Custom Pet Portraits
I offer a limited number of bespoke Pet Portrait commissions in Pastel for clients who live in the Leicestershire, Derbyshire or Nottingham area.
1. Email me a selection of clear, close up photographs of your pet. Please see below for tips on how to get a suitable photograph.
2. After analysing the photographs, I will then contact you with a proposed composition. Once we have agreed on a composition and an approximate completion date (please do tell me when ordering if it needs to be ready for a certain date), a 10% deposit is required to secure the booking.
3. During the portrait process I will post "work in progress" images on my Facebook page and IG so that you can see how the portrait is progressing. If it is a surprise present for someone, please do let me know and I will email you private updates.
4. Once the portrait is complete and you are completely happy with the portrait, it will be ready for collection; we can arrange a suitable location Please note the portrait will be unframed, pastel is very fragile until under glass, so it is recommended to bring a board that it can be placed on until it is framed.
2. After analysing the photographs, I will then contact you with a proposed composition. Once we have agreed on a composition and an approximate completion date (please do tell me when ordering if it needs to be ready for a certain date), a 10% deposit is required to secure the booking.
3. During the portrait process I will post "work in progress" images on my Facebook page and IG so that you can see how the portrait is progressing. If it is a surprise present for someone, please do let me know and I will email you private updates.
4. Once the portrait is complete and you are completely happy with the portrait, it will be ready for collection; we can arrange a suitable location Please note the portrait will be unframed, pastel is very fragile until under glass, so it is recommended to bring a board that it can be placed on until it is framed.
Portrait Details
Single study, head and part of the shoulder with no background.
Image Size: approximately 22cm x 18cm
Price (unframed) : £70
The Photograph
The photograph is a really important part of the process, the better the photograph the better the portrait. Remember, I don't know your pet like you do and have to go completely by the photograph. The best portraits are ones that capture your pet's natural expression - be it happy, mischievous, alert or grumpy! Below are some tips to help capture that perfect shot:
- The best way to get a good composition, is to firstly make sure you are close enough to your pet and get down to the pet's eye level to take the photograph, not from above or below. Fill the photograph with your pets' head and shoulders, not the background.
- Try to get the face angled (turned) slightly, preferably not straight on. Use treats to direct their gaze; probably a two-person job!
- You need to have a good source of light to get a clear photograph with no redeye. The best thing to do is to go outside, ideally on a bright but overcast day. Don't use the flash.
- Patience is key. Take lots of photographs to get that perfect shot. The portrait will be done from one main reference photograph, however, it is nice to have a few others to check the details.
Payment
Before starting your portrait, I will require a non-refundable 10% deposit which can be paid by PayPal. During the process I will share with you several stages that the portrait goes through so that you can see it developing and comment accordingly. Once the portrait is complete, I will send you a preview before the final payment is made and prior to collection. I want you to be completely happy with your Pet Portrait. Final payment can be made by PayPal or in cash.
Framing
Payment
Before starting your portrait, I will require a non-refundable 10% deposit which can be paid by PayPal. During the process I will share with you several stages that the portrait goes through so that you can see it developing and comment accordingly. Once the portrait is complete, I will send you a preview before the final payment is made and prior to collection. I want you to be completely happy with your Pet Portrait. Final payment can be made by PayPal or in cash.
FAQ
Below is a selection of commonly asked questions.
How long will the portrait take?
Please allow 4-5 weeks for your portrait; each portrait takes many hours of work. Please let me know when you contact me if you require it for a specific date.
Can you draw any animal?
Yes, I have drawn bearded lizards to camel portraits in the past.
Does my portrait come framed?
I don't frame the portraits as I find most people like to choose their own frame according to their budget and what suits their home.
My photograph isn't very clear, can you work from it?
You are welcome to email me the photo for me to have a look at it, however, please be prepared for a no, I really need to see the detail to be able to produce a good likeness.
Can I have a full body study drawn, or move than one animal in the same drawing?
At the moment I am only offering single head studies due to the timescales involved to complete each portrait.
Can my portrait include a background?
I generally don't do backgrounds as I find this distracts away from the pet; I want them to be centre stage.
Could I have a portrait done in pencil?
Due to the techniques I use with pencils, it is an extremely long process - not a quick sketch. I use to offer portraits in pencil but the time involved was just too time consuming. Pastel portraits also take a long time but pencil work is literally hair by hair!
I don't live in the specified areas, can you post me the portrait?
Sorry, I only offer portraits to people who live in my local area who can collect it. Pastel is very difficult to post without damaging the art, therefore I prefer not to risk it.
If your question isn't covered, please do not hesitate to contact me.