The Process

 First, contact me via the contact page. I will respond as soon as possible. After that initial e-mail, I will personally talk with you by phone and get to know more about your pet and I will answer any questions you may have.. Nothing replaces a good phone consultation to understand your needs. We will create a plan for a beautiful painting.

I like work from higher resolution images. The better the photo(s) the better the detail is in the painting. I understand sometimes there isn’t one available- I’ll do my best! More information about pet photo tips below.

After discussing the painting, and when there is a clear understanding of what to paint, for example, color, size, image, etc..  I will write up a quote in a short contract with the details of what we talked about, along with an invoice with the total price and the cost of a 30% deposit (non-refundable), e-mail it to you.  

When I receive the 30% deposit along with the signed quote in the contract, I will either start the painting or you will be added to the wait list. I will give you a guesstimate of the start time.  The painting process can take from 1 week up to 8 weeks depending on the subject and size and time to let the oil paint dry. I will keep you updated throughout with pictures and e-mail and text.

When I have completed the painting, you can review it and I will be glad to make any changes. Note: there may be an extra charge for numerous changes but it rarely happens.  After your satisfied with the painting and I receive the remaining balance, I will ship it for free (in the continental United States) or deliver it if you're local in the Minneapolis Saint Paul Area.

“You Rule! You get the essence of these dogs!”

Barbara Gearity

Prices

Classic Portrait

Classic Portraits are the images of a pet with a simple background color and close up of head or bust. The base price is standard with this type of portrait.

Detailed Portrait

Detailed Portraits are paintings with more than the classic facial image and simple background. These paintings have more than 1 pet and or a detailed background as this landscape or extra toys pillows or decor. An additional charge will be added to the base price (25%-50%). This will be discussed and agreed upon before starting the painting.

Each portrait is one-of-a-kind! Prices may vary and will be decided after our consultation.

  • 4”x 4” - 1/8” thick panel w/mini easel

  • 5” X 7” OR 6” X 6”

    1” Thick Birch Panel

    option to have the sides painted a color or continue the background image around the sides.

  • 8” X 10” & 9” X 9”

    1.5” thick Birch Panel

    option to have the sides painted a color or continue the background image around the sides.

  • 9” X 12” - 11” x 14” on 1.5” Birch Panel

    option to have the sides painted a color or continue the background image around the sides.

  • 16” X 20” - 18” X 18”.

    1.5” thick birch panel

    option to have the sides painted a color or continue the background image around the sides.

  • 24” X 36” - 30” X 30”

    1.5” thick birch panel

    option to have the sides painted a color or continue the background image around the sides.

Satisfaction Guaranteed! Free shipping in continental U.S.

Photography Tips

*Get closer if you can. Not 20 feet away! Also, the higher resolution of the camera the better! 

*The best angle to take a picture of your pet is at the same level they are. You might need to kneel, squat, or even lie down! 

*Focus on the eyes! Even if the nose is a bit blurry the eyes are the personality. 

*Natural lighting is the best. Photos taken in front of a window or outdoors in reflective shade make the best lighting. No Flash! No Direct midday sun! That kind of lighting creates a flat image. The high contrast between lights and darks doesn't revile the subtle details. The best Sun shots are in the evening or early morning when the sun is at a lower angle. 

*These are generally good tips for taking better photos of your pet or anyone! 

 * If you are taking photos here are a few more thoughts: 

Your photos are important to the quality of the painting. The more detail in the photo the more detail in the painting! I magnify and zoom into the image on my laptop to see important detail. 

Providing different images of your pet is always a good idea. That way the artist gets a better feeling of the pet's personality. 

Sometimes, unfortunately, there is only one old photo and we can't take a new one because they are no longer with us. That is where creativeness and experience come into play ...I'll do my best.