Commission a Portrait
Having your pet or loved one painted is a beautiful expression of love and connection.
I strive to capture the essence of a beloved companion, cherished friend or family member in a way that immortalizes their spirit and personality.
There's something magical about being able to bring a smile to someone's face by capturing the personality of their furry friend or a special person in their life.
These hand painted portraits make great gifts for almost any occasion, or to memorialize a lost pet or loved one.
Choosing a Medium
I paint in either oils or acrylics. I prefer oils for pet portraits but if you need a peice on a shorter time line (the shorted completion time possible is one week) then I recommend choosing Acrylic as the oil paintings need appropriate dry time and that can very greatly. Acrylics dry faster and can be varnished and shipped more quickly. The look of each is slightly different. Acrylics can often be a bit more sharp and sometimes more detailed. My oil paintings can be a bit softer and more painterly . I personally prefer oils for the pet portraits. Feel free to reach out and discuss what might be best for you.
Choosing A Photo
I work directly from a photographic reference provided by you. In order to get the best painting possible, it is really important to have clear, high-resolution photos to work from. Digital photos are best but I can work from traditional photographs as long as they are suitable and you can get them to me. I recommend having multiple photos to send me and allowing me to choose the best one to paint for you. (Some photos make great photos but not great paintings) For portraits of two or more subjects it is best if they are in the same photo to work from. If that is not possible I highly recommend doing two smaller separate portraits. The best reference photos are taken without flash in natural overcast or diffused light light and typically eye level with the subject. Photos that show your pets personality are also helpful. It’s important to have some light in the eyes, preferably not overly dark shadows or overly blown out bright spots. Examples of good and bad reference photos below. If you are unsure if the photo ypu have your heart set on is suitable please email me to discuss.
Examples of good Reference Photos
Soft Light and Shadow, clear and detailed
Personality, Light and Shadow
Too Dark , Not very Clear
Darks are too dark cant see eyes well
Dog is too far, too much shadow, cant see eyes
Choosing a Size & Price
The smallest size I offer is a 6x6” . This is suitable for pets only. For people 8x10 is the smallest I offer for a single head and shoulders portrait. All prices listed are for a single-subject head and shoulders portrait. There are additional charges for bodies, detailed backgrounds, objects, or complicated patterns in clothing or furniture. Adding an additional person or pet to a painting is typically an additional 50% of the painting cost.
Shipping
I include most shipping costs right in the price of my painting. Far north, far west or remote areas may be subject to extra charges before I can ship your piece, if you want to know if your ful shipping would be included please email me with your mailing address. Collectors outside of Canada will be responsible for excess shipping charges and duties. (Depending on the size of your peice I may be able to include some of the cost of shipping in the price. Email me to discuss)
Purchase Your Pet Portrait
These Prices Include Free Shipping in Canada- If you are not in Canada and want a shipping estimate please email me.
Capture the essence of your beloved pet with a custom pet portrait. Commissioning a portrait is not just about art; it's about preserving memories and celebrating the unique personality of your furry friend. Each portrait is crafted with care, ensuring that every detail—from their playful expression to the gentle gaze—reflects the bond you share.
I will work with you to create a one-of-a-kind piece. This artwork serves as a beautiful reminder of the joy they bring to your life, making it a perfect gift for yourself or a fellow pet lover.
These portraits are on gallery depth canvas with painted sides and are ready to hang on the wall, or if you choose you can also have them framed.
Acrylic portraits are often brighter and a little more crisp/modern in the details and they can be ready faster due to the quick dry times.
Oil portraits are a little softer and more classical looking. If you have time to spare I recommend the oil portraits.
This option is for a head and shoulders pose of a single pet. If you would like a portrait of more than one pet or with more complicated backgrounds, larger sizes etc. please contact me directly vie email.
Once purchased as soon as possible please send 2-10 of your favourite high resolution photos to me via email including in the subject your name and your pets name. I will help you to choose the best photo of your pet to create a painting from. Once the painting has started all sales are final.
Depending on how many orders are in at a given time wait times can be 1-4 weeks if you have specific date you need your portrait done by please include that in your email. If for any reason I can’t meet that deadline before I start I will return the fee to you.
Alternative sizes are always available, these are just the most frequently purchased sizes that I keep in stock. Options like wood panel, circular surfaces etc can be a new contemporary way to display a portrait you might not have considered. If you want something larger or more customized please reach out via phone or email to discuss pricing and options. Wait times are longer for these as I need to order the surface or pick it up.
Hand painted in Nova Scotia, Canada.