About

Hi, I am Celia

I Believe the Best Pet Portraits Capture More Than Just a Sweet Face.

My story

My name is Celia van Niekerk, I am a South African Pet Portrait Artist and a Pet and Family Photographer.

I have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember and hold a Diploma in Art & Design. I have been a professional pet and family photographer and the proud owner of Celia van Niekerk Photography for the past 18 years, but due to a shoulder problem, I had to hang up my camera in 2020 for a while. So, I decided to pursue a career in Art. I picked up my camera again at the end of 2023, missing photography greatly, and is available again for family and pet portrait photo shoots.

Why Pets?

I am crazy about dogs, all dogs, but Dachshunds specifically!I have been a dog owner for most of my life and cannot imagine life without having a wet nose (or two or three) by my side.

I currently have two dogs of my own and am caring for a family member’s two dogs while at work. (If you are curious and would like to see the “pawsome foursome”, they have their own Instagram Account.) Having dogs for most of my life, I am also familiar with the heartache of losing a beloved pet.

My pet portrait business began during the 2020 lockdown, when I drew my own dogs to pass the time while recuperating from surgery and waiting for the lockdown to be lifted. I unexpectedly fell in love with the slow process of coloured pencil as an art medium. This has since evolved into a full-time business that brings me so tremendous joy and allows me to combine my love for pets with my love for art, all while bringing joy to other like-minded pet lovers too.

My Approach

I don’t simply want to reproduce the provided photograph. I want the finished portrait to feel like YOUR pet by combining details and descriptions from multiple images to highlight what makes your pet so very special. Coloured pencil can captures all the small details that paint, watercolour or pastels cannot: the individual hairs, the exact colour of your pet’s eyes, the small imperfections or details that make them unmistakably them.

Coloured pencil portrait of a Spaniel by Celia van Niekerk

Isabella

A5 size Coloured Pencil Portrait

Coloured pencil Mini portrait of a white dog by Celia van Niekerk

Charley

A3 size Coloured Pencil Portrait

Coloured pencil portrait of a cream coloured Cocker Spaniel by Celia van Niekerk

Otto

A4 size Coloured Pencil Portrait

View Artwork VS Reference Photos

The Materials Matter

I only use the highest-quality, archival drawing surfaces from France, the UK and Italy. Coloured Pencil and Graphite Pencil Artwork are sketched on 100% cotton watercolour paper, pastelmat or drafting film, depending on which will complement your artwork best.
I also use only the finest-quality, lightfast German, American and Swiss-made coloured and graphite pencils. If cared for properly, your artwork will withstand the test of time.

Some fun facts about me:

Want to know the person who will be creating the artwork better?

Here are a few reasons why:

  • As much as I love dogs, I am VERY allergic to cats (unfortunately)!
  • Believe it or not, studying is my hobby…I am a serial-student. I have not really stopped studying since school, and I have done various courses ranging from Chef and Catering to Fashion Design, Education, Art, various Photography Courses and Theology. I am currently contemplating my next course…we will see what the future holds!
  • I love seaside holidays and good chocolate.
  • I drink way too many cups of tea or coffee in a day.
  • I LOVE old classic movies and 50s and 60s musicals. I used to watch these with my Grandma as a kid.
  • I learned photography shooting film (not digital) and I know my way around a photography darkroom.

I’d Love to Create Something Special for You.

Ready to book your special pet portraits? Request a quote via the button below.

Request a Quote

Get in Touch

WhatsApp +(27) 83 235 6818

info@celiavanniekerk.com

Nigel, East Rand, Gauteng