White Feather Pet Portraits

How I Paint

 I leave a photograph on my drafting table until the picture calls to me. 

Once the sketch is done, I sit with it to make sure the proportions and flow are right;

then when I can feel the brush on the paper in my mind I begin to paint.

Once I'm painting, my linear thought processes disappear

and I begin to think in brushstrokes and color,

as if I am touching your pet and my brush is an extension of my fingers.

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As I am painting, time doesn't exist

and I have no idea if I am on the right track until I walk away.

When I come back, I can really see the almost completed piece, 

and know if there's anything I need to add.

I rarely stop once I start; once that brush is in my hand I am in another world.

I will talk to your baby and ask them to come through for you as I paint.

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I have often been told that watercolor is a difficult medium,

also that I work my paints as if they were oils;

I know only what works for me and that I am in awe of the process and results.

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You always know you are looking at a specific animal in my paintings,

not just a representation of the species.

I think this because I connect on an energetic level with my subjects

and even though I am painting from a photograph,

magic happens and the essence of the individual I'm painting comes through.

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And the end of the process I have little or no recollection of what I did or how I did it.

Each painting is a miracle to me and I'm always excited to see my work.

I hope you enjoy your portrait as much as I enjoyed getting to know your pet. 

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Portrait Information

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Each of my portraits are unique and one of a kind.

The prices below are portraits with a white or soft textured background.

If you want a specific background, there will be an extra charge of $50 depending on the complexity.

 

A scan of the preliminary sketch will be sent for approval,

as well as a scan of the final painting before final invoice and shipping.

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There is an additional charge of $100 per additional animal.

In that case I will need a photograph of them all in the same picture for size comparison.

I can then use individual pictures to work from for better detail and clarity.

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The quality of your portrait will depend on the quality of your photo.

I recommend a clear photo that shows your pet’s personality.

You can also send several photos as reference.

I prefer email or text for photographs,

or you can mail me the photographs and I will return them with your painting.

Because I am a photorealistic painter your portrait will look very much like the photograph only more alive.

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All of my paintings are on Arches hot press 140 lb watercolor paper

using Windsor and Newton professional grade watercolors.

All mats are acid free, archival grade and each painting comes with a certificate of authenticity.

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Please allow 2-3 weeks for 4"x4" paintings and 3-4 weeks for larger portraits. 

Extra time is required for the months of September through December

so get holiday gift orders in early!

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I will do my best to capture your pet to your liking,

and I want you to be happy with your portrait. 

If for any reason you do not like the final painting you are under no obligation to purchase,

but your deposit is nonrefundable.

The artist retains all rights to the final painting.

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I will invoice you through Square for your deposit and again on completion of the painting. 

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You may email me with questions or special requests.

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