Steve Barker Pet Artist

23/10/2025

Bumped into the customer who commissioned this portrait back in March 2021, and it brought back fond memories of drawing Lilly the Jack Russell!
​It’s always a treat to see how these portraits are treasured over time and it's still in pride of place on the wall.​
I've got slots available for 2025 and I'm currently taking orders for 2026.
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20/10/2025

First Christmas commissions, keeping it under wraps until after the big day.

1,022 Followers, 1,721 Following, 169 Posts

02/10/2025

Never knew such a day existed..... but I am a day late....
National Black Dog Day is celebrated annually on October 1st to raise awareness for "Black Dog Syndrome," a phenomenon where black dogs are less likely to be adopted than lighter coloured dogs due to myths and stereotypes. The day encourages people to consider adopting black dogs from shelters and to break the negative stigma surrounding their color.
So here are a few beautiful black dogs I've had the pleasure of drawing over the years.

29/09/2025

A little update from the drawing side of life, Steve Barker Pet Artist! I'm currently working on new drawings, but they're all a surprise for Christmas gifts! That's why you might not see them posted here just yet. I can't wait for you to see them when they're unveiled!
Here's a drawing from September 2022, Millie the Border Collie.
For now, check out my portfolio at www.stevebarkerpetartist.com.

15/09/2025

I can't believe it's's been four years since I completed the commission of Cooper the Springer Spaniel!!!
Where has the time gone?
I also found myself in the Yorkshire Post that week, too.

31/08/2025

Where has time gone? I can't believe it's six years ago that I was fortunate and honoured to be commissioned to draw Burngreave, a beautiful serving South Yorkshire Police horse.
Commissioned by the officer upon his retirement from the mounted police.

26/08/2025

In honour of here are a few commissions from the drawing side of life.

24/08/2025

TikTok

23/07/2025

So happy to finally share these! Recently, I stepped down from my current role in education, and for my leaving gifts what else could I do, so I decided to create something truly personal for my colleagues. Here are some of the hand-drawn, personalized pencil illustrations I created. Each one was a labour of love! It's been a privilege working with such a talented group, and I will sadly miss them. But onwards and upwards.

-Castell

29/06/2025

It's not the usual subject matter. I painted these a few months ago and decided to post.
When the light drops in the winter months and I'm unable to draw the pet portraits, it gives me the opportunity to have a little play and explore different mediums, and I've not used oil paints for years. So, feeling inspired by a few instagram feeds, I decided to give it a go.
Enjoyed every minute of the whole process, from making the frames and priming the canvas to the painting itself.
The act of creating is such a great thing to do, and drawing and painting is definitely my 'safe place' and a place of sanctuary and wellbeing.

13/06/2025

New drawing!
Latest commission from me. Say hello to Poppy the adorable Cockapoo. Curls, curls and more soft curls, soulful eyes, and an absorbing expression bring so much personality to the drawing.
Poppy was an absolute pleasure to draw, and was well received by the customer.
"OMG that's my Poppy!!!!"....
Drawn as always with the brilliant Faber-Castell polychromos colour pencil on the amazing surface that is Clairefontaine pastel mat.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
Order book for the rest of this year and 2026 now open.