Pet Portrait Commissions: FAQ

Click on a topic below to get more information.

This covers most of the questions that customers ask about portraits, however it isn't a complete list. Please contact the studio at any time if you need more information.

What is a pet portrait sketch?

Pet portrait sketches are small, informal paintings that can be done from lower quality reference photos.

They are painted in oil on linen mounted on a handmade panel. This makes them easy to ship as the panel provides stability and protection.

What is a formal pet portrait?

Formal portraits are the best way to memorialize your pet. They follow a rigorous design process before any work starts on the canvas. They can be fully customized to meet your individual needs; any type of background, setting or pose can be accommodated.

All formal portraits are painted in oil on hand prepared linen unless otherwise requested.

Can my own photos be turned into paintings?

Yes, they can. However, the quality of the reference photos is important and they must be reviewed before any commissions can be accepted. Please get in touch for instructions on the best way to get them to us.

If you live locally I will take my own at no additional charge, in which case the portrait usually starts with an in-person call where we can meet and discuss your needs.

I have photos that were taken by a professional photographer

Please note that professionally taken photographs can only be used on receipt of a written release from the photographer.

How much does a portrait cost?

Sketches of dogs and small animals start at $500, horses and large animals start at $550.

Formal paintings of dogs and small animals start at $900, horses and large animals start at $1050.

Sales tax is added for WA state shipping addresses or where otherwise applicable.

What sizes do they come in?

Sketch portraits are usually sized at 12x12 or 11x14 for dogs and 12x16 for horses (all dimensions in inches).

Smaller paintings can be provided, if required, but we recommend a minimum size of about 8x10.

Formal portraits are usually sized up to 16x20 for dogs and 20x24 for horses (all dimensions in inches), however all reasonable requests can be accommodated.

Please contact us to get a quote for other sizes.

How do I pay?

All portraits are done for a fixed fee which will be agreed with you before ordering. After contacting us and discussing your needs, we will email you a link where you can make an online payment. Checks are also welcome.

For sketches, payment in full is requested in advance.

For formal portraits, a deposit of 50% is requested at the time the order is placed, the balance is due on acceptance and prior to shipping.

Do portraits come framed?

All commissioned portraits are delivered unframed and the cost of framing is not included in the commission fee. A frame can be supplied at additional cost, if required.

When will my portrait be delivered?

Most portraits take at least three months to complete (it takes that long for the paint to be dry enough to ship them), but some paintings can take longer.

Shipping?

A shipping charge may be added to your final invoice. It is intended to cover most of our shipping costs, including the cost of insuring the package. You will be given a quote that includes this shipping cost prior to placing your order.

Can I return a portrait?

All commissioned paintings are non-returnable except in the event of damage or physical defect. We will provide a preview of the painting prior to shipping and will modify and/or repaint the painting if you are dissatisfied in any way.

Intellectual property and copyright

As the artist I retain the copyright on the image of the painting (although I'm happy for you to share and use it freely).

This means I retain the right to use the image for things like promotional purposes, brochures and other printed material, publications including books and articles about my work, and websites and films showing my work.