Info on the Custom Portrait Process
Most of my portraits are painted in artists quality acrylic or oil paints on stretched canvas with painted staple-free sides, so there's no need to frame and the painting may be hung as is, but I also offer masonite board upon request (which is easier to frame). I prefer acrylic for non-local orders because of it's faster drying time. When shipping paintings I have to wait for it to dry to the touch before it can be packed and with oil this can take a couple weeks or more. And since about half of the orders I receive are for gifts and need to be mailed by a certain date, acrylic usually ends up being the best choice.)
All of my pet portraits are painted from photographs. It should be a photo that you took or have permission from the photographer to use as a reference for painting. If you live near me in Monmouth County NJ, I will gladly arrange a photo shoot and take the photos myself for larger commissions.
Getting Started
If you are interested in having a custom portrait painted, just email me @ erin@picaportraits.com and let me know what size and style painting you're interested in. I'll need at least one good quality photo of your pet as well, but having several photos is always helpful. I'll discuss with you which photo I'd like to use, how I might like to crop it, etc. and talk about any special requests you might have before I begin. Then, before I start I'll need a deposit starting at $20, depending on size. The deposit will be subtracted from the cost of the painting.
Taking a Good Photo
A painting can't be much better than the photo references given if you really want it to capture your pet. I understand that sometimes people don't have much to go from and I'll do the best I can. But if you can take photos here are a few small pointers: Pictures taken in good natural lighting like sunlight work best. The perfect time of day to take pictures is early morning or late afternoon/early evening, when the sunlight is less harsh. When taking pictures inside try not to use the flash and take a photo of your pet during the daytime near a door or window instead if you can. The closer you are to your pet when taking the photo, the better, it helps me to have a lot of details to work from. Also, experiment with different angles and of course try to get pictures that you feel capture their personality. If you have a camera-shy pet holding a toy/treat directly above the camera can help.
Completing the Painting
Paintings can take about 2-3 weeks to complete, depending on size and demand. When I am close to finishing a portrait I'll email you a picture of it for your approval and to see if you'd like any changes made, at this point if there is something you don't like let me know, and I'll fix it. I take pride in my work and would never want to give someone a painting that they are not completely satisfied with. When I'm finished I'll send you an invoice and after the payment clears I'll mail the painting to you.
Shipping/Payment
Shipping cost is usually an extra $5-$25 depending on size and location, I will give you a quote when I find out the size of the painting you'd like to order and what country/state I'll be shipping to. I ship all my artwork insured via USPS or UPS within 2-3 working days of receiving payment. If you'd like to pay by credit card I'll send you an invoice through square electronic payments, but I also accept checks and cash.
Returns
I do not accept returns or give refunds, once you approve the final photo of the painting and purchase it, the sale is final. However, if there is something you dislike about the painting once you receive it, such as a small flaw that was not visible in the photo of the finished piece, I will see what i can do to fix it.
All of my pet portraits are painted from photographs. It should be a photo that you took or have permission from the photographer to use as a reference for painting. If you live near me in Monmouth County NJ, I will gladly arrange a photo shoot and take the photos myself for larger commissions.
Getting Started
If you are interested in having a custom portrait painted, just email me @ erin@picaportraits.com and let me know what size and style painting you're interested in. I'll need at least one good quality photo of your pet as well, but having several photos is always helpful. I'll discuss with you which photo I'd like to use, how I might like to crop it, etc. and talk about any special requests you might have before I begin. Then, before I start I'll need a deposit starting at $20, depending on size. The deposit will be subtracted from the cost of the painting.
Taking a Good Photo
A painting can't be much better than the photo references given if you really want it to capture your pet. I understand that sometimes people don't have much to go from and I'll do the best I can. But if you can take photos here are a few small pointers: Pictures taken in good natural lighting like sunlight work best. The perfect time of day to take pictures is early morning or late afternoon/early evening, when the sunlight is less harsh. When taking pictures inside try not to use the flash and take a photo of your pet during the daytime near a door or window instead if you can. The closer you are to your pet when taking the photo, the better, it helps me to have a lot of details to work from. Also, experiment with different angles and of course try to get pictures that you feel capture their personality. If you have a camera-shy pet holding a toy/treat directly above the camera can help.
Completing the Painting
Paintings can take about 2-3 weeks to complete, depending on size and demand. When I am close to finishing a portrait I'll email you a picture of it for your approval and to see if you'd like any changes made, at this point if there is something you don't like let me know, and I'll fix it. I take pride in my work and would never want to give someone a painting that they are not completely satisfied with. When I'm finished I'll send you an invoice and after the payment clears I'll mail the painting to you.
Shipping/Payment
Shipping cost is usually an extra $5-$25 depending on size and location, I will give you a quote when I find out the size of the painting you'd like to order and what country/state I'll be shipping to. I ship all my artwork insured via USPS or UPS within 2-3 working days of receiving payment. If you'd like to pay by credit card I'll send you an invoice through square electronic payments, but I also accept checks and cash.
Returns
I do not accept returns or give refunds, once you approve the final photo of the painting and purchase it, the sale is final. However, if there is something you dislike about the painting once you receive it, such as a small flaw that was not visible in the photo of the finished piece, I will see what i can do to fix it.
