The Process of Commissioned Pet Portraits:

There is a great deal that goes into the process of a commission for pet portraits. We begin by choosing the best photo and composition for your painting. Then I will discuss with you the choices of medium and the size of the composition and the possible time I may be able to commence your work. When all parties are satisfied with the direction of the work, and I am ready to commence, a contract must be signed, and a 50% deposit is required. Payment can be made via e-transfer when ready to commence. This deposit is non-refundable once work has begun. Depending on the complexity of the painting, completion times will vary. I want to do the best job I can for you so the process can often be slow and arduous. If this is a gift that is required at a certain time, planning far in advance is the best way to ensure it can be done on time without undue pressure on everyone involved. Paintings remain the copyright of the artist and must not be reproduced in any way, in whole or part for any purpose without written consent from the artist.

The Painting:

Once I have the image everyone agrees on, then the bulk of my work begins. I will study the photo for a day or two, or longer if complex, before I begin my initial sketches to transfer onto the substrate. I pick a color palette and do some test drawings with the medium of choice before I commence the main piece. you will have the opportunity to see progress pictures on the painting or to wait until the piece is complete. Minor changes may be achievable at the very start of a painting but not after the process has progressed. So be sure you feel comfortable with your choices before the painting stages have begun to avoid disappointment. Once I begin a painting, I rarely work on anything else. It will depend on the complexity of the painting as to the timeframe for completion. All paintings are shipped via Canada Post with tracking. Shipping costs will be determined at the time of shipping and due prior to paintings being shipped out. Paintings remain the copyright of the artist and must not be reproduced in any way without the written consent of the artist.

The Importance of a Great Pet Photograph:

It can never be understated that a good photo makes a great painting. When photographing any animal or bird the highest resolution and great lighting is always best. Pets should be photographed at their eye level and in subtle outdoor light if possible. The details of the picture should be easily seen when the photo is blown up on a computer screen. It should be clear and without blur or pixilation. The better the details, the better it is to capture your pets personality and individuality. I always tell people to pay particular attention to capturing that glint in the eyes of their pets. If a photo is so blurred or dark that you can’t see the eye detail well, then there will be a loss to the quality in the end results. I realize there are always those times when a pet has perhaps passed on and there are no opportunities to get that quality of picture. In this case, I will try to work with the owner to try to create a picture that resembles their pet as close as possible, bearing in mind the images we will have to work with.

Excellent example of a photo that is clear, at eye level and of high resolution.

Completed Commissions and Pet Portraits: