Frequently Asked Questions-Pet Portrait Commissions
Artistry
Q: How would you describe your artistic process and style?
I specialize in using soft pastels to create painterly pet portraits with luminous, life-like eyes that convey depth and character, a textured-looking, three-dimensional fur effect, and color-saturated gradient backgrounds. I describe my pet portrait work as “stylized realism”. Pastels require a deliberate process of many layers: a base under-painting to establish structure and relationships, fur details to create a realistic textured appearance, and highlights for radiance. I use classical methods to portray light, form, and value as well as a variety of pastel painting techniques customized to best portray the unique qualities of each subject. My goal is to convey not only the physical beauty of each animal but also the inner spirit and personality of each animal friend. Please take the time to look closely the examples I have provided in my commission gallery. While I approach each piece as a distinctive work of art, you can expect your portrait to be consistent in style and quality as the examples I have provided.
Q: What materials do you use? Will my portrait last a long time?
I use only professional quality light-fast soft pastels and archival paper, all designed to last a lifetime. The brands of pastel that I use are: Schmincke, Unison, Caran D’Ache, Faber Castell, Carbothello and Pan Pastel. I use exclusively Pastelmat paper.
Q: I have an idea for a pet portrait that’s different than what you offer on your website. Can you do it?
I’d love to discuss your vision! Shoot me an email and let me know what you have in mind!
Q: I don’t have a pet but I have a favorite animal, can I commission a wildlife painting?
I am experienced in wildlife commissions as well. The process and cost is the same.
Selecting a reference photo and background color
Q: What makes a good reference photo?
The best reference photos are at eye level with the pet, and in digital, high-resolution format where the pet’s eyes can be clearly seen as well as the details of fur texture and direction of growth. Of course I realize that many people do not have the highest quality photos of their pets, and some pet portraits are memorials where a high resolution photo may be impossible to obtain. That’s ok! I can work from any reference photo. Although a low resolution reference may result in slightly less detail, these portraits also turn out beautifully, looking soft and painterly. Send me your best-loved photo and we'll go from there!
Q: I have more than one pet and would love a portrait of them together. Can you do that?
Yes! But your reference photo must be of the pets together as I find this is the best way to achieve a natural looking composition in terms of proportion and light. The cost is $150 for each additional subject. I will need to go up in paper size to add more than one subject. Two pets can usually fit in an 11x14, 3 in a 16x20. We can discuss the ideal size for your portrait after I take a look at the reference you want to use.
If your idea for a portrait falls outside of what I have offered on my website, please email me with your idea and I am happy to review your options and provide a customized quote. Please don’t hesitate to ask - I'd love to hear your creative ideas and I want to work with you!
Q: I have multiple pets but no good reference photo of them all together. What else can I do?
I suggest creating a portrait of each pet individually and then putting them in complementary style frames to hang side-by-side in a gallery wall presentation.
Q: What does select a "color family" for the background mean?
By this I mean for you to select the main color (hue) family that you want for your background, for example "blues" or "greens". All of my backgrounds are gradient, meaning I will use a range of shades within the color family that you selected. The comment box on the order form is a great place to provide me with any further instruction, but this is totally optional. For example, you might have chosen "blues" but would like me to focus more on the teals. Without specific directions from you, I will use my artistic judgement to select shades within the color family you chose to create a harmonious background that complements the natural colors of your pet.
Q: Do you have any tips for selecting a background color?
It's really a matter of personal taste and what color scheme looks best in the space where you will display your portrait. Many of my clients choose greens, blues, or browns because these colors suggest natural settings that work beautifully for any animal. Some clients like for a portrait of their black, white, or gray pet to fit into the overall neutral palette of their space so they chose a neutral color to create a more monotone effect. Others enjoy the contrast of bright colors that add whimsy and pop in modern spaces. I sometimes like to match the background to the color of the pet's eyes as I feel that brings the portrait to life! Please feel free to use the comment section on the booking form to provide more details about the preferred background color or style you are going for and I will create a background that reflect your goals.
Turnaround time
Q: How long will it take to complete and mail my portrait?
My turnaround time varies throughout the year, with my busiest months around the major holidays. I always keep my most up-to-date turnaround times posted at the top of my website next to the Menu bar. This reflects my best estimate from time of payment to mail out.
Placement in my queue for painting happens once the booking form has been completed and full payment is received.
Please let me know in the booking comment box if you need your portrait by a certain date and I will do my best to accommodate whenever possible, however, at minimum and due to the time consuming nature of the work, all portraits take at least 2 weeks.
Handling of your pastel painting and framing
Q: How should I remove and handle my portrait once it is received?
When your portrait arrives, it will include clearly written instructions for opening, handling, and framing. Your portrait will arrive sandwiched between a custom made foam-core support and covered with a special type of conservation paper called glassine which will protect the surface of the portrait and prevent the pastel from rubbing off. I do not use a fixative on the finished painting as I find it alters the colors and textures too much. Therefore, your pastel portrait must be handled very carefully, so as not to rub anything across it which could lead to smudging. Your portrait can be stored safely within the packaging and under the glassine, until it is framed.
Q: How should my portrait be framed?
Pastel artwork should be framed with double matting and under glass; My preferred type is called museum glass as it provides superior UV protection, minimizes reflection, and maintains clarity. Double matting prevents the glass from touching the artwork. You can frame it yourself or take it to a professional.