Pet Portraits

I’ve been focused on portraiture for over 30 years – from portraits of real people (see my blog about Reinassance Paintings), to fantasy character portraits and now to animal portraits. Of them all, animals are my favorite to do. It’s fun to capture their unique personalities and the recipients love getting a painting of their beloved furry family member. It’s a project that brings both myself and my clients joy. 

All portraits in this gallery are acrylic on canvas. Usually 8×10 or up to 12×12. I would consider doing a larger piece of art, but generally feel that these smaller ones strike the perfect balance of affordability, time and can fit on even the most packed wall spaces.

Process

Source Photos

My artwork is inspired by photographs, and the better the quality of the images you share, the more vivid and intricate my creations can become. I particularly adore photos that highlight a pet’s distinct personality traits – whether they are goofy, energetic, relaxed, grouchy, or even a bit sassy… each pet has unique qualities that define them. The essence of a great portrait lies in capturing that special characteristic. I invite my clients to provide multiple images of their cherished pet along with any insights about what makes them special, so I can select the ideal shot that truly reflects their personality.

Layout

I utilize Procreate on my iPad to create a preliminary layout once I’ve selected a photo. During this phase, I often experiment with various colors and potential backgrounds to ensure that the lighting and hues are just right. When crafting a pet portrait, the backgrounds serve as an impression rather than the main focus. These portraits are designed so that the backgrounds beautifully complement the pet, rather than simply incorporating the pet into a scene.

Size and Surface

While I am proficient in various mediums, including oils, watercolor, gouache, and acrylics, I have discovered that acrylics are my true passion when it comes to creating pet portraits. The versatility of acrylics, enhanced by the use of additives and varnishes, allows me to mimic the appearance of multiple styles while ensuring a quick drying time. This means your artwork can be delivered promptly without compromising quality. Most of my pet portraits are crafted on thin canvas in sizes ranging from 8×10 to 12×12. I find that this size strikes the perfect balance, showcasing your beloved pet beautifully while keeping the painting process efficient. Additionally, these dimensions are budget-friendly for framing, as the 8×10 size fits seamlessly into many readily available frames. They also complement most wall spaces, even those adorned with existing art or cherished family photos. 

Time to Completion

The typical completion time is around one week, though during peak seasons it may extend up to three weeks. When placing your portrait request, please indicate any specific deadlines you have in mind. While I strive to accommodate all timelines, please note that very short requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional fees if accepted.

I am still working out a pricing plan and store. If you are interested in a pet portrait before then, please send me a message with your details and I will get back to you.

Pet Portrait Inquiry

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