AXU the German Shepherd for customer from HAVUMÄKI
As a Midlands-based pet portrait artist, it’s always special when my work travels far beyond the UK. This month, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of completing a German Shepherd oil painting for a client in HAVUMÄKI, Finland – a commission that has made its journey across Europe to its new home.
There’s something rather magical about knowing that a painting created here in England will be cherished in the peaceful Finnish countryside.
A German Shepherd Portrait in Oils
German Shepherds are such noble, intelligent and expressive dogs. Their alert eyes and strong features make them a powerful subject to paint, but they also require careful attention to detail to truly capture their character.
For this HAVUMÄKI commission, my client provided a selection of clear photographs. Together, we discussed:
- Expression and eye contact
- Background colour and tone
- Canvas size
- The overall mood of the painting
The final piece was created in professional oil paints on canvas, allowing for rich depth in the fur tones – from warm sable browns to deep shadowed blacks. Oils are perfect for German Shepherd portraits because they bring softness and realism to layered fur, while also giving a beautiful luminosity to the eyes.
Commissioning a Pet Portrait from Finland
Although I am based in the Midlands, I ship paintings across the UK and internationally. Sending a pet portrait to Finland is a straightforward process:
- Initial Enquiry – Clients contact me via my website or social media.
- Photograph Selection – I help choose the best reference images.
- Composition Planning – We agree on size, background and style.
- Painting Process – The portrait is carefully hand-painted in oils or watercolours.
- Secure Packaging & International Delivery – The finished artwork is professionally packed for safe travel overseas.
Finland’s landscapes – forests, lakes and quiet rural settings like HAVUMÄKI – feel perfectly suited to the proud spirit of a German Shepherd. It feels fitting that this portrait will hang in such beautiful surroundings.
Why Choose an Oil Pet Portrait?
An original oil painting is something far more personal than a photograph. It captures not just the likeness of your dog, but their presence and personality. German Shepherds in particular have such intelligent expressions, and it’s always my aim to reflect that connection between pet and owner.
Whether your dog lives in:
- Helsinki
- Tampere
- Turku
- Oulu
- Or a peaceful rural village like HAVUMÄKI
I can work with you remotely to create a bespoke, hand-painted portrait.
A Thank You to My Finnish Client
It has been a true privilege to paint this beautiful German Shepherd for my customer in Finland, having also painted a previous portrait of her beautiful Rolli.
https://www.pennyrichardson.co.uk/german-shepherd-finland/
These portraits will hang together. Knowing that my artwork is part of a home so far away is one of the greatest joys of being an artist.
If you are based in Finland – or anywhere internationally – and would like to commission a dog portrait, cat portrait or horse painting, I would be delighted to hear from you.
