Testimonials - pet portraits in acrylic by UK portrait artist, Nicky Jones

"Received my 40th birthday present from husband. Wasn't sure what he was up to the past few months, but what a surprise. I had tears in my eyes. I am absolutely over the moon. Thank you for taking the pictures and for all your trouble. I've had Perry for 32 years and can't believe the likeness and how you have captured his character in the picture. I would have no hesitation in recommending you to my family and friends. It is absolutely fantastic. Thank you." N Povey (Nov 07)

"I recently commissioned Nicky to do a portrait of my friend's 3 cats. I was in quite a rush for the portrait as it was my friend's 40th birthday and the portrait was completed in around 4 weeks without any compromise on the portrait quality. I have to say that she was overjoyed with the result and she and I cannot believe how lifelike the portrait looks. It takes a very special talent to re-create a portrait like that from a basic e-mailed photograph. I will definitely be coming back to Nicky for any future requirements and would recommend the sheer quality of work to anybody." D Moxon (Sept 07)

"We have been meaning to thank you for the superb painting of Sam & Sherri which our daughter commissioned with you back in the Spring. She may have told you that it was to be a 25th Wedding Anniversary present which the children were giving us when on a family holiday. It is absolutely stunning and makes a wonderful memory of Sam & Sherri. Unfortunately we lost Sherri two years ago but Sam was very impressed with it and got very chilled out whilst we all enjoyed ourselves. The portrait is so life-like and will certainly look good on the wall in pets' corner. Feel free to use Sam & Sherri in your Gallery if you wish. Many thanks." T & J Irons (Aug 07)

"Just to let you know that Karin loved the portrait and thought you had done an excellent job. There were a few tears! Thank you again." R Shepherd (July 07)

"Jackson's portrait came this morning. I am so pleased with it, it is exactly what I was looking for when I first thought about the idea of a portrait. You have done an excellent job, especially considering the size of the photo you had to work with. Thank you so much, I'm sure that Karin is going to love it. I'll be sure to email you again after she has seen it herself. Thanks again." R Shepherd (June 07)

"I got Sasha's portrait in the post this morning and it's really lovely! I'm sure Dad is going to love it....I'm going to show my friends the portrait and will be singing your praises! I'm sure I'll be commissioning another from you. I have a cat who is not long for this world and I know I would love a portrait of him! Thank you so much." C Willett (April 07)

"Jubi's portrait arrived safe and sound and is absolutely phenomenal. The detail is just amazing I cannot stop looking at it. You are very talented. I am hoping when I have saved enough money and when Jubi has shredded all of his winter coat to ask you to do me another portrait of him in his summer coat, as he looks a completely different pony and perhaps one done of our cat!!! My mum was so impressed with Jubi's portrait she is also hoping to get one done of her New Forest pony. Thank you so much and I will be in touch in the near future." S Johnson (April 07)

"Sorry we have not got back to you sooner, we have only just got the portrait back from being framed. We are very pleased with the result and the portrait was highly praised by the staff at the framing studio.....So we would just like to thank you again for the lovely portrait of our two dogs. We are overwhelmed and happy with the portrait. Best Wishes. PS If we ever get another pet we will sure be in touch." J & J Abbott (Mar 07)

"Thanks so much for the superb portraits of Scruffy and Muppet. Not only was it a fantastic likeness of them but you definitely managed to capture their individual characters. It was a lovely surprise for Alan and he was thrilled. If I hear of anyone who is looking for an artist to portray their pets I shall certainly point them in your direction. Thanks again..." S Finch (Jan 07)

"Thank you so much for the beautiful picture you painted of Dexter. When I heard that my husband Dave had organised the painting for my Christmas present I was a little worried as I didn't know what to expect. His previous surprise gifts haven't worked out too well......However this year, thanks to your talent and love of painting, which shines through your work, he has outdone himself! His past misdemeanours have now been forgiven! Thank you once again." J Garratt (Jan 07)

"I thought that I'd let you know that my Dad LOVED his picture that you drew for him. He phoned first thing on Christmas morning to say it was the best present he'd ever had! The dog was called Rex and was the runt of the litter......So thank you once again for all your hard work and for a truly beautiful picture." K Gardner (Jan 07)

"We've received Molly's portrait today - thanks so much, it's absolutely beautiful! You've captured her perfectly!! I'm really pleased, and it was lovely to get it in time for Christmas too! Many thanks." S Bailey (Dec 07)

"I've attached a picture of my mum being presented with the portrait......She absolutely loves it! Was very unexpected for her and was so thrilled to have something so personal. It was the talking point of the evening and she very much enjoyed sharing her stories about him with everyone! He now has pride of place in the Hall as soon as you walk through the front door. Thankyou ever so much." R MacCarthy (Nov 06)

"The portrait of Gem is wonderful as you know it was a birthday gift for my husband. It was great that, although for him, the moment was shared with our son. The picture is amazing and tears were shed. You have captured her image beautifully which could not have been easy bearing in mind the quality of the photos you had to work from. Many thanks." A Nash (Aug 06)

"....I just wanted to let you know that Rob absolutely loved the picture you did of Jeff, he was so taken aback with it he was speechless! We have the picture in pride of place in our hall and everyone who has seen it can't believe the likeness! So thank you so much for making my husbands day and mine!" A Barker (July 06)

"Ted’s portrait has arrived safe and sound. I’m really thrilled with it and I know my sister will be too. You have really captured his character and likeness – thank you so much." J Walker (May 06)

"Nicky, 2 words... 'Bloody brilliant!' Sara and I opened the picture late Sunday night. We enlarged it on the screen and just sat looking at it for ages. It's true when they say a picture paints a thousand words. My mum is going to be over the moon when she sees the finished product. Money aside, you must be very proud when realising such a brilliant talent. The happiness it will spread for years to come is unmeassurable, well done, speak soon." R Niblock (May 06)

"Thank you for the lovely portrait you did of my old pony Shamara, you have realyl caught her character, it is as though she is looking at me reminding me of all the wonderful times we had together. She was a very special pony and you have done her proud. We will be in touch in the future for a portrait of her dahughter Miska and will definitely be recommending you to friends and family. Thanks again." S & A Soutar (April 06)

".......Everyone I've shown the painting to so far thinks that it is amazing, everytime I look at it I see a little bit of detail that I didn't see before, that just makes it brilliant, can't wait to give it to my fiancee on Xmas day, 'Im sure she will love it." A Cotton (Dec 05)

"Many thanks for a super portrait of Flossy. Family over the moon. Best wishes." G Davis

“I am writing to say ‘thank you’ for the truly wonderful portrait of ‘Charlie’. The painting is everything I wanted it to be and more. The likeness is so good, several people I have shown the painting to have initially thought it was a photograph…..I apologise for the slight delay in writing to you, but I wanted to tell you Stephanie’s reaction when I gave her the painting last night. She was so pleased with her gift that she burst into tears and she has not stopped thanking me for the ‘wonderful present’ since. It has certainly put me in her good books!!!!!….I certainly will not hesitate to come back to you in the future with other commissions.” D Saunders

“A really beautiful portrait of my parents dog. They are thrilled with it and feel it is a true likeness of Toffee. I was delighted with the result – and also the individual, kind, sensitive service that you provide. Thank you so much.” R Hobin

“Your work is superb. You catch every feature of your subject, and it is as though you are looking at the real person or animal in front of you. You also have a most pleasing personality, which puts people at ease and makes for a more natural pose. Well done.” R Lightfoot

“Just a few lines to let you know that my husband was delighted with the painting of his mother. At first he was absolutely speechless, it was such a surprise and he couldn’t fathom how it had been achieved. When he recovered he was as I said really delighted with the painting and its presentation. Congratulations on your excellent work and a big thank you from me.” J Mays

“…I thought I would write formally to say a big “THANK YOU” for the fantastic painting you did of Tara my dear old Springer Spaniel. I was absolutely thrilled when I saw it and to say it brought a tear to my eye would not be a lie. I have obviously shown all my doggy friends who have expressed an interest in your work….Once again thank you very much, your work will certainly carry my very best recommendation.” J Penney

“…This gives me the opportunity to express my total delight with the painting. It came as a complete surprise and I was choked when I opened it. You have made an excellent job, and I have shown it to several friends (all dog lovers) who….may contact you in the not too distant future! Once again, thank you very much, you certainly ‘made my Christmas’….” J Phillimore

“Thank you ever so much for your wonderful portrait of Benji. You seem to have captured his spirit brilliantly – and so cleverly combined elements from the three photos. I’m sure my parents will be thrilled with their Christmas present.” Dr J Lewis

“Just a quick note to thank you for the wonderful picture of Sam. My parents love it, they both agree that you have brought out the essence of his character as well as the perfect likeness.” K Keeling

“Thank you for the portrait of ‘Suzie’. You certainly have captured the gentle side of her, perhaps too well! – underneath is the ‘terrier’, which I think the eyes reveal. I am delighted with the portrait….I will be placing further orders…..” G French

“Thank you for the portrait of Basil, it was perfect – you captured his character. David was absolutely thrilled, he said it was the perfect gift. You always go to so much care with the detail, especially his eyes – he seems to be looking straight at you.” L Carter

“Many thanks for the beautiful portrait. I am delighted with it and will treasure it always.” S Read

“We are truly pleased with the portrait of our dear little Poppy. You have captured her very essence.” B & D Emery

“I am truly delighted with the picture – you have managed to capture one of Marston’s expressions perfectly. I would happily recommend you to anybody.” M English

“I think the painting is brilliant. I’m sure when Millie casts her eyes over it on Christmas morning she will think the same.” K Lennard

“Nicky has captured more than just the look, she’s brought the pictures alive with her ability to show the kindness and character of her subjects.” K Dighton

“I was thrilled with my painting of Donald. It’s so beautiful I cried.” L Hann