Pet Portrait FAQ

Once you place your order, send me your favorite photo of your pet through the website, or the link in your email order confirmation. I will sketch out the composition and send it to you for approval before any painting begins, that way you can make sure everything looks exactly right before I pick up a brush. Once you are happy with the sketch, I will get to work on the full painting, send you a final preview, and ship it out to you once you give the all clear.

The better the photo the more detail I can capture in your portrait! Natural light works best, avoid flash photography where you can. A clear, in focus shot of your pet's face is ideal for a bust portrait, and a full body shot with plenty of light works best for full body commissions. Feel free to send a few options and I will let you know which will work best.

I will always do my best to work with what you have, especially for memorial portraits where a recent photo may not be available. That said, the more detail in the photo the more detail I can capture in the painting. If you are unsure whether your photo will work just send me a message before ordering and I will let you know honestly.

Please allow 3-4 weeks from sketch approval to shipping. If you need your portrait sooner, a rush commission option is available, just get in touch before placing your order to check availability and pricing.

Yes! Rush commissions are available for an additional fee depending on the size and complexity of the piece. Please message me before ordering to confirm availability, as rush slots are limited.

Bust portraits are available in 5×7", 8×10", 11×14" and 16×20". Full body portraits are available in 8×10", 11×14", 16×20", 18×24" and 22×30". Multi-pet portraits are available across most sizes, see the portrait page for full details and pricing.

Absolutely, multi-pet portraits are one of my favorite commissions! I can paint two or three pets together in both bust and full body formats. Pricing varies by size and number of pets, full details are on the portrait page.

Just get in touch! I love taking on unique commissions and am always happy to discuss custom requests. Whether that's a specific size, an unusual animal, or something completely different I'm always excited to hear about special requests! Use the contact page to send me a message and we can work something out.

I paint all animals! Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, wildlife and beyond. If you have an unusual pet or a specific animal in mind just ask. I've done everything from goats and horses to goldfish and even a pet spider!

In certain circumstances yes, I do offer portraits that include both a pet and a human subject, such as a baby and a dog together. These are priced as custom commissions. Get in touch to discuss your idea and I will put together a quote for you.

The sketch is a guide for composition and layout. The final painting will follow it closely but watercolor is a living, breathing medium and each piece develops its own character as it comes to life. The color, texture and detail in the finished painting will always go far beyond what a sketch can show.

Yes, the sketch approval stage is specifically there for this. If you want to adjust the composition, the pose, or any other element this is the time to do it. I want you to feel completely confident before I begin painting.

Because every portrait is created specifically from your photos I am unable to offer refunds once painting has begun. The sketch approval step is in place to make sure you are completely happy with the direction before I start. If anything feels off at that stage just let me know and we will sort it out together.

Every painting is carefully packaged using rigid mailers and protective board backing to make sure it arrives at your door in perfect condition. Larger pieces are shipped in tube mailers and placed in protective sleeves for an additional layer of protection.

Please get in touch before ordering if you are outside the US so I can confirm shipping availability and costs to your location.