Commission Process

My love of animals shows through my work. When you hire me to render a representation of your beloved pet, you can be sure that I will capture his or her personality.

All of my work is hand-drawn or painted using Professional Artist-grade materials that are lightfast. Lightfast materials ensure that a piece will not fade in 100 years, as long as the piece is not displayed directly in the sun. Lightfast works should still be protected behind UV glass to further ensure their longevity. This type of glass is also called “gallery glass” and can be found at most framers.

Step 1- Select a reference photo

To create high-quality work for you, I need a picture with high resolution and good lighting. This enables me to render details to make your commission more realistic. Please see my Blog post for tips on how to get a good reference photo.

If you live in the Shenandoah Valley, I would be happy to take a picture of your pet for you. If you have an older image of a pet that has passed over the rainbow bridge, I will do my best to work with available photographs. I will be honest if I don’t think it’s possible to render a lovely portrait from the reference photos you provide.

After you have your reference photo ready, you can email or text pictures of your subject to me so that we can determine which image will work the best.  

Step 2- Select portrait size, medium, and paper

We will also discuss which medium you prefer and if you want me to do a background for the piece.

I will be glad to give you advice on which type of medium might make the best portrait. The medium and paper types can provide varying results.

Check out the Gallery by Medium to see the effects that can be achieved through the different media I use.

Commission prices do not include a frame. I create works that will fit into a standard-sized frame to prevent you from the cost of custom framing. If you would like a different size artwork, I will be happy to accommodate your wish.

Step 3- My work begins

A commission can take me anywhere up to 40 hours or more to complete, so please know that I will work as quickly as I can. Colored pencils are an especially slow medium.

Step 4- Final Review of Portrait and Shipping

When the portrait is complete, I’ll send you a photograph of the finished work for your review. Upon your approval, I will ship the piece via United States Postal Service Express Mail with tracking.

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