Pup Art UK

Expressive pet portraits full of warmth and wit. Commissions open. I’m David Smith, the artist behind Pup Art UK. That shift started with a dog.

I’ve worked in corporate design for years and while I enjoy it, part of me always wanted to get back to something more personal. What began as a simple decision to add some company to my day turned into something much bigger. That dog got me out of the house, into the woods, and gave me the kind of quiet moments that clear your head. During lockdown, with a bit more time, I started painting again.

I thought I’d try painting my dog to capture the bond we shared. One portrait became another, then a few for friends, and before long I was doing commissions. That’s how Pup Art UK began... quietly, almost accidentally, but from a place that means a lot to me. Most of the portraits I do now are memorials, so I put a lot of care into each one. The aim isn’t photo realism, it’s about capturing a feeling, something that reflects the spirit of the animal and the bond they shared with their human. At home I’ve got Max, a solid staffy built like a diving helmet, and Ralphie, a clingy Chihuahua who somehow looks better in person. They keep me grounded and occasionally make me open a window. They’re not exactly muses, but they’re a good reminder of why I do what I do.

11/10/2025

A sketch of a person, not a pet; just for today :) this is my big brother Ed.

10/10/2025

I flippin’ love donkeys. And cats. But donkeys and cats together… that’s off the scale.

09/10/2025

Another cracking day for a sketch. I was happy with this one until I wasn’t. Still worth sharing though I hope 🙌🙌

08/10/2025

Fifteen minute sketches start here! Please get involved and message me a pic of your pet or you and your pet, and I’ll film me sketching ‘em to the best of my ability. Short, fun and free!

Commissions still open for full portraits and the store is still open for my original pieces.

05/09/2025

I’ve been up to my eyeballs in pugs this last week or two and I must admit I’ve been loving it! Between comssions and helping out the rescue charity, I’m nearing peak pug joy.

It feels like it would be a good time to re share one of my all time favourite original pieces ‘Quiet Rest’ featuring man and pug, both flat out and both happy. I presume. Must be though, right?!

It’s a limited run, hand signed hologrammed up special print on the best paper money can buy. Get one now before they all vanish!

Www.pup-art.co.uk/store

02/09/2025

Another day, another beautiful pug. They’re little expressive faces never get old!

07/08/2025

This is not a self-portrait. I repeat... NOT a self-portrait. Though the moodiness shown is particularly familiar.

I’ve called this new original piece “Whatever it is, I’m with you”. The man is fed up but the dog is not. One of them is thinking about the state of his life or the crappy day he had and the other is thinking about biscuits (probably, it’s difficult to prove) or squirrels.

It’s about the wonderfully unbothered support our dogs offer. They don’t ask questions and they don’t offer advice. Overall, they just sit there and wait, sort of uselessly, but super nicely. Possibly judging? but in a nice way.

I’ll share the printed version on a story here later on. I’d love to know what you think. Unless it’s mean, in which case you may pretend you didn’t see this.

🖼️🐶

04/08/2025

Two lovely dogs, being lovely.

30/07/2025

Happy 15th anniversary to my soul mate.

26/07/2025

Here’s a handful of commissions I really enjoyed working on and fancied re sharing. Some are floofy, some serious, one with a flower in her ear like she’s just come back from Glastonbury. If you fancy a portrait of your own pet looking majestic, suspicious or slightly confused (they usually cover all three), now’s a great time to get in touch.

I’ll be away later in August so if you’d like something before then, please drop me a message or visit the link in bio to book. I’ll also be taking on new commissions after I’m back, provided I don’t get sunburnt into oblivion. In Holland. Which is known for its sun? I hope so. But don’t. You get the idea anyway.

Cheers,
David@pup_art_uk

10/07/2025

This isn’t a commission... it’s just something I fancied doing for myself on a slooow, hot day in July. I hadn’t painted a cat in ages and thought it was about time. You could call it practice, but I’m framing it and sticking it on the wall, so here we are.

I wasn’t aiming for realism (I seldom do), I wanted movement, expression, and most of all a bit of life behind the eyes. I freely admit that the ear’s a bit wonky, but I like it that way, so it’s staying :P

It’s a black cat on a red background. What more do you want.

08/07/2025

I started this one yonks ago but I’m pleased to finally share, now the gifting date has passed. I hope you lot think it was worth the wait! His name is Otis and is a dog with a stare sooo intense I felt like I needed to apologise while painting him :/

He’s got that perfect mix of elegance and menace. Like he’d let you stroke his ears then report you to the boss dog afterwards. I loved working on this one.

Address

Bedford

Telephone

+441234743416

Website

https://www.pup-art.co.uk/

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