Commissioned Art

This page  is meant to give a  bit more information  on private commissions. Below are some frequently asked questions and  other tidbits to help  understand the process of a commission, as well  as what make a  great piece of art.
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Prices

Black and White Color

5″ x 7″      -   $175.00             5″ x 7″      -    $225.00
8″ x 10″    -   $300.00             8″ x 10″    -    $550.00
11″ x 14″  -   $450.00             11″ x 14″  -    $750.00
16″ x 20″  -   $600.00             16″ x 20″  -    $850.00
18 ” x 24″ –   $750.00             18 ” x 24″ –    $1000.00
22″ x 30″  -   $900.00             22″ x 30″  -    $1250.00

The Process-

If you  are  local,  I really love to personally meet the animal and get a feeling for  its personality. With the first consultation, we  can decide  on black and  white, or color,  what  size, and  how  you would like the animal to be portrayed.

The next  step  is  picking a day  for  some quick  studies/photo shoot. If  the  animal is  one that likes to sit  still (RARE!!) I like to do a  few  quick sketches  to get the feeling of the subject. SInce  most subjects don’t  sit still, I use  multiple photos from the shoot that best show off  certain features. I might use the eyes  off one photo and the  nose off  another, and the body off  another. I prefer to be outside on a  nice sunny day for this stage.  The  sunlight  plays a major role  in helping the form feel three dimensional with the  use of  light and shadow.

Once I  feel I  have  enough information to start the commission,  I  choose  my favorite  photos and  email them to you  so   I can get  approval on which  ones to  use as inspiration. The composition  will also be discussed  at this stage as well.  I will  come  up with multiple  composition  sketches that I  will  let the client  review as well.

Once I  receive the ‘OK’ I begin my  drawing. After my initial sketch, and after working out all the  kinks,  I then  do my  final drawing  or painting.

Once completed, I hand deliver if local.

If  a  receive a commission that is  NOT local,  I rely on the client to  supply adequate pictures  form multiple  angles, The more the better! The consultation and review will be handled through email and phone. Check out the section for taking  proper reference photos below.

Tips on taking Reference Photos

Make sure that the photos you send are a correct representation of your animal and decide how you would like your pet to be depicted. Do you  want a collar, bridle  or any other accessory  in your portrait?

Photographs should be clear, in focus and close up. They should be taken without using flash, in natural sunlight. This way the true color of the animal can be captured. A  distinct light source  like the sun  can help create  shadows that will help define the  form and three dimensionality of the subject. Flash washes out features and makes it very difficult to achieve a good likeness.

Try to take photos from the animals eye level or slightly below. Even  if you have to get on the  ground, or bring the animal up to a higher space!

I prefer  to  use email to send photos, as a large file, or on a CD, but  when necessary  I will  use your actual photos sent by  regular mail,  if you do not  have a scanner.

Photo  No No!

Inside,  dull lighting, not enough details

Photo YES!

Close-up,  Well lit, outside, detailed.

FAQ

Q: What kind of paper  do you use for your  final drawings?
A: I use a slightly textured paper called ‘coquille’ paper.

Q: What  if  my  pet is deceased,  Do you  do  memorial  portraits?
A: Yes,  I definitely do memorial commissions. I will use any reference photo or item you have to create  a life-like depiction of your pet.

Q: How  is the payment  handled?
A: I  require a deposit  of half the  total to begin.  The  rest is  due upon completion. If the  artwork needs   to be shipped,  an extra shipping fee is added once configured.

Q: If I have two pets, do I need to photograph them together?
A: No, it is best to take single photos of each pet. You can focus  in  on each animal more  therefore     showing more detail. I can compose them together in the drawing or painting in anyway  desired.

Q: Will my photos  be returned?
A: Yes. All photos you give to me will be returned with the portrait.

Please CONTACT ME for any questions you might have about commissioning an original drawing or painting!