Commission Details
how do i commission a pet portrait?
1. Share your photos.
Send as many digital photos as you'd like, or scan existing photographs. If you're unsure which images will work best, you'll find helpful guidance in my article on selecting reference photos.
2. Select your reference image and size.
Together we'll choose the photograph that best captures your pet's personality while providing the detail needed for a beautiful portrait.
3. Reserve your commission.
Once the details have been finalized, I'll send you an invoice for your reservation deposit to secure your place in my commission schedule.
Send as many digital photos as you'd like, or scan existing photographs. If you're unsure which images will work best, you'll find helpful guidance in my article on selecting reference photos.
2. Select your reference image and size.
Together we'll choose the photograph that best captures your pet's personality while providing the detail needed for a beautiful portrait.
3. Reserve your commission.
Once the details have been finalized, I'll send you an invoice for your reservation deposit to secure your place in my commission schedule.
How much does a portrait cost?
Every portrait is individually created, so pricing depends on the size of the artwork and the complexity of the reference image.
The easiest way to receive an accurate quote is to send me a few photos of your pet. I'll review them personally and recommend the most appropriate size and investment for your portrait.
The easiest way to receive an accurate quote is to send me a few photos of your pet. I'll review them personally and recommend the most appropriate size and investment for your portrait.
what photos work best for a portrait?
The quality of your reference photo has a significant impact on the finished artwork. For the best results, I recommend photographs that are:
• Taken outdoors or in natural window light
• Photographed at your pet's eye level
• Sharp and in focus
• Close enough to show detail in the eyes and fur
• Free of flash whenever possible
• Taken outdoors or in natural window light
• Photographed at your pet's eye level
• Sharp and in focus
• Close enough to show detail in the eyes and fur
• Free of flash whenever possible
does my portrait include framing?
Portraits are delivered unframed.
Each portrait includes a ½-inch border to allow for professional matting and framing. Because every home and décor style is different, I leave the final frame selection to each client.
Since pastel artwork is delicate by nature, I strongly recommend professional framing using a mat and UV-protective glass to ensure your portrait remains protected for years to come.
Each portrait includes a ½-inch border to allow for professional matting and framing. Because every home and décor style is different, I leave the final frame selection to each client.
Since pastel artwork is delicate by nature, I strongly recommend professional framing using a mat and UV-protective glass to ensure your portrait remains protected for years to come.
how should i frame my portrait?
Soft pastel is a beautiful but delicate medium that should be professionally framed soon after arrival.
To preserve your portrait:
• Frame the artwork as soon as practical.
• Always use both a mat and glass so the artwork never comes into direct contact with the glazing.
• Handle the artwork only by its edges and avoid touching the surface.
• Store the portrait flat and avoid placing objects on top of it prior to framing.
To preserve your portrait:
• Frame the artwork as soon as practical.
• Always use both a mat and glass so the artwork never comes into direct contact with the glazing.
• Handle the artwork only by its edges and avoid touching the surface.
• Store the portrait flat and avoid placing objects on top of it prior to framing.
how long will my portrait take?
Commission schedules vary throughout the year, but most portraits begin approximately 6–8 weeks after the reservation deposit is received.
Once work begins, most portraits are completed within 2-4 weeks before being carefully packaged and shipped.
If your portrait is intended as a gift or needed for a specific date, please let me know when you inquire. I'll always do my best to accommodate special deadlines whenever possible.
Once work begins, most portraits are completed within 2-4 weeks before being carefully packaged and shipped.
If your portrait is intended as a gift or needed for a specific date, please let me know when you inquire. I'll always do my best to accommodate special deadlines whenever possible.
can you paint more than one pet?
Absolutely.
Multiple-subject portraits are a wonderful way to celebrate the bond between your pets. Whenever possible, I recommend using a single reference photograph that includes all subjects. If separate photos are necessary, I can often combine them into one composition.
Pricing is based on the number of subjects, portrait size, and overall complexity. I'm happy to provide a personalized quote after reviewing your reference photos.
Multiple-subject portraits are a wonderful way to celebrate the bond between your pets. Whenever possible, I recommend using a single reference photograph that includes all subjects. If separate photos are necessary, I can often combine them into one composition.
Pricing is based on the number of subjects, portrait size, and overall complexity. I'm happy to provide a personalized quote after reviewing your reference photos.
what medium do you use for your portraits?
My portraits are created entirely by hand using professional-grade soft pastels on archival sanded paper. Although soft pastel is technically a dry medium, the layering, blending, and depth of color create a painterly effect similar to traditional painting. Each portrait is built through many layers of pigment to capture the unique textures, colors, and personality of your pet. Soft pastel is a fine-art medium known for its rich color and luminosity, which allows me to create highly detailed, realistic portraits while preserving the natural character of the subject.
