I paint 2 different types of commissioned paintings:

1) “portrait” including the head/shoulders of 1 pet with a simple background starting at $500 + shipping & handling (S&H) directly from a photo of your choice. (One rough preliminary sketch provided before you commit to a painting). Click here for an example.

or

2) “complex / full body” of 1 pet laying down, running, sitting, etc. with a simple background starting at $1,000 + S&H. (Since this type of portrait does not have to be based on one particular photo, and can be a composite of the photos you provide - plus the artistic imagination, I provide 3 sketches for you to choose from). Click here for an example of a complex portrait.

I add $500 for each additional pet in the same painting, or the same amount for objects or complex background. (Price additions vary for small items such as a favorite pet toy).

I paint at life size. This is necessary to get a certain amount of detail with the impressionistic style. This means the painting size is somewhat dependant on the size of your pet and how much of their body is shown. The smallest paintings I have done are 12”x12” for small dogs/cats, and 18”x18” for medium/large dogs. I will specify the approximate size of a possible painting on each sketch I send so you can judge how big the final product may be.

I will verify the price and can estimate the shipping amount for you before you commit to a painting. You don’t pay anything until you view and choose 1 sketch, however, the price and delivery date are guaranteed ONLY after final approval of a sketch and clearance of a check or PayPal payment of the 50% non-refundable deposit.

I accept payments through PayPal (you choose credit, e-check, or PayPal account), or personal checks*. I can send a PayPal invoice, even if you don't have a PayPal account! You will receive an email with instructions on how to pay using PayPal and your financial information stays secure. *Personal checks will require a 3 day waiting period for clearance.

1) You contact me, we discuss your pet, their personality, what you are looking for in a painting, your budget, the timeline

2) You send me a minimum of 7 photos. Even if you have one photo you want the painting to be based on, in order to accurately capture markings & expressions of your pet, I need a variety of images. If you have a particular expression or pose in mind, please provide a photo of that. I accept emailed/electronic images or color copies. Please don’t send originals – I can’t guarantee their safety through the mail!

3) After taking some time to sketch ideas, I email you 3 rough, black & white sketches to give you 3 different ideas of poses and expressions for the composition and size of your painting.

4) You approve 1 sketch for the painting to be based on and send me a non-refundable 50% deposit (by personal check in the post, or through a PayPal invoice).

5) After the deposit clears, I start painting! (If we have discussed a specific delivery date, I will send you email verification that I will deliver the painting by that date). The painting process can be anywhere from 1 to 5 weeks depending on artist’s schedule.

6) Once the painting is complete, I email you a digital image of the final painting. If you are pleased with the final product, you send me the remaining balance (including S&H) on the commission fee and I arrange to have the painting safely shipped to you. I use a shipping service that specializes in packaging and shipping antiques and artwork.

Can I have a painting ready for a birthday / holiday?
Maybe! Delivery date of the painting depends on the artist’s schedule AND yours. I will make every effort to deliver sketches and a final painting quickly, but I’m dependant on when you deliver photos, approve a sketch, and send a deposit, as well as time for the shipping service to properly package and deliver a painting safely. I can commit to a delivery date ONLY after you have approved 1 sketch and clearance of a 50% non-refundable deposit.

After years of doing commissions, I find that the entire process can take anywhere from 1-6 weeks (depending on whether or not I am booked with other commissions already). I will let you know if I am booked many months out and cannot accommodate a new commission at that time.

Here are some questions that help me determine what you hope for in a painting:

Although I cannot provide framing of the completed painting, I am happy to make recommendations and provide information on how to care for your one-of-a-kind new painting.

I work with the highest quality acryclic paints on on 2" mounted (see below - no framing necessary) or unmounted Ampersand artist board (for those who prefer to have the painting framed). I transfer the approved sketch to the board, planning out the composition, contrast, and color palette. I paint in an impressionistic style where many layers of paint, often in bold colors, "blend" to make up the final image.