Exclusive Services

Process

Thank you for visiting my site!  Because you landed here, there may be some questions regarding having a portrait done of your precious pet.  I am so glad that you are considering me. 
Firstly, a little bit about myself.  I am mainly an animal portraitist.  Animals are a bit of a passion for me.  I have worked with many clients throughout the United States and a few throughout the UK, many of them commissioning a portrait for the first time.  I feel it is a very personal thing that can be done to commemorate a beloved pet, either living or gone. 
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A little more about myself and my technique.   My mediums of choice are oils and acrylics.  I do paint in pastels and do some drawings, but the aforementioned ones are my strongest suit.  I am not a realist portrait artist though my passion is to capture the life and soul of my subject in an impressionistic way, moving through lights and darks, warms and cools to create the essence of my subject.  The portrait is painted on a high-quality canvas with the structure of the canvas/panel determined according the final framing point.
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As for your starting point, you, the client, would email me.  We will discuss size, where the piece will be hung, timeline, pricing, payment and delivery.  We will discuss reference photos and decide upon a good, clear, concise photo of the pet.  I do understand that sometimes there is no way to get a really good picture; however, I will work with you in whatever capacity I can. 
Our next step is to discuss several points.  We will need to discuss the size of the portrait, the number of pets in the portrait, pose and composition, background color and any particular features, toys or details that are important to you.
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Once these particulars are discussed, I will invoice for %50 of the total price.  Shipping is not included.  This can be done through several different options such as USPS, UPS or FedEx.
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Pricing

8 x 10            300
9 x 12             360
11 x 14            500
12 x 16            625
14 x 18            825
16 x 20          1100                                 

18 x 24          1500
20 x 30         2000
24 x 36          2800
30 x 36          3500
 
For larger sized paintings or for a specific size, I charge by the square inch.  If more than one pet is in the painting, I do charge an extra dollar ($1) per square inch. Please do not hesitate to ask me if these sizes are not suitable. 

Reference Photos

As most of my pet portraits are created from photos and not from life, I do need to have high quality photos to work with.  It makes a huge difference in the quality of the painting to have very good photos.
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What I look for in a good reference photo is natural, even, lighting that is taken outdoors, near a window or in the shade.  Morning or early evening is the best as far as time of day for outside photos. Please see the photos included..
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Focus that is clear and sharp on the pet’s face, making the eyes a priority, is also very important.  The pet should be relaxed with a natural expression.  Take many photos at many angles, but particularly at eye level as a photo from above can distort
the features..  Please be sure to include any items that may make your portrait more special such as balls, toys, etc
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Also, take additional photos of the whole animal in an uncrowded atmosphere.  The objects around your pet can be very distracting and change the coloring on the pet’s fur.  Make sure the items around your pet are not too patterned unless that is the effect for which you are looking.

Finishing

Once the reference photo is determined and the deposit is invoiced and paid, I will do sketches, moving on to the main painting and work for approx. 4 to six weeks.  The client must understand that I have a particular style and they can peruse my website to understand more fully the color and style of painting.  Once the painting is finished and ready for varnishing, I will send a photo for approval.  I do allow for changes before varnishing, but after varnishing, I will be unable to make changes as this will damage the painting.   Upon approval, I will varnish the painting (two days drying time)..  Please be sure to advise if you would like for me to return the photos. 
 
I hope all this information helps make you comfortable with getting your first or maybe second or third commission go as smoothly as possible. I appreciate my clients so much and I look forward to working with you!