Pet Portraits

Running alongside the Equestrian Laundry, I draw realistic pet portraits and can be commissioned to draw your much loved pet.

A drawing can be a special way of capturing memories to be cherished for years to come and can take pride of place in your home.

If you would like to commission me to draw your pet, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Portraits are drawn with coloured pencils on a pastel mat medium. This can be with or without a background.

How to secure your slot

If you would like to request a commission and discuss what portrait size would best suit your requirements, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I am booked months in advance so if you have a specific date in mind, please let me know.

A 50% non-refundable deposit will reserve your place on my waiting list. The balance will then be due when the portrait is complete. Payment by instalment is also an option and can be discussed at the time of commission.

I ask for a selection of good reference photos from different angles to enable me to capture the best and most characteristic portrait.

All prices listed are UK prices, if your are ordering a portrait for international delivery, please contact me for currency conversion. Please also note that currency rates change daily so the price charged may have a slight difference to that quoted.

International shipping

I am happy to ship outside of the UK. Please contact me for a quotation.

All prices for shipping are listed as UK delivery. Please contact me before ordering to ensure that we can discuss international shipping prices.

Framing

All prices are for unframed and unmounted portraits, however, if you would like the portrait to be framed and mounted, please discuss this at time of order and a quotation can be supplied for this service.

The portrait can be supplied with a mount only to enable ease of framing.

In some cases, the mount can have the pet name drawn and incorporated onto it.

Sizing information
When drawing portraits, I try to fill the entire canvas with the subject and will balance and centralise the portrait to ensures that if you choose to have it framed there is no loss of background or subject.

I am happy to do multiple subjects on one portrait and once photos have been received, we can discuss a layout plan that you would prefer, this will enable any changed to be made easily before any work is commenced.

Custom sizes can be arranged on request. Please do not hesitate to ask for a quote if your required size is not listed.

My portraits are created using high quality, lightfast materials. Lightfast is a longevity rating in art supplies. The higher the score the longer the colour, pigment or material will last. All of the materials I use are all archival and made to last ensuring you are getting the very best quality.

Please find all the standard sizes and their prices below.

Prices and Sizes

If you would like me to complete a portrait for you, the information below will take you through the commission process.

I work from a selection of your favourite photographs to achieve a detailed and realistic portrait showing all your pets characteristics. Due to this, I do require good quality photos of your pet.

Photographs

All my work is done from photographs, and for each pet portrait, I need clear, sharp photographs. This will ensure I get the best detail of your pet(s).

Select a few good quality photographs from different angles that would be suitable references for the portrait. I usually ask for a selection of 3-4 photographs of your pet to help me understand their personality, features and characteristics.

The photographs could be old, or ones that you have taken specifically for the purpose of the portrait but need to be of a good quality without blur or damage.

Every portrait is unique to each client, making them a one of a kind, and not just of any ‘animal’.

A few points to consider when taking photographs are listed below:

When taking your reference photographs, remember that the portrait will usually be at eye level on your wall.
The best photos are taken at the pets level. To do this, crouch with the camera or, if you can, raise the pet to your level on a stable and suitable surface.
Take as many photos as you can. This will ensure you have a greater chance of getting 3-4 suitable images.
Try to stand approximately 3-6 feet away from your pet. You will need to zoom in to ensure the subject fills the picture.
Ensure you get the desired stance, for example: ears forward, mouth closed, slight tilted head.
If you are wanting to include a background on your portrait, ensure that you are taking the photo with the desired background or supply very good reference photos of the background too.
Get close up photos of the nose and eyes. Detailed features makes all the difference to the final portrait.
The lighting is important. It is better to take your photographs outdoors on a bright day, however, if this is not possible, position your pet near a window or door where lots of natural light comes in.
Do not use the flash when photographing your pet indoors. This causes over exposure of the fur and produces red eye. Every portrait starts with the eyes and this is very important to remember to capture realism.

Contact me

Once you have selected the photographs, the next stage is to contact me with information of your requirements.

At this stage, we can discuss sizes, backgrounds, framing and any other requirements. It is at this stage, you can let me know of any changes you want to make within the photo such as removal of collars or tack.

Your chosen photographs can be emailed or posted to me. If you decide to post them they will be returned with the finished painting.

I do advise that you take copies of your photographs in case any damage occurs during the postal process.

If I feel that the photographs are not suitable, I will return these to you free of charge as I will be unable to work with them.

The process

Once your portrait has been discussed, and I have an understanding of your requirements, I will start your commission, providing you with progress images throughout the project to ensure you know what the finished portrait will look like. If you are undecided on what background would look best, or you would like any alterations made, it’s at this point it can be done not once a pencil has been laid.

Depending on the size of the portrait, it usually takes me between 4-6 weeks to complete the commission. Throughout the process, regular photographs of your portrait will be emailed to you.

Payment

Once we have decided on the layout, payment for the deposit can be made. This can be done by Paypal, BACS, card payment or cash. I ask for a 50% deposit which covers the initial costs, and will confirm the order of your portrait. The portrait will not be started until the deposit has been received.
After deposit is paid, if you would like to pay by instalments, you can pay over time during the drawing process, however, the portrait will not be dispatched until full payment has been received.
Each payment received will be acknowledged in writing.
Once you have received the final photographic update and have confirmed you are pleased with the portrait, the rest of the payment will be due.
I will then post your portrait to you once the total payment has cleared by a signed for and tracked delivery service.

Additional Information

Caring for your portrait:

Portraits are completed with coloured pencils that are either a pastel or oil medium and all are lightfast which is very important on any art material. Lightfast art materials are graded on a scale and are made to last. When producing the portrait, I use acid free glassine sheets under my hand to protect from smudging and colour transfer. I will also spray a seal over the portrait once complete to seal the medium.

When you receive your portrait, it is important to hang it in the right place as heat and sunlight can have a detrimental effect, and it is vital that any artwork isn’t placed in direct sunlight or above a heat source such as a radiator or fireplace. Please take this into account when you order your portrait.

I will never share personal information.

I retain the copyright on all artwork that I produce and reserve the right to produce prints of the original artwork.
Completed artwork will be displayed on my website and social media with the clients permission.
The responsibility for any reference photographs provided to me belongs to the client. If the photographs are taken by a third party (such as a professional photographer) you must obtain written permission to allow me to commence with your portrait. I ask for this written permission to be forwarded to myself as proof and also to ensure I can credit the photographer where necessary.

Delivery information:

Portraits are securely packed to ensure they will be delivered in perfect condition.

A sheet of glassine will be used to add further protection to the portrait.

The portrait is then placed in a waterproof, fully sealed bag.

All portraits are sent out with Royal Mail using their special delivery service which is a tracked and recorded service guaranteeing delivery before 1pm the following working day.