Turning your favorite photos into hand-painted art.
There is something special about a watercolor portrait that a photo just can’t capture. I specialize in creating timeless, hand-painted tributes to your pets that highlight their unique personality and charm.
Every portrait is painted on Arches 300gsm cold-pressed paper. It’s 100% cotton, acid-free, and archival—meaning your painting will stay as vibrant as the day it was finished for years to come.
How the Process Works
I want this to be an easy and enjoyable experience for you! Here is the step-by-step:
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Photo Consultation: We’ll start by picking the perfect reference photo together. (See my guide below for tips!)
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Securing Your Commission: Once we’ve chosen a photo and size, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required to begin.
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The Final Look: After the painting is complete, I’ll send you a high-resolution scan for your approval.
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Shipping: Once the remaining 50% balance is settled, your unframed portrait is carefully packaged and shipped to your door.
How to Capture the Perfect Reference Photo
A beautiful watercolor portrait starts with a great photograph. Since I paint every detail by hand, the better the photo, the more “personality” I can capture! Here is how to take a reference photo that will make your pet shine.
1. Master the Light
Natural daylight is your best friend. It reveals the true colors of your pet’s coat and the sparkle in their eyes.
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The “Golden Hour”: Aim for early morning or late afternoon. The soft, warm light creates rich shadows and beautiful depth.
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Avoid the Midday Sun: Harsh noon sunlight causes overexposure and squinting (plus, it’s often too hot for your furry friend!).
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Angle is Everything: Position your pet so the light comes from the side (left or right). Avoid light coming from directly behind, above, or the center, as this flattens the features.
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No Flash: Please turn your flash off! It flattens the face and often causes the dreaded “laser eye” effect.
2. Perfect the Pose
To capture a portrait that feels alive, we need the right perspective.
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Get on Their Level: Squat or lay down so the camera is at eye level with your pet. Photos taken from above look like “snapshots”—eye-level photos look like “portraits.”
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The Three-Quarter View: While straight-on shots can work, a 3/4 profile (head turned slightly) prevents the face from looking flat and adds a classic, artistic feel.
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Focus on the Eyes: The eyes are the soul of the portrait. Ensure at least one eye is in the light and perfectly in focus.
3. Quality & Composition
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Mind the Distortion: Smartphone cameras use wide-angle lenses. Phone lenses can sometimes distort features if you’re too close. Stand a few feet back and zoom in slightly (not too much, because that will affect the quality) to keep their nose and ears in the right proportion.
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High Resolution: Set your camera to the highest quality possible.
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Keep it Simple: Try to shoot against a plain or uncluttered background so the focus remains entirely on your pet.
Comparison: Good vs. Bad Practices
Bad Photo – A photo from above, eyes are not visible, overexposed.
Bad Photo – A photo from above, the dog is in motion and the image is all blurry, the lighting is not good.
Bad Photo – Low resolution, poor lighting, a photo from above.
Bad Photo – poor lighting, cropped image
Good Photo – Full head is in the frame, natural light from left, the real color of the coat, clear details in the nose and both, plain background.
Have Fun With It!
The best photos happen when you and your pet are relaxed. Bring treats, use a squeaky toy to get their attention, and enjoy the process.
Still unsure if your photo will work? Don’t worry! I’m happy to help. Feel free to email me your photos, and we can pick the perfect one together.
PRICING
| Size | Price |
| 9×12 | $290 |
| 10×14 | $380 |
| 12×16 | $520 |
| 14×20 | $750 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you offer hand-painted or digital portraits?
A: Every single portrait I create is 100% hand-painted using professional-grade watercolors on archival-quality Arches paper. I do not use digital filters or AI; you are commissioning an original, one-of-a-kind piece of fine art.
Q: Can you paint a portrait of a pet that has passed away?
A: Yes, and it is a true honor to do so. Since I specialize in capturing the “soul and character” of an animal, many of my clients commission these portraits as a lasting tribute to a beloved pet. I am happy to work with you to select the best possible reference photo to honor their memory.
Q: How long does it take to receive my custom pet portrait?
A: Since each piece is hand-painted with careful attention to detail, my schedule varies based on current commissions. Once we approve your photo and your spot is secured with a deposit, I will give you an estimated completion date. Please let me know if you need the portrait by a specific date, such as for a birthday or holiday!
Q: Do you frame the paintings?
A: To ensure your artwork arrives safely and to give you the freedom to choose a frame that perfectly matches your home decor, all portraits are shipped unframed. They are standard sizes, making it very easy to find a beautiful frame at any local art or frame store.
Q: I have multiple pets! Can you paint them all together in one portrait?
A: To ensure the highest quality and focus for each subject, I specialize in individual portraits. This allows me to capture the unique personality, expression, and fine fur details of each pet without compromising the composition. Most of my clients choose to commission separate portraits for each of their pets, which makes for a beautiful, cohesive gallery wall in your home!
Q: Can you ship internationally?
A: Yes, I ship my custom watercolor portraits worldwide. All paintings are carefully packaged in protective, moisture-resistant sleeves and rigid mailers to ensure they arrive in pristine condition, no matter where they are traveling.