The Process

A commissioned pet portrait offers so much more than a photograph or generic painting of the breed by evoking your unique feeling about your pet each time you look at it. For that reason I work not only from photographs but from your understanding of the particular physical characteristics and personality of your pet. The focus is always the eyes and any particular pose which is most characteristic.

I prefer to work from a variety of pictures of your pet. We will discuss the personality of the pet, particular poses which are characteristic, as well as any artistic considerations such as background coloring and design. For more information about how to take photos of your pet that provide good reference material for a portrait visit the Photo Tips page.

When I see the photographs we will discuss specific plans for the portrait. After we come to an agreement for the pose and any background, color scheme etc, a 50% deposit is due.

You will receive your finished portrait in 2-4 weeks. Please indicate if there is a particular time frame you wish (such as a birthday gift) and I will attempt to accommodate.

My process is to transfer the drawing in pencil to the watercolor paper, then proceed with the painting in stages, from loosely applied washes of color to finer detail in the final stages. Pictured here is a portrait of Jake, from photograph to final painting.