The first stage is to agree on a suitable image for your portrait. Clients normally send me a few photographs via email or Direct Messenger on Facebook and I then advise on the most suitable image for me to paint. I need a clear, high resolution image to be able produce a detailed painting. The image may need to be cropped to fit the canvas size chosen but I will discuss this with you and show you the cropped image before starting the painting.
I have a base price for paintings on various sizes of canvas. The prices are based on painting your pet on plain or grass background. Some clients choose images that include a familiar background which they are used to seeing their pet in. I have painted some complicated patterns on carpets, rugs and sofas over the years! This detailed work takes more time and I will discuss with you a final cost after considering the amount of extra work involved.
I have also successfully painted portraits which focus on the pet’s face and head on a suitable sized canvas. This has looked particularly effective when several pets have been included on a large canvas as in the picture above.
Once we have agreed on image, background and canvas size, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required. At this point, I will confirm with you the timescale involved in completing your painting.
When I painted my first pet portrait, I was keen to keep the client informed on my progress. I sent photos on how the painting was developing and comments about it via Messenger on Facebook. This was really appreciated by my client and I have continued these updates via Messenger or email for every commission. My clients tell me that they love to see how the painting comes alive on the canvas.
Once the painting has been completed, has dried and I have received payment in full, it is protected with bubble wrap then packed in a padded envelope or strong, slim-line cardboard box (depending on size) for posting/shipping. Using Special Delivery in the UK or Tracked and Signed for international shipping via Royal Mail, gives my clients complete confidence in the delivery service.
I look forward to seeing any images you would like to send me with a view to having a special portrait painted of your pet.