How your commissioned portrait comes to life
1.
Start the Conversation
Fill out the form on the Commissions page or email me at catchlightsketches@gmail.com to share what you have in mind for a pet portrait.
3.
Pick Size & Purchase
Shop the Hand-Drawn Pet Portrait, pick your size from the drop-down, and add it to your cart. When you're ready, you can check out.
2.
Send Your Photos
Email me your favorite photos of your pet to catchlightsketches@gmail.com. The more detailed photo the better..
4.
I Sketch Your Pet
Using graphite on fine paper, I hand-draw every detail, from fur texture to the catchlight gleam in their eyes. I then share a photo with you to get your feedback and make any final changes before delivering it to you.
Each artwork comes with a time-lapse creation video
"I'm the daughter of an artist and when I saw the work of Erika Darling, I was hooked! The family was brought to tears with the drawing I commissioned as a Christmas present. Just as cool is the video capture she does of the process... it is mesmerizing. Looking for a realistic drawing of your pet? How about that wildlife pic you captured on your last adventure? Very reasonable cost and faster than I dreamed possible!"
-Tracy B.
Engineering precision, with the soul of an artist
I'm Erika Darling, the artist behind Catchlight Sketches, based in sunny Orlando, Florida. After more than two decades as an engineer, I retired in 2025 to return to my first love: making art.
Graphite is my medium because it's honest, portable, and capable of capturing the smallest detail. I'm drawn to the glint in an animal's eye, the soft tilt of a head, the mischievous look of a dog giving side-eye. Those little moments are what I try to hold onto as I create every piece.
2025
Member, Assoc. of Animal Artists
25+
Commissions Completed
★★★★★
Average Client Rating
