In my work, I seek to capture the significance that your beloved pet has for you. I collaborate with you to incorporate meaningful motifs into the canvas, so that what emerges speaks to your heart. My goal always is to create something truly beautiful that has lasting value not just as a likeness of your dog—although a perfect likeness is my guarantee—but as a work of art.
The first step in the process is to get good photographs for me to work from. We can discuss the painting in detail after I've seen your photos. I like to paint a stylized background which says something about the personality of your dog. My own dog Pixel has a sunny, open nature, so I chose to paint her with a background of sunflowers. When painting my Georgie, I added a curl of ivy, which is a plant traditionally associated with loyalty. When we speak, you can tell me about your dog's personality, and we'll think about how it might be reflected in the painting. I also want to hear about your tastes. What colors do you like? What sort of design motifs would work with your home? Are there any particular flowers or plants that you love? Or was there a particular painting you saw here on my website that attracted you? Perhaps you would like something similar. Let's talk about it.
I use oil paints for all of my dog figures. I sometimes use acrylic for parts of the background, sometimes oil exclusively. I paint on high quality stretched canvas with deep, unstapled edges. The edges are painted, which allows them to be hung either framed or unframed.
After we have agreed upon an approach for your painting, I ask for a non-refundable 25% deposit to secure a place in my schedule. I'll send you digital photos of the painting as it progresses for your approval, which includes a final image for you to ok before shipping the finished painting to you.Your full satisfaction is very important to me.
Prices start at $300 for a small (10" x10") painting and range up to $2000, plus shipping, for a 20" x 24" portrait with an elaborate background. For more than one pet in a single painting, the price will be approximately 30% higher for each additional animal. I am happy to speak with you to come up with something that works for your budget.
How long does it take? It depends upon my schedule and the complexity of the portrait, but generally your painting will be shipped within two months