Pets, People and More

I welcome commissions on a variety of subject matter.  The critical key is having written permission from the photographer.  A signed release will be required whether the photographer is you, a family member, friend or professional photographer.  I cannot paint from images taken from the internet.  Every photograph is the ownership of the artist who took the shot.  For free or a fee, many photographers provide artists approval to use their images as reference material. 

If you are interested in commission artwork or have other questions, please reach out via the contact form.  After our initial contact we will communicate via phone calls and emails.

At that time, I will ask you to email images instead of texting them.  This creates an efficient workflow.  Email the highest quality image/s available.  Often this may be the “original” not the “largest” digital images taken with a cell phone.

I welcome multiple images.  I suggest we start with 6 – 10 of your favorite shots.  When I review the images, I evaluate the lighting, clarity and composition. I may request additional shots or provide photography tips.  I’ll provide my reasoning for understanding of my needs.  The time searching for the “best” shots or taking new shots impacts the success of the final painting.  Your patience, dedication and time is greatly appreciated in the process. I want to paint the best painting possible based on the reference provided.

The image and my artistic eye will determine the palette colors used in the painting.  I paint with oils on standard sized primed linen canvases, panels or rag.

PEOPLE

Photographing and selecting images of people for portraits usually involves more time than pet portraits.  If you’re interested in a portrait painting, please submit the image for my review or call me.  Keep in mind that candid shots of people usually provide a more natural look that reflects their personality.  Please email me images and we’ll go from there.  Thank you.

OTHER SUBJECTS

I welcome commissions for landscapes and waterscapes too!  Give me a call and we can see if we’re a fit!

PETS

In every painting, I desire to capture the spirit or essence of the subject.  So, when it comes to Pet Portraits, I paint your “pet” not its “breed”.  Seeing the eyes of your pal in the submitted photo usually carries a big weight.

Click on this link for a PDF document including tips, suggestions and ideas when photographing your pet.  Don’t let the “long” PDF scare you!  You may already have the perfect reference shot.  Sometimes getting the best shot involves just having your camera ready when your pet “does that thing” or “gives you that look” that makes them special.

Don’t worry if your pet passed.  So far, my customers found images I could use.

12×12 or 14×11 paintings start at $650 and generally do not exceed this cost. To stay within this price range, I request customers to sign a release that provides me the rights to reproduce and sell my original artwork. Services that can impact costs of commission include, extensive image reviews, photography direction and elaborate photoshop work e.g. removing hands or objects blocking image of pet. If you’re interested in a different size, please let me know.

A “portrait” includes the face of one animal.  If you’re interested in more than the face of your pet or additional elements in the painting such as an additional pet or an individual a quote can be provided.  It does not always cost more for a painting to include the pet’s entire body.  The quality of the image and composition dictates costs and sometimes the size of the art panel.  Sometimes “big perky ears” demand a larger painting surface.

If you live near me and need help photographing your pet, I can provide that service at $50/hour. 

PAYMENT INFORMATION

Once we determine there is an image that would work well as a painting, I request a 50% non-refundable down payment. This secures your position in my schedule and allows me the flexibility to create preliminary studies of your commission between other works.

Upon the painting completion an invoice will be submitted covering the balance, shipping and shipping insurance costs and tax.  I accept checks and VENMO payments.  Purchases using a credit card incurs an additional 5% fee.

Thank you very much for your interest.  I hope to hear from you.