How to Commission
There is nothing I love more than taking an image of a much-loved part of the family and bringing it to life through my art, to be cherished forever.
If you would like to commission a piece here is how the process works:
Choosing the right image for your pet portrait
One of the first and most important steps in my pet portrait painting process is finding a good reference photo.
To start with, you will need to decide whether you would like the commissioned piece to be portrait – tall and narrow, landscape – short and wide, or square.
Think about the area in which you will be hanging this portrait and plan accordingly to make sure it looks at home in the space.
The chances are you will have numerous photos of your beloved pet in all kinds of poses, surroundings and light. To be able to really capture the character and personality of your pet, it is best to choose a photo where they are relaxed and natural.
It is also helpful for me to have high-quality, well-lit images that show the animal close up and not too far away. This way I am able to pick up on the little individualities that make your pet unique which in turn makes for an even better painting.
If you have a few images of your pet that you can’t decide between, please feel free to share them with me so that I can offer my professional opinion on which one I believe would make the best pet painting.
If you love the picture of your pet but not keen on the background, this is not a problem, as I am able to create a bespoke tailored painting either with a graded block background or I replace the background for another so as to give you the painting you desire.
Choosing a painting style
All of my pencil and oil paintings are created using my own unique style that I have developed over the years, my goal in my art is to capture the intensity of character perfectly for you.
Please discuss with me which style you would prefer.
Choosing a painting size
With pet portrait commissions you will have a choice of a variety of standard sizes, from 10 x 14 inches to 26 x 36 inches. Canvases come in a range of different shapes and sizes, so if you would like a specific size outside of the standard canvas I can accommodate your requests.
My Prices page gives examples of prices depending on certain pre-chosen sizes to give you an idea of how much a painting of that size and amount of ‘subjects’ per painting would cost.
Confirming a final price of a commission painting
I have a detailed list of portrait pricing based on standard canvas styles and simple background choices. The final price of an unframed portrait will depend on size, complexity of the painting (plain or complex background/single or double portrait etc.) and will always be pre-agreed before I begin any painting.
All prices listed on my ‘Prices Page’ are based on painting on canvas only, I can provide different framing options on request and provide you with a final price.
UK shipping & international shipping, is tracked, fully insured and charged at cost.
You are very welcome choose your own method of shipping should you wish to.
Taking a deposit and final payment
Once we have locked down the photos for all pet portrait commissions, I will ask for a 50% deposit before I start the design process of the painting with the remaining balance due on completion of your commissioned piece. I will only ask for final payment once you are completely happy with your painting with a photo of your painting which I will email to you.
The painting process
Before, my paintbrush touches the canvas, I will give you a number of unique, tailor made design and only when you are fully happy with the design will I start your painting.
We will also discuss a proposed deadline date, so if you have a particular event or occasion you require your pet portrait to be completed by, please let me know as early as you can so if possible I can make the deadline date.
Confirming final approval of your painting
Once your painting is finished, I will send a photo of your painting for your final approval. Only when you’re fully happy will I ask for final payment of the remaining fee plus any shipping fees as well as any framing costs if required.
All UK Shipping is tracked and fully insured next day delivery.
Get a Quote
To discuss commissioning a pet portrait or just to find out more information, please fill in the forn below.