How Do We Begin?

In an email, tell me about your pet(s). All the information you give me about who your pet is, what she/he likes, & what you just love about him/her, is every bit as important as the photographs. You can also share funny stories, cute habits or favorite things they like to do. I like to capture the essence of your furry child in their painting, and the more I hear about them, the more I feel I “know” them, and it all helps, trust me!

Paint media includes oils only. I specialize in oil painting, and paint media is non-negotiable.  I do not do acrylics, watercolor, or gouache.  In very special cases I would be willing to possibly do a watercolor, but the price would be marginally higher.

Also, tell me what size you would like, as well as the "support" you would prefer for an oil painting.  Supports include stretched canvas, linen (higher price), masonite panels, & various wooden panels.  I will also make suggestions if you don’t have a preference. Feel free to email questions to me about the differences in supports.

Pictures Matter

I work from the photos you supply. They don't have to be professional-quality photos. As long as they are clean, clear shots of your pet, in color, and show different angles of your pet's face and body, we're good. The more detailed and clear the photo, the better. Photos of other things you would like to see worked into the portrait are also welcome: your pets’ favorite spot to lounge (under a tree, on their favorite blanket or bed, etc.), favorite toys or snacks, and any other favorite things you might like to see in the portrait.  I prefer to also have really clear, good shots of their eyes and eye color as well. The eyes ARE the windows to the soul, after all!

I want to be in the Painting!

If you'd like to add a human to your portrait, contact me to discuss. I don’t usually do human portraiture. I can do it, but the price will be significantly higher at it is not my specialty and will take additional time.  I have to stress here that I am a perfectionist and this is the main reason I don’t work with human subjects.  I like to focus on the animal, and I tend to put all my energy in capturing their spirit and soul.  I don’t usually like to take away from that by adding people into the mix. This is negotiable, however, and in special circumstances I will make exceptions.

We Chose a Picture, now what?

I begin your portrait when I receive your 50% deposit, the contract (all you have to do is print it out, sign it, and mail it to me) and your photos. I prefer PayPal, and can get started on the work sooner if you choose to pay via PayPal. Checks may be subject to a waiting period to be sure they clear before work on your painting/drawing begins. Out of state checks may take up to a week to clear. Please email me and let me know how you would like to pay, and we’ll go from there! As soon as I get a down payment and the contract, and have the reference pics, I will get to work!

Options

Don’t only think in terms of  a “portrait”…I can also do paintings of your pets doing WHATEVER you want them to be doing…want a portrait of your Chihuahua on a Harley Davidson, ears flappin’ in the wind? I can do that! Want a portrait of your two cats as a King and Queen, complete with royal red robes and crowns, sitting on thrones? I can do that too! Let your imagination run wild and I’ll try to keep up!

The Rough Sketch before the REAL work begins…
Once I have a finished pencil or charcoal sketch of your portrait, I will email you an electronic file to review. At this point, you are welcome to request any revisions you would like to see made. One round of revisions is included in the price of the portrait. Additional rounds of revisions will be charged at the rate of $50 per hour.

The Final Portrait
After you give the thumbs-up to the sketch, I begin the painting. I often send clients digital pictures of the work in progress, but it’s at my discretion. Sometimes I’m just so excited about how it’s coming along that I can’t wait to share it with you…!  I usually just like to surprise clients when I can. Makes the whole experience more fun! When the portrait is finished, I'll notify you by email. When I've received the final payment plus shipping, I'll ship the painting to you. It can take anywhere from 2 weeks to just over a month to complete an oil painting, so keep this in mind if you give me a deadline.  Drawings take significantly less time, usually 2 weeks.   After I receive your final payment, I will pack up your portrait and send it safely and carefully to its new home with you. I am fanatical about packaging and you have nothing to worry about with it getting there in one piece. I also insure all my artwork against loss or damage when it is shipped.  There are many shipping options available, and you can email me to discuss them. I usually send a list of shipping options via email as the painting/drawing nears completion.