Pet Procedure & Fees

I have been painting pets -- especially dogs-- since my very first class in oil painting when, to my instructor's surprise, I announced "I want to paint my dog!" I arrived at the next session with a large 36x36 canvas for a life size painting of my dog Taija with his tennis ball. That was many years ago, and since then, while I have broadened my skills and interests to new subject matter, I still have a great fondness for animals -- especially dogs -- and for capturing their likenesses in paint.

My goal is to create expressive paintings of pets, capturing a sense of personality through the way they look and move or sit. I often portray them in a setting of my own design, but can also situate the animal(s) in a location with particular meaning. I work from life and from photographs-- either existing photographs (if the client has a favorite photo or is out-of-town) or ones I take for reference. At our initial meeting, we discuss the size of the painting, where it will hang (if known), the general composition and setting (indoor/outdoor), and any specific requests. Then I take a series of photographs, trying to capture the animal in action and at rest. Thanks to my digital camera (with preview capabilities), the photos can be reviewed during the photography session, so we can together select the pose and composition to be used for the painting. Sometimes I will combine multiple photographs in the final composition-- the position of the body from one, the face from another, the background from yet a third. This is especially true when the painting contains two or more subjects.

	First I sketch the composition onto the canvas using charcoal. Once I am satisfied with the general likeness and composition, I block in the animal, concentrating on color and form.
	Next I add the background, either designing it as I go or recreating a specifically requested location. I look at the overall pattern of lights and darks, and make any necessary adjustments to achieve a pleasing composition and to ensure that the animal remains the focal point.
	Colors and details are added and refined. I like to complete this step in one (sometimes long) day because it is so much fun to see the painting come alive. It's also easier to blend colors, adjust edges, adjust values, enrich shadows and create an underlying unity to the painting when the paint is wet. I let the painting dry thoroughly, then refined it with many layers of subtle glazes-- adding richness and depth yet maintaining the underlying painterly quality. I adjust colors and values as needed and add any final details or refinements to the subject -- paying particular attention to the eyes and the fur.

Fees for Pet Portraiture (as of November 2008)

Size	Price including frame
9x12	$ 625
12x16	$1,000
16x20	$1,200
20x24	$1,800
24x30	$2,700
30x40	$4,500
36x36	$5,000

* add 25% for each additional pet in a painting.

* A deposit of 10% is due at the start of the process; the remainder is payable upon completion.

* Prices are subject to change

* I look forward to working with you!