Pet Portrait Info
Painting professionally commissioned pet portraits has been my career, that began in 1984. I believe through the years, as a full time artist, I have become very experienced, having an in-depth understanding & knowledge of what the customer requires.
During this time many of my customers, delighted with their portraits, have returned and requested further commissioned work.
I have been asked to portray and successfully completed commissions that are purely based on customers descriptions of their lost pets, without any photographs whatsoever. On occasion, I have painted eyes in that are missing or have become blind.
Over my long established career, I believe that I have become a very versatile and accomplished artist that can paint a broad range of subjects. For example, children, adults, horses, dogs and cats, often numerous subjects placed together, sometimes with a background which may include the owner’s property. This moves me through to mentioning landscapes and architecture, including churches which are usually commissioned gifts for weddings. When I have any spare moments I love to paint flowers and ornithological subjects.
I am able to create artwork using a wide choice of medium i.e. gouache watercolour, acrylic, oil, pastel, pen and ink, pencil and charcoal. My first and favourite choice is gouache-watercolour, a complexly difficult paint to master but one that I have primarily preferred over others for its ability to create fine detail, if handled well. Acrylic is also a favourite of mine, especially for the more flowing coated dogs, for example flat-coats and red setters, golden retrievers, springers etc.
How commission me to paint a pet portrait for you?
Please telephone me on 07884 198748 or email your favourite dog photos to me with any ideas you might have regarding the portrait you would like.
When thinking of your paintings & pet portraits, good quality photos are helpful but NOT necessary. I have developed the skill of being able to capture exactly your pets in fine detail with poor photos.
SO DON’T WORRY, THERE IS NO NEED TO DESPAIR!
My husband John has excellent photoshop and Lightroom skills with years of experience so is able to work with poor photos to find the details required.
Once you have submitted your photos to me, I will then look at your specific requirements and either discuss by phone or send you an email with a written quotation which will be tailored to your request.
A non refundable deposit of £100.00 is required before starting a pet portraits painting.
The remaining balance is to be paid before the painting is posted.
We are located between the market towns of Stamford in Lincolnshire and Oakham in Rutland in the East Midlands one mile from Rutland Water.
Would you like us to photograph your pet for you?
If you do not have decent photographs of your pet we can photograph your pet for you!
Photographing your pet is free of charge for a portrait painting as long as you live within a 15 mile radius from the village of Exton in Rutland. You can either bring your pet to us at Exton or we can come to you for the photo shoot.
There is a travel charge beyond the 15 mile radius.
PLEASE NOTE:
Photographs taken are the copyright of ©John Richardson.
They are only available for sale 14 days after the commission is completed and payment for the portrait has been made in full.
Helpful tips for taking your own photos of your pet
Try to kneel down so that you are at eye level with your Pet – not too close as this can distort the angle of view.
Alternatively, place your animal on a bench or wall, this will insure the correct perspective.
(Try to do this with a helper)
The helper needs to stand a little way behind the photographer and make noises using a squeaky toy or by calling.
(A biscuit can be a distraction and may not help to encourage an expression with a dog)
DO NOT take a photo from above your animal looking down at it, as the size of the head and nose will be exaggerated in proportion to the feet.
Alterations to the pet portrait, if needed.
Once your pet portraits are at a stage for viewing, we will scan and send a proof via email for your approval.
As a result of this, if alterations are necessary I will make the adjustments to the painting and send further proofs until your pet portrait is as you like it.
Completion, Framing & Postage of the Pet Portrait Painting
We offer a professional and bespoke picture framing service if required.
For further information go to:
Bespoke Picture Framing of your paintings, prints & artwork
Parcel Force 24
The painting will be packaged and posted to you via Parcel Force 24 or 48 recorded delivery.
Alternatively, you are welcome to personally collect your painting from my Art Gallery at Exton in Rutland.
Bespoke Limited Edition Prints
Finally, Limited Edition Prints framed or unframed will be available of your dog portraits, please ask for prices if interested.
They are printed on professional quality Velvet Fine Art Paper. Therefore, the prints have the look and feel of the original to share with your family and friends.
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Pet Portrait FAQ’s
How much does it cost to do a Pet Portrait?
There can be many variables that determine the cost of a pet portrait painting. For example, because I am able to work from poor quality and multiple photographs this may reflect in the cost of your painting
There is also the choice of size and medium, plus the type of background you prefer.
Therefore, please telephone me on: 07884 198748.
You can also email over to me your favourite dog photos with any ideas you might have regarding the portrait you would like and I will get back to you with a quote tailored to your specific request.
Email your Photo’s to us…
If you want a truly professional job, then look no further-
I use only the best quality artists materials from Winsor Newton and Daler Rowney ensuring that your portrait will have long lasting light fastness and the richest depth of colours producing the highest quality Pet Portrait painting.
How long does it take to complete a Pet Portrait Painting.
This depends upon what is required.
From starting a pet portrait to completion, can take about a week to 10 days. More complex compositions take longer.
If you require framing of the portrait, we have our own bespoke framing workshop so all work can usually be completed within that time frame too.
What Kind of photos do you require?
I work from both digital and printed photographs that either you provide or we can take. Smart phone photos are acceptable. If you can send as many photos as possible via email or if printed copies, by post.
I can work from multiple photos to successfully capture the composition you have in mind. I can take the head of your pet from one photo and the body of your pet from another photo.
Printed photos can be sent to:
Mrs Penelope Richardson
April House,
4a Top Street,
Exton,
Oakham,
Rutland.
LE15 8BB
When sending printed photos I would recommend sending them by recorded delivery i.e. Royal Mail Special Delivery.