My goal with your pet's portrait is to highlight their unique personality and your relationship, highlighting details which evoke special meaning. Here are some guidelines to ensure we capture details which will result in a cherished memory. These are original oil paintings on wood panel and will last a lifetime. The first step is choosing an existing photo of your pet or taking a new photo. I understand your only option may be an existing photo and I'll do my best to work with what you have. The better the photo, the better the portrait.

If you have difficulty taking photos of your pet, we can discuss a separate photo shoot, at an additional charge, in Southern California.

For a head and shoulders portrait, 11"x14" or 16"x20" sizing is preferable.

The 11 "x14" size is best used if your photo is closeup (mostly head), in order to get eye detail. For a full body portrait, 24"x30" is recommended. For a double portrait, 16”x20” or 24"x30" is recommended.

LIGHTING

The best lighting is often outside in open shade or an overcast day. Examples of open shade are under a pop-up canopy, bright shade under a tree, or scheduling your photo shoot an hour before sunset when the light is still bright but there is not direct sun. Interior light would be best near a bright window with indirect light - position your pet so that they are facing the window (the window is not behind them). We're looking for overall even light with some highlights in the eyes. Whether the photo is taken indoors or outside, try to position the sun behind you.

POSE

If you're looking for a traditional portrait, take the photo from your pet's level and include their head and shoulders. You may need to crouch, kneel, or sit on the ground to get a good angle. If you have physical limitations, you can put your pet on a bench, table, or low wall (if it's safe). If you have a favorite photo taken from above, a side portrait, or other pose you prefer - please email the photo and we can discuss if it would result in a desirable painting. Also, if possible, remember to remove their collar (unless their collar is a special detail you would like to include). Don't worry about the background,

I will isolate your pet on a solid background before painting.

TECHNICAL

Get as close as you can when taking the photo. If the photo is ta ken from a distance and re qui res cropping, it's likely it will be out of focus or lacking details. Pay attention to focus - the sharper the image, the better the painting. Email the image in as large a size as possible - if you have multiple, large images, we can use a transfer service if they're too large to email. Allow 30-45 minutes for your photo session. Take lots of photos! Use treats and toys to get their attention and make sure to reward them with treats during your session. This will keep them motivated and attentive, resulting in better photos. Don't use their name to get their attention - that usually results in them getting up and coming toward you. Dogs usually start getting a little tired and unfocused after 30-45 minutes so it's best to end the photo session and try again the following day if you're having a problem getting good photos. Remember to give your dog a bath or brush their hair before the session.

Once we decide on an image, I will create a sample image in the format of the final canvas. The sample image might involve cropping, processing the image for more detail, and removing the background.

The entire process will take 2-4 weeks, depending upon my schedule.

11” x 14” $ 600
16” x 20” $ 750
24” x 30” $ 1,250

Multiple figures and complex backgrounds increase the price.

Complicated backgrounds add 30%, additional pets add 20% Wood panels are 1-1/2" deep and will be delivered wired and ready-to-hang, without a frame. Wood panels that are 1-1/2" deep can be tray-framed by a professional framer.

If you would like to use an off-the-shelf frame, the painting can be painted on an art panel that is 1/8" in thickness. You would remove the glass in the frame and insert the painting.