Meet the artist
I am David Smith, the artist behind Pup Art UK. For years I have worked in corporate design, but I always wanted to create something more personal. My path back to art began with a dog. A simple decision to bring companionship into my life became something much bigger. Anyone who has lived with a dog will know how deeply they change you. Walks in the woods, quiet moments of reflection and the loyalty of a best friend gave me a new sense of purpose.
During the lockdown I picked up my artist tablet and began painting again. At first it was just for myself, then for friends, then for people who wanted portraits of their own pets. That is how Pup Art UK began. Since then I have created custom pet portraits for people across the UK and beyond, each one painted to capture warmth, energy and individuality.
Me, Me, Me
My Artistic Style
My style is expressive and modern. I do not aim for a photo-realistic copy. Instead, I focus on colour, texture and personality. Every artwork is built by hand, digitally painted from scratch without AI or filters. This approach keeps each portrait authentic & original, while giving me freedom to explore composition and detail that reflect the life of the animal.
Max, Ralphie and Rey
At home I share life with three wonderful dogs. Max is a loyal staffy with a big heart. Ralphie is a tiny Chihuahua with a giant personality. Rey is our newest addition, a beautiful blue staffy who keeps us all on our toes. They are constant reminders of the love and companionship pets bring, and they inspire me every day to create art that feels alive.
Beyond Art
By day I run a design and illustration practice in Bedfordshire, partnering with clients across the UK. Corporate design is creative but also technical, and that discipline feeds into Pup Art UK. My portraits balance professional craft with artistic freedom, allowing me to create work that is precise yet expressive.
Outside of work I love music and movies, and years ago I played bass guitar in a band. Walking in the woods with Max, Ralphie and Rey remains one of my favourite ways to recharge and find inspiration.
The Creative Process
Every portrait begins with a conversation about your pet. I want to know their story, their quirks and what makes them unique.
From there I build a digital painting, one brushstroke at a time.
Digital Natural Media
I work on a professional Huion artist’s tablet with specialist software called Rebelle Pro. This is designed to emulate oils, watercolours and pastels with incredible accuracy, giving me the freedom to explore bold colour and texture while still painting entirely by hand. Every detail is created without AI or filters, making each portrait authentic and original.
About My Process
Each commission is shaped by the stories you share. I start with references that capture expression and character, then layer paint digitally until the portrait feels alive. I often share progress and livestreams, giving a behind the scenes look at how a piece evolves from first sketch to finished artwork.
What’s the Benefit to You?
Because every mark is placed by hand, no two portraits are ever the same. This means your commission is a one of a kind work of art. My background in professional design means I balance creativity with technical precision, ensuring the final piece is expressive yet crafted to the highest standard.
Can I Buy the Original?
Yes. Every portrait is supplied as a fine art giclée print, produced on museum grade paper with archival pigment inks. Each piece comes with a certificate of authenticity and the official Hahnemühle Art Registry hologram, so you can be confident in provenance and value.
Ready to Bring Your Pet’s Portrait to Life?
Your pet’s story deserves to be told in art. Commission a portrait today and let me create something expressive, original and deeply personal for your home.