P e t P o r t r a i t D e t a i l s
I paint what I see, so it's
important to pick a good quality photo that you really like. The painting will
be representative of the image you provide. So please be sure that it's
representative of your pet in terms of expression and other features that really
make up their individual character. It's difficult for me to piece
together body parts from several photos and make it look right. So if the photo
cuts off the feet, the feet won't be in the painting. I use only one photo for
the painting, unless there is another photo that can show more detail of the
eyes, for example. I do have photo editing software that I can use to
adjust the brightness/contrast of the photo. This oftentimes helps me see
greater detail in the eyes, ears, nose, etc. Please realize also that my style is not completely realistic -- there is some artistic flare, but I do attempt to capture the
essence of your pet.
"The better the photo -- the better the painting!"
Photo Image Size
You can either mail me a photo at my
home address or email it to me. If emailing, please send the best quality image
you have as an attachment. My email provider should be able to handle files up
to 25 mgs now. But just in case, if you could send a separate email letting
me know you just sent images. Sometimes they get stuck in never-never land
or they take a long time to get to me through Yahoo. In these cases, I
have an alternate email address (at work) that works better.
Backgrounds and Accessories
After I sketch the pet on the canvas, I
paint the background. I can mix paint to most any color you want. I can do a
solid color, a design, a scene, etc. If your pet has a favorite toy, I can
also paint that into the painting.
Multiple Pets on a Single
Canvas
If you want me to paint more than one
pet on a portrait, it's not important that I have a single photo of the pets, but it's
important that if you give me different pictures for each pet, that the the picture is taken at the same angle. For example, it is
difficult to make one dog whom was photographed at floor level look right next
to another pet photographed from a standing viewpoint. Also, because
individual photos can be deceiving as to the size or scale of the dog, it's
important that I see one of them together in the same photo. Multiple pets
on a single canvas costs a little more because of the extra time it takes me to
paint the details.
Portrait Changes
I rarely ever get it right the first
time! But be patient - it usually just takes another discerning eye (the
pet's owner!) and a tweak here or there. I am quick to turn around any
changes you may have. However, if you change your mind and decide you want
your pet to look more like another photo, then these radical changes will incur
additional charges.
About My Materials
I use primarily acrylic paints on
quality stretched canvas. The canvas sizes listed on my pet portrait page
are purchased in bulk, so I can pass the savings on to you. If you want a different size, let me know and I can buy that size. I can use oil paint on
the backgrounds for a more realistic look, but they take longer to dry to
the point where I can over-paint with acrylics. My portrait canvases have a
3/4"
edge that is free of staples. I paint the edges so that if you don't want to
frame the canvas, it will look nice free-standing.
Framing
I use a standard-sized canvas
(11x14 or 16x20)
to paint portraits. I recommend that you do not frame the painting behind
glass. An inexpensive way to frame them is to buy an open-backed
frame and framing clips. I buy my frames from Michael's or Hobby
Lobby. They often run 50% off sales on these frames. If you want the
backing sealed for a more professional look, have your local framer do it.
Shipping
Your portrait will be shipped flat in a
well-packed custom box. I reuse boxes and/or buy boxes and then cut them,
wrap them and tape them carefully around the wrapped canvas. I ship via US
Priority Mail and I'm proud to say that I've never had a damaged or lost
shipment!
Additional Merchandise
Available
Additional merchandise is
available, such as mugs, t-shirts, mousepads, cards, etc. Check my Prints
and Products page for more details!
Copyright on Painted Pet
Portrait Images
I retain the copyright for the painted image. That means that I can reproduce
the painted image (using a photo of the finished painting, not your original photo)
and sell it to other people, but it's not acceptable for you to do the
same. I would freak out if I went into Wal Mart or somewhere and saw
hundreds of prints from my painting in the art section! So if you want to do
that contact me and we can work out a deal! HA! Also, I can display
the finished portrait image on my website and other gallery-style
websites.
“Just a quick note to let you know
that I received the portrait and it is absolutely beautiful! My parents opened
it Christmas morning and it definitely brought tears to their eyes. They were so
touched. They've even found the most perfect spot to hang it.
Thank you again for painting such a beautiful picture of our boy. We will
cherish it forever!”
“I
received the portrait today. Thank you SO much...it's even more perfect "in
person" than the e-mail showed. Even though it will make my friends cry
when I give it to them, I know they will love it!”
“Wow
- you are SO fast AND talented! It is SO cute! Thanks a million...”
“I
am speechless! WOW! The portrait you painted is incredible. This *is* Max. You
can see his face and look into his heart, you have captured his spirit...”
“I will CERTAINLY enjoy my weekend,
gifted gal. Our family will have the best Christmas ever.
"Thank you" falls short. My daughter is going to cry when she opens
this gift. She will cherish it forever.”
“Did
I tell you I loved the portrait you did of Zuni??? Great Job!
Everyone said you captured her nature PERFECTLY !!!”
“I received the picture just
in time to give it to my brother before we left and before his
birthday. He absolutely LOVED it! He was a blithering blob of tears
over it. What a great week he had and the painting just topped off
everything!”