11”x14” Custom Pet Portrait in Soft Pastel

*Pictures shown above are examples of portraits I have painted in the past for other clients. I am not selling those same paintings.

Commissioned Pet Portrait. I will paint an 11”x14” soft pastel portrait of your beloved fur baby(ies), drawn and colored by hand from your digital photo(s).

Please note: I can produce portraits in 3 sizes. The larger the paper size, the greater the allowance for detail.

Please be certain to choose the appropriate size for the space in which the portrait will eventually hang, as well as the amount of detail you desire in the subject.

9”x12” Best for individual bust style portrait. More than one animal in this size will result in significant loss of detail.

11”x14” Best for full body or action portrait of preferably one or two animals, depending on size. More than two will result in significant loss of detail unless portrait is restricted to bust.

22”x32” Best for multiple animals, large animals such as horses or elephants, or action portrait including detailed action and/or extensive scenery.

Framing: These days, pastels used by artists are generally much safer than those used in centuries past. While I attempt to use pastels that are nontoxic or that have low toxicity, certain pigments are made from natural soils or man-made chemicals that can be harmful if breathed in, especially over long periods of time. As a result, all pastel paintings must be framed behind glass or acrylic to prevent the disbursal of the potentially dangerous pigment powder into the air.

Because current methods of fixing the layers of pastel pigments result in a significant dulling or darkening of the colors used, I do not use fixatives in my pastel paintings. Instead of fixing the pigments before shipping, I lay a sheet of glassine over the painting’s surface, which prevents the pigment powder from smudging or falling off in the package.

All the paintings I produce in pastel will require being framed in an appropriate sealed frame to protect the colors of the pigments from fading from exposure to sunlight, as well as to prevent the loose pigment powder from escaping into the home environment. A frame with matting and acrylic UV resistant “glass” is required for the safety of those humans and animals living in the home, and to protect the vivid pigments from fading under direct and indirect sunlight.

At present, I do not usually provide frames for my paintings. However, if the customer would like me to frame the painting before shipping to them, I can accommodate this request for the additional cost of the frame. If desired, they can choose a frame with UV acrylic “glass” and have it shipped to me for framing, or trust me to choose an appropriate frame for the piece based on the colors in the subject and their preferences for wood tone and shape based on their decor.

If they choose the frame and ship it to me, I will only include the additional shipping charges and insurance required for the additional weight and value added.

If I choose the frame, I will charge the full price I pay for the frame and matting, and any shipping costs associated in bringing it to me, along with the cost for the painting itself. In this instance, I will be certain that the client is satisfied with the look and cost of the frame before framing the portrait to send to them.