Frequently Asked Questions

My oil portraits are painted with Windsor and Newton oil paint on flat acid-free canvas panels. I use a technique of painting that uses many thin layers of glaze, which adds richness and depth to the finished painting. After your painting is dry to the touch, it is varnished with Gamvar.  It will be unframed. 

My pastel portraits are painted with Unison pastel sticks, Faber-Castel Pitt Pastel pencils and PanPastel, on Clairefontaine Pastelmat. Your pastel portrait will be matted and ready to put in your frame of choice. 

All materials used are acid-free and lightfast. 

I use your photos as a reference for my painting. 

I am typically asked to paint dogs, cats and horses...but I also paint farm animals and reptiles!

 I paint from photos, so the better quality the photos, the better, more detailed the painting. If you can send me a few to choose from, that would be great! 

So... what makes for a good reference photo? 

- For a head and shoulders portrait: a photo that is in focus, with the pet close in the frame.
- For a full body portrait: a photo that shows the entire pet within the frame without cropping off ears, paws, etc.
- Character: a photo that really shows off your pet's personality. 

Outdoors or good lighting usually make for the best quality photos. Kneel down at your pet's level and fill the frame. It's best not to use zoom, or to crop the photo. A good reference photo will be in focus when you zoom in, show lots of hair texture, and show your pet's true color (not too dark or over-exposed). Feel free to send me several photos to choose from! 

Of course, I can work with lesser quality photos, if it is not possible to obtain good reference photos of your pet!

I can paint pets together from separate photos. Send me some of your favorites of each pet. If you could send at least one picture that depicts the size difference between the pets, that would be very helpful.

I do not offer framing at this time. I recommend you visit Hobby Lobby, Michael's, etc to purchase off the rack ready-made frames. Alternatively, you can have your painting professionally framed. Oil paintings should be framed in an open frame (no glass) to breathe. 

Pastel paintings need to be framed behind glass to prevent smudging. They will be shipped in a double mat and ready to put in your frame of choice. Please handle your pastel painting with extreme care when framing, so as not to damage it. 

Step 1. To begin a pet portrait commission, please contact me via email or text to discuss what you are looking for regarding your preferred medium, portrait size, and any time constraints you might have. 

Step 2. Email or text good quality photos of your pet. I use one main photo for the pose but having a few pictures to look at can help me to fill in more details. Please make sure that your photos are in focus and high quality so that I can zoom in and see all of the little details. 

Step 3: Once I have confirmed that I will be able to paint a quality portrait from the photos that you have provided, you will send in a 10% deposit to hold your place in line. I can send you a payment request via PayPal, Venmo or Cash App. Alternatively, you may mail a check. 

Step 4: Once I have completed your painting, I will email or text a digital copy for you to review. Once you are satisfied with the portrait, you will pay the remainder of the balance owed via PayPal, Venmo, Cash App or check, and I will ship your painting. (All checks must clear the bank prior to shipping.)

All sales are final. I am happy to work with you to make sure you are completely satisfied with your portrait!

Step 5: Please be sure to leave a good review on social media and tell your friends about me!