I offer portraits in five different sizes and two different styles - please click on the relevant currency below to see a breakdown of prices (if you'd like to see my price list in another currency, please don't hesitate to reach out). Prices shown are for a head and chest drawing only, although I can draw full body, add multiple pets and backgrounds for an additional charge. If this would be of interest be sure to mention it when you make contact.
I work on a first come first serve basis, and when you get booked in you will be added to my waiting list. My waiting list can be a few months long, depending on how many projects I have on at any one time; but please do get in touch if you need the portrait by a certain date and I can let you know if I can meet your deadline.
I require a 20% deposit at the time of booking to secure the diary time, with the final balance only requested on your satisfied completion of the work. Payments can be made via bank transfer (for UK residents), gift voucher or PayPal (PayPal is the only payment method I can use for international transactions, but UK residents are free to use this option as well). Let me know your preference when you contact me and I can email you a PayPal invoice when the time comes.
Before getting booked in it is best to make contact with me and email through a selection of favourite photos. We can discuss which portrait type and size you are interested in, and how suitable your photos are - some of you know exactly what you want, whilst others may wish to discuss options further. Whichever category you fall into, I'd be very happy to have a chat and advise you on your best options from a drawing perspective.
The most important thing is the reference photo of your pet. To keep the drawing as realistic as possible I only work from one photo. To alter your pet's pose even a little is enough to throw off their features; the shadows, highlights and realism of the image. To create the best artwork possible your pet needs to be in a pose you like - preferably one that captures their character. I'd need the photo to show your pet's features clearly, especially eye and fur detail. The better the photo, the better my drawing will be!
If you're not sure whether your photos are good enough, or have any questions at all then please get in touch. I am more than happy to discuss your requirements.
After years of experimenting with various resouces, I now use Faber-Castell PITT pastel pencils as my go to brand. Stabilo Carbothello pastel pencils provide a good range of neutral warm and cold greys and helps to fill the colour gaps in the PITT pastel set. They also combine wonderfully and have never let me down!
When the project requires a background, particularly using a soft blur effect then I like to use Sennelier soft pastel sticks. My support is always Clairfontaine Pastelmat.
All of the materials I use are designed and made for professional artists. Their vibrancy, application, lightfastness, acid-free and archival properties (paper) will ensure your pastel drawing stands the test of time.
After deciding on the size of the portrait, agreeing the reference photo and paying an initial deposit, I will contact you around a week before I'm due to start work on your project to confirm the details. I will then create your very own masterpiece, and can even send you progress photos if desired. Once I have a completed drawing to show you, I will make sure you are fully satisfied with the likeness of your pet. If you require any alterations to be made then I will happily work with you to ensure you receive the very best example, and are as happy as can be before sending you the original.
I use Royal Mail Special Delivery for UK residents, and also to take care of the UK side of international orders. For larger pieces I prefer to use a dedicated courier such as FedEx or UPS. The artworks are sent securely sandwiched between two pieces of 10mm foamboard and fully insured to the value of the artwork. Once posted I will forward you the tracking number so that you can keep an eye on the parcels progress.