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.
Commission Prices
Small Character Painting
From £395
Perfect for celebrating one remarkable dog.
Medium Character Painting
From £650
Ideal for larger portraits or more detailed backgrounds.
Large Statement Painting
From £1,200
A future heirloom and a real conversation piece.
Prices vary according to size and complexity.
A Few Practical Bits
Most paintings are created entirely from photographs and stories, so no sitting required (which is probably just as well).
I take on a limited number of commissions each month to ensure every painting receives the time and care it deserves.
Enquire About a Dog Character Painting
If there’s a dog whose face instantly sprang into mind while reading this, I’d love to hear their story.
Owd Lasses Commissions
Bold. Brilliant. Bloody unforgettable.
I paint Owd Lasses.
Not sweet little grannies knitting quietly in the corner, but women with stories etched into their faces. Women who raised us, made us laugh, fed us, frightened us a bit, stood up for us, or perhaps remind us of ourselves.
These portraits are unapologetic, funny, sometimes fierce, sometimes tender and always truthful. They celebrate character over convention and spirit over polish.
An Owd Lass commission can be created in memory of someone much missed, 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 comes to the house asks about her.”
“It’s like she’s still keeping an eye on us.”
Every painting begins with photographs, memories and stories. I don’t paint perfection. I paint that look they gave before the fun started, or the row.
Because some women deserve more than a photograph.
They deserve a story on the wall.
Commission Prices
Original Owd Lass Painting
From £395
A hand-painted original artwork created from photographs and shared memories.
Ideal for:
- Retirement gifts
- Memorial pieces
- Milestone birthdays
- Celebrating remarkable women
- Future family heirlooms
Prices vary according to size and complexity.
Digital Owd Lass Portrait
From £95
A hand-drawn digital character portrait supplied as a high-resolution file for you to print and share.
Perfect for:
- Smaller budgets
- Invitations
- Greetings cards
- Family keepsakes
Character Commissions for Businesses
Looking for something no one else has?
I also create bespoke characters for independent businesses, pubs, cafés, chip shops, florists and bistros.
Imagine your legendary waitress, landlord, florist or chip-shop owner immortalised in paint and reproduced as cards, mounted giclée prints or canvas prints.
These quirky characters become exclusive merchandise, unique customer gifts or even charity fundraisers.
Commercial commissions, reproduction rights and licensing are quoted individually.
A Few Practical Bits
I only accept a limited number of commissions each month, allowing each story the time and attention it deserves.
Most commissions are completed from photographs, old snapshots and the memories shared by family and friends.
No sitting required.
Enquire About an Owd Lass Commission
If someone immediately springs to mind while reading this, I’d love to hear their story.
Because some women leave footprints far too big for a photo album.
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.
