---
title: "Custom Acrylic Pet Portraits: My Hand-Painted Process in Mumbai"
description: "Ever wondered how your photo becomes a painting? See my process for custom pet portraits, from digital sketches to hand-painted acrylics on canvas."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/anushkanayakart/custom-hand-painted-portraits/behind-the-brush-my-painting-process
last_updated: 2026-02-10
---

# Behind the Brush: My Custom Painting Process

Tribe Verified · Hand-painted acrylic art, shipped globally

By [Anushka Nayak](https://mytribe.in/anushkanayakart) · Studio in Mumbai; Ships across India · ₹3,800 Per Portrait (estimate)

Part of [Custom Hand-Painted Portraits](https://mytribe.in/anushkanayakart/custom-hand-painted-portraits). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/anushkanayakart/custom-hand-painted-portraits/gallery)

Ever wondered how a photo turns into a painting? Here is a peek into my studio process, from digital sketches to the final varnish coat on your custom portrait.

## Photos and videos

- [Video: This is how I turn your photos into paintings. I use my iPad to create a precise sketch with a grid, transfer it to the canvas, and then begin the painting process. This was my first time recording a voiceover.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5591557e-b38f-475c-aeb8-a52d450afb41)
- [Video: A little behind the scenes of how I use Procreate to create mockups before I start painting. This is especially helpful when I need to merge multiple photos into one cohesive image.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/71a29f11-1211-440c-953e-9fb2c65c5607)
- [Video: The final and most satisfying step. I protect all my paintings with a satin varnish. It not only protects the art from dust and damage but also makes the colors pop and come to life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d7b1bcdc-59e3-40f3-a23e-5fd56ab35b5d)
- [Video: Sealing all my completed paintings with varnish is so satisfying. Here's a compilation of various pieces getting their final protective coat.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5b27e081-38a1-465d-a122-9a8ca91e23ea)
- [Video: Packing a large painting is an arm workout. It takes a while to make sure it's safe and secure for shipping, but seeing it all wrapped up and ready to go is so satisfying.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b78df188-8987-4b09-b684-79b75f712e62)
- [Video: People often ask me why I paint pet portraits. My love for animals inspired me to start, and I pour my heart into capturing the essence of every pet I paint.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/75ba80ef-c789-417b-ad0c-afe0e699350c)
- [Video: The best part of my job is the feedback. Getting heartfelt messages from clients when they receive their painting is an unbeatable feeling and reminds me why I love what I do.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ea8acf1e-a3e0-4422-a208-a4ae2c930693)
- [Video: An artist can never have too many art supplies. Here's a little haul of the canvases, paints, and brushes I use to create your custom portraits.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/07cc7b96-53b4-4bc0-9bac-9943221aa93c)
- [Video: My little ritual before I start any painting involves making coffee, finding a good playlist, and setting out my materials. This helps me get in the zone to paint away.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/51ad4552-1d14-44b1-a98c-619cb1c43b54)
- [Video: Over 40 hours of work condensed into just a few seconds. This time-lapse shows the progress of this large pet portrait of Momo, from the first brushstroke to the final detail.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/46eaf9e0-3a79-4307-9eaa-4d960a063763)
- [Video: The last element to complete this painting of Momo was adding his name to the dog tag. This real-time clip shows the satisfying final touch.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/277348bd-7fec-4da6-9817-5bd37d6d5730)
- [Video: I think I found the 'on' switch for this poodle portrait. The key to getting the fur to look this fluffy was building up many layers of paint to create shadows and highlights.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4cd6742b-8d51-493e-90e8-8bf6ee78babb)
- [Video: This 4 by 4 inch painting of a sweet beagle was created using only primary colors plus white. It's a new technique I've been trying, and it's been a game changer.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fa5f4b78-5b02-46ec-91fc-1b8c07ea6964)
- [Video: Capturing memories of Slash and Bobo, one frame at a time. This video shows the painting process from the initial sketch to the final, detailed portrait of two handsome labs.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0bdfaddb-cdb6-4a99-90c1-613a775c9154)
- [Video: I painted the most photogenic cat for a client. The key to this piece was lots and lots of layering to build up the texture of the fur and the depth in the eyes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5bc8055a-9e66-4dd7-b2e9-001f4a804018)
- [Video: It always starts out a little rough, but you have to trust the process. This video shows the transformation of a simple sketch into a detailed cat portrait on a tiny 4x4 inch canvas.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4c518835-7a02-4d9c-9c48-d971fe1bdbe1)
- [Video: From a simple line sketch to a fully rendered portrait. Every painting begins with a basic outline, and from there, I build up the layers of color and detail to bring the subject to life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bcd77992-4a32-43f5-a76f-08bca232d1e7)
- [Video: The happiest little Golden baby. This reveal video shows the final portrait of a beautiful Golden Retriever, a piece that brought a lot of joy to both me and the client.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/79704186-64a2-4279-a6c9-1c7945ff243d)
- [Video: From a blank canvas to a completed portrait. This video reveals the final painting of Murphy and Ollie, a piece commissioned to match the aesthetics of their owner's new home.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/658aef19-1c59-4fad-a5ec-584e0c463e7c)
- [Video: Another look at the process for the large portrait of Murphy and Ollie. This 20 by 30 inch canvas was a special piece for a client's new home.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3d3c95ad-7889-4e0b-bf86-34ba30ee24f4)
- [Video: From the digital reference on my iPad to the final painted canvas, this video shows how I brought this portrait of a Golden Retriever and Dachshund to life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c76c8b5f-9a77-4633-85d0-274afc58b617)
- [Video: A mini portrait of Yumi the cat on a 6x6 inch canvas. I love working on these smaller pieces that are packed with detail.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/13526cc6-d7e6-4e94-880c-0754f29b10ae)
- [Video: From the client's reference photo to sketch to painting. This video shows the three main steps I follow for my pet portraits, featuring three cute cats from last month's commissions.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/862ec466-9f20-4aac-9e40-29e20a178558)
- [Video: Big and little. This video compares the biggest pet portrait I've painted (36x42 inches) with one of the smallest (4x4 inches). I'm open to commissions of all sizes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dc60d86b-3a7c-416e-8a38-65c35f327075)
- [Video: Turn up the volume for some accidental ASMR. This process video captures the quiet sounds of sketching and painting in my studio.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/12c841f3-97a4-46a5-b7e2-9ccf652ca522)
- [Video: Meet Blue the Shih Tzu. This video shows how adding the final highlights, especially in the eyes, is what truly brings a painting to life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/816f9d7b-2288-4159-9b84-9afa01c7e4f3)
- [Video: Meet Johnny. This video shows the process of painting his portrait on a wood slice. Pet portraits are always my favorite orders to work on.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/37448804-b98f-4e65-a69d-f324782312aa)
- [Video: Happy Sunday from me and this adorable Frenchie. This process video shows a mini-painting on canvas from start to finish.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6c033d63-5c41-496d-9d94-1aa3a83759bb)
- [Video: Here's why I don't always record my painting process. Sometimes I get so into the zone that I forget to hit record. But I'm glad I captured this one of a woman and her smiling dog.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/51ed0d3b-bfa9-45d1-ac56-ad58aca738dd)
- [Video: Say hello to sweet Sandy. This video shows my latest pet portrait commission, from the initial setup with the reference photo to the final piece on the easel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c8b1a134-0d38-4965-8c62-97653209a239)

## About Behind the Brush: My Painting Process

I use a digital grid method to translate your photos onto canvas, ensuring your pet's proportions are spot on before I start painting. It is a technical step that ensures the final portrait looks exactly like the photo you love, giving me the confidence to dive into the fun part, which is building those fur details and highlights with acrylics.

Every painting begins on my iPad. I use Procreate to adjust lighting or merge multiple photos if you do not have that perfect group shot. Once we finalize the composition, I use a grid overlay to transfer the sketch onto my canvas or wood slice by hand. This ensures the layout is perfect before I pick up a brush.

I work with professional-grade acrylics, focusing on layering to create real depth. For pet portraits, this means building up those tiny individual fur strokes and adjusting the shadows around their eyes until it feels like them. I paint everything from 4-inch rustic wood slices to large 20-by-30-inch canvases.

The final step is always a satin varnish. It keeps the colors vibrant and protects your piece from dust and UV damage for years to come. When you commission a piece, you are not just getting a painting. You are getting a piece of art that I have poured my heart into, from the very first sketch to the final coat of varnish.

## About Anushka Nayak

I'm Anushka, a Mumbai-based artist obsessed with capturing your pet's quirks and your favorite family memories on canvas. I paint every piece entirely by myself, so you know it comes straight from my desk to your wall.

[See all of Anushka Nayak's services](https://mytribe.in/anushkanayakart)

## More from Custom Hand-Painted Portraits by Anushka Nayak

- [Featured](https://mytribe.in/anushkanayakart/custom-hand-painted-portraits/featured)
- [Pet Portraits: Your Furry Friends Immortalized](https://mytribe.in/anushkanayakart/custom-hand-painted-portraits/pet-portraits-your-furry-friends-immortalized)
- [Family & Couple Portraits: Capturing Your Love](https://mytribe.in/anushkanayakart/custom-hand-painted-portraits/family-couple-portraits-capturing-your-love)
- [Creating the Perfect Picture: Merged & Memorial Art](https://mytribe.in/anushkanayakart/custom-hand-painted-portraits/creating-the-perfect-picture-merged-memorial-art)
- [Art on Wood: Rustic & Unique Keepsakes](https://mytribe.in/anushkanayakart/custom-hand-painted-portraits/art-on-wood-rustic-unique-keepsakes)
- [Miniature & Travel Art](https://mytribe.in/anushkanayakart/custom-hand-painted-portraits/miniature-travel-art)
- [From Mumbai to the World](https://mytribe.in/anushkanayakart/custom-hand-painted-portraits/from-mumbai-to-the-world)

## More services by Anushka Nayak

- [Art Prints & Goods](https://mytribe.in/anushkanayakart/art-prints-goods)
- [Art Workshops](https://mytribe.in/anushkanayakart/art-workshops)

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