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Pet Portrait FAQs

To order a custom portrait, email me and tell me what you would like. We’ll confirm the size, the price, and the timing. Then, tell me all about your pet, about what you love about them and their personality and little tricks. The more I know about your furry friend, the better I can capture them in a pet painting that you will enjoy.

HOW LONG DOES A PORTRAIT TAKE TO COMPLETE?

Paintings take me from 2 weeks to 2 months to complete, depending upon their size and my schedule.  If you are considering a portrait for a gift, please keep in mind that I sometimes have a waiting list.

PHOTOGRAPHY IS CRITICAL: Every pet portrait that I paint is done from photos that you send to me. I do not photograph your pet myself or work from live sittings. Please send as many different photos as you can, so that I may choose the photo that is best for your portrait. If you have a favorite one, let me know and I’ll tell you if it is suitable to work from.

I prefer receiving digital files but can work from a good photo print. However, I cannot be responsible for the return of any photo prints. Digital images should be high resolution (that means 300 dpi) and can be emailed to me.

DEPOSIT: After reviewing your photos, I’ll discuss with you which ones I would like to work from. Then prior to beginning your pet portrait, I request a 50% deposit.

Once your deposit has been received, I’ll get started. When your painting is almost done, I will send you a photo of it to review and approve.

APPROVAL: On approval of your pet portrait I will ask for the balance which can be paid by debit, credit card, or by check.

PAYMENT: Payment is made through my secure Paypal account. You may pay with or without having a Paypal account yourself. I will also accept payment by check or cashiers check. On receipt and clearing of payment, I will ship your finished pet portrait work.

SHIPPING: Your painting will be carefully wrapped for shipping. Shipping costs will be additional and will be quoted based on the size of the art and the way you would like it shipped. I only ship by methods that allow the package to be tracked from my studio in Lake Ariel, PA.  I ship USPS Priority mail with delivery confirmation. You may request optional insurance at an additional charge.

GETTING A GOOD PHOTO:

The best photos for me to work from are often taken outdoors in natural light on a bright but slightly overcast day, or indoors near a large window. The sun or any light source should be behind you, and you should avoid having a light source behind your pet. Please avoid using a flash. It tends to create very artificial lighting. However, if your very favorite photo of your pet was taken with a flash, send it to me, and let me see if I can work with it.

If possible, try to take or select photos that are taken at the same height as your pet instead of above or below them. That means getting down on the floor (or up on the bed) with them–and if you can’t do that, try to pick up your pet and put them on the same level as you. Try to get as close to your pet as you can without cutting off their ears or too much of their bodies if it is to be a full body portrait. Photos need to be clear and sharp.

Pet Portrait Pricing

Single Pet

For further inquiries about a painting or the commission process, please email me below.