favorite things is when someone comes to me with a unique idea — like turning a cherished photo into a painting on wood or asking me to bring a wall to life with a mural. I absolutely love the creative journey and the chance to think outside the box.

So, if you ever find yourself wondering, “Could Emma do this?” — the answer is probably yes! I’m here to bring your ideas to life, whether it’s a custom piece of art, a special gift, or a new creative project you’ve been dreaming about. Let’s make something amazing together! 💫
#ArtistOnInstagram #CreativeBusiness #SmallBizArtist #IndependentArtist #UKArtist #WomenWhoCreate #MakersGonnaMake #SupportSmallBusiness #MeetTheMaker #BehindTheScenesArt #CreativeJourney #AuthenticArt #ArtistLifeUK #ADHDCreative #ParentArtist #ArtistWithPurpose

They've dropped. All my original artwork is now listed and available on a first come first served basis. Message if you'd like to reserve, prints up loading as we speak but some are one offs.
#OriginalArt #artdrop #oneofakindart #firstcomefirstserve

Wait for it… she bites. 🐍🖤 #ArtReveal #SnakeArtist #greentreepython #snakelover #🐍

Painted a sea turtle because I can’t afford a tropical holiday 🐢☀️ #OceanEscapeOnCanvas #ArtReveal #seaturtles #tropicalparadise

Coming soon: Original artwork drop!
Because as beautiful as prints are… nothing beats the real thing 🎨✨
Who’s got their eye on this sea turtle? 👀
#artdrop
#OriginalArt #seaturtles #sealife

POV: The horses asked for a selfie 🐴🎨 #artreveal #horseportrait #ArtistsOfInstagram #horsegirls

Look at this stunning mural from @eaj2323 of the gorgeous @justgunnerstunner who I also did a portrait for. Helping bring to light the plight of the XL Bully and raise awareness for the breed.
#xlbullyart #XLBullyLove #xlbullyuk #xlbullyukfinest🇬🇧

Do you have a cosy reading nook in ending a view of Velaris? #acotar #acomaf #sarahjmaasbooks #sarahjmass #velaris #rhysand #batboys

What's your favourite sunny day beverage? Are you using your bottles from me this weekend?
You can find my glass bottles in my shop - 🔗 in the bio
#sunny #ecobottle #ecofriendly #dairyfarming #drinkmilk

I’m back on the road for private art lessons! 🚗💨
Want to learn to draw or paint without leaving the house? I’ll bring the brushes, you bring the kitchen table.
Kids, adults, total beginners, nervous doodlers—everyone’s welcome.
Pop me a message if you fancy a session 🎨
#ArtLessonsOnTheGo #CreativityDelivered #PrivateArtClasses #sherborne #Dorset #yeovil #somerset

What would you order?
#packingorders #packanorderwithme🤗❤️ #packanorderwithme #shopping

Oh deer....
#CharcoalArt #GraphiteAndCharcoal #MonochromeArt #CharcoalDrawing #WildlifeArt #StagDrawing #HighlandStag #DeerPortrait #NatureInCharcoal #PencilAndCharcoal #AtmosphericArt #MoodyLandscapes #BlackAndWhiteArt #ArtOfTheWild #MountainBackdrop #RealisticDrawing #ArtInProgress #NatureStudy #CharcoalWildlife #ContemporaryWildlifeArt

Three years ago today, this giraffe launched my career.
I turned up to Sherborne Market with six sketches, a borrowed gazebo, and zero clue what I was doing. But people stopped. They talked. Some even asked me to draw for them.

That’s the day I became a professional artist — and I had no idea how much that moment would change my life.

There’s a blog post about it now — it’s got market madness, ADHD chaos, and a lot of heart. Link’s in bio if you fancy a peek 🦒🖤

#artistlife #artanniversary #giraffeart #charcoaldrawing #newsletterlove #sherbornemarket #giraffe #markettrader

Is this the sweetest one I've done so far?!
#yorkie #yorkshireterrier #cutedog #animalart #yorkshireterrierlove #yorkshireterriersofinstagram #yorkiesofinstagram

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Follow Emma on Instagram

@emmakeysportraits