FAQs
Do you work from photos?
Yes, I can work from several photos or a single photograph. The secret is to choose pictures where you can clearly see the pet's eyes and the color in their fur. Up close shots in natural lighting work best. Consider the expression that you’d like to see when looking at your painting up on the wall. It can be friendly, lively, endearing or relaxed. If you send me several pictures, I can help you choose the best options for your portrait.
How long does it take to paint a portrait?
A typical painting usually takes around 2-4 weeks. Also keep in mind that there may be a waitlist of other handsome dogs and cats waiting to be painted, so that 2-4 weeks can be longer, depending on the waitlist. I will let you know what to expect timewise at the beginning of a commission. However, if your timeframe is limited or you don’t have any photos to send, you are in luck because...I offer gift certificates as well! Please read on to the next question for more gift certificate info.
Is it better to buy a gift certificate or to surprise my person with a finished portrait?
This is a great question. It is a wonderful feeling to watch your person unwrap their present and see their pet’s portrait for the first time. It’s a very meaningful and unique gift. On the other hand, a gift certificate lets the person choose their favorite picture of their pet and have the personal experience of working with the artist (me). So you see, this is a great question because both approaches to the gift are fantastic.
What if I don’t like the portrait?
Your pet deserves their portrait to be fabulous and I want you to love your painting of them.
First, I want to say that I totally get it.
Hiring an artist to paint a portrait either for yourself or as a gift comes with a risk. The bigger the price tag, the bigger the risk. Or maybe it's a very special occasion and you really want it to look amazing.
The bottom line is that you're hiring someone with a lot of faith that it'll turn out as you hope.
It's a little bit of a Half-and-Half. It's half exciting because it hasn't been created yet and who knows what it's going to look like? And half nerve-wracking because - it hasn't been created yet and who knows what it's going to look like!
Right?!
So, here's my little-known secret.
I'm an Artist who trained first as a Designer.
What does that mean for you?
It means that I'm here to make sure your vision comes to life in the best possible way.
I love people (yes, dogs & cats too) and I'm a big fan of customer service.
Collaboration is built into the process. This is a custom art commission at its best.
There will be different points during the sketching and painting process where I check in to get your feedback.
I"ll send photo updates as the painting begins and towards the end. At different points, I may check in to see if you like certain colors for the background, or if a detail sounds right or not.
So you see, the guarantee is baked into the very process of the painting. Out of formality, I have a 50% deposit policy to begin the art commission and 100% guarantee to your satisfaction.
My commitment to both you and the artwork itself - is to create a portrait that you love. Your pup deserves nothing less. AND my process is designed to include your feedback to help create it to their your liking from beginning to end. My process is designed for 100% love for your portrait.
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If you'd like to see more of the process. there's one very cute Jack Russell Terrier who claims she was framed. FRAMED!
You can find that story here: Kitt's Portrait Story
WAIT!
BEFORE YOU GO...(don't click on that story quite yet!)
I wanted to say one last thing.
IF you're tight on time but you still want to give the most thoughtful present in the history of gift-giving EVER.
(Okay, that may have been a slight exaggeration.) I am happy to keep communication streamlined and still deliver a personality-filled, color-infused pet portrait of the highest quality.
Alright, let's get back to that Jack Russell Terrier link you were about to click.
Here it is again: Kitt's Portrait Story