Portraits of your favourite pet can make a wonderful present for someone at any time, but it’s no surrise that Christmas is my busiest time for per portraits. With that in mind I thought it would be helpful to tell you more about my pet portraits as well as what I need from you in order to produce a portrait of your favourite pet, or the favourite pet of someone dear to you.
The portrait
I prepare my portraits from photos of your pet (more about photos later on). The portrait will be a headshot of your pet in multi-media using watercolour, acrylics, pastels, pencils, digital photography layers, or collage; whatever suits your pet. I use traditional and modern art techniques to create individual portraits which best capture your pet’s personality.
Sizes
The portraits come in three sizes
Small – 6 inches x 4 inches
Medium – 8 inches x 6 inches
Large – 12 inches x 10 inches
Sizes are approximate as each portrait will vary depending on the painting and the pet, but it will always be at least the size you request. If you need a particular size of painting or mount (maybe to fit a ready-made frame) then please let me know.
Prices for Mounted portraits
Small – £60
Medium – £70
Large – £90
Your pet’s portrait will be professionally mounted on high quality acid-free mount board, backed and wrapped in clear art bag.
Prices for Framed portraits
Small – £90
Medium – £110
Large – £130
Your pet’s portrait will be professionally mounted and framed in black, white, grey or natural wood frame.
Time frame
I will endeavour to complete your pet’s portrait within 2 weeks. Please let me know if you require the portrait within a specific time frame and I’ll let you know whether that’s possible.
Photo of your pet
If you haven’t done so already, please send me photos of your pet.
Notes for taking/sending photos
If you are sending me your own photos, the photographs have to be really (really) good. You can take with a good smart phone but please don’t add any filters or edit them in any way.
My aim when producing your multi-media portrait is to create artwork that you can treasure for many years to come. To do this, one of the most important things in commissioning your portrait is to ensure I can work from a good photograph. I cannot emphasise enough that ‘the better the photo, the better the finished portrait’. I sadly have to turn away many photographs because of issues with quality, but don’t worry, I am here to help you get the best photograph possible and give you as much advice as you need.
What height should you take the photo at?
Take the photo at eye level with your pet. Photos looking down on your pet look unflattering and unnatural to the eye. The best angles are with your pet looking straight at you or with their head slightly tilted to one side looking past the camera. As my portraits are headshots please ensure the entire head is in view.
Quality of the photo
The very first thing I look for in a photograph is the quality. This is especially important for your pet’s key features such as their eyes and nose and that the photo is sharp and in focus. Sadly, I am unable to work from blurry photos.
Lighting
Take your pet’s photo in natural light, preferably outdoors. The best light is on a bright overcast day but not in direct sunlight as this can cast some unflattering shadows.
Turn Flash ‘OFF’ – Please NEVER use flash. Flash causes a number of problems and looks very unflattering. It often masks out a lot of detail, causes unnatural shadows and colours, and can often result in the dreaded red-eye
Thanks
Kirsten
07984108875
kirstenboston@icloud.com