If you're interested in commissioning a portrait, please message us via contact page or via contact@purelypetportraits.co.uk and tell us what you have in mind (oil painting, pencil portrait, charcoal drawing, size etc.). Add photos of your pet(s) that you'd like us to work from. Feel free to ask any questions, we'll be happy to answer them. We work with clients all over the world.
Here are a couple of things you might want to know about how we carry on with our commissions.
STEP 1. CHOOSING A REFERENCE PHOTO
And What is a Good Reference Photo
One of the first steps in the pet portrait painting process is finding a good reference photo.
You probably have taken a lot of photos of your pet in all kinds of situations, poses and light. Perhaps you are wondering which one(s) of those photos to choose. Best photos are the ones where your pet looks most relaxed. Good resolution and lighting is also quite important. Please make sure the photos are not overexposed (lacking detail in brigthtest areas) or blurry. Don't worry about the color that much. That is an easy thing to fix.
If you are posing your pet to take a picture make sure the light source is over your shoulder but not directly behind or above you. If you’re taking photos outside, avoid direct sunlight and look for a shadow.
If you have photos of your pet but you are not sure if they're good enough, just send them to us (to contact@purelypetportraits.co.uk) and we'll be happy to look at them and let you know if the resolution and detail on them is enough for me to work with.
STEP 2. CHOOSING SIZE AND TECHNIQUE
We paint in oils on gessoed boards or pre-stretched canvases. Kate draws with charcoal on grey toned paper. Paul draws on white paper with Staedtler pencils. With drawings you will have a size choice of A5, A4 and A3. With oils the choice is greater as canvases come in different shapes and sizes and so do boards (We can cut boards to any size you need). On our Prices page we give examples of prices depending on certain pre-chosen sizes to give you an idea of how much a painting of that size would cost. Those sizes can be slightly altered though. Small changes usually won't affect the price. See our prices section for details.
STEP 3. ESTABLISHING THE FINAL COST OF THE PAINTING/drawing
As mentioned before, final price of the unframed portrait will depend on size, technique and complexity of the painting/drawing (plain or complex background/single or double portrait etc.). Shipping prices are quoted at the same time as prices of the portrait. In case of paintings, the shipping price may go up if you decide to frame the painting as framing can increase the weight of the package significantly. Please visit our prices page to find out more.
STEP 4. DEPOSIT
When we establish the final price we will ask for a deposit. We ask for 50% of the final price of the finished unframed portrait to be transferred to our account before we start the commission. The up-front payment is necessary to secure the commission and place in line, as we work on the portraits in order of securing them.
STEP 5. PAINTING and drawing PROCESS
Before we start a drawing or a painting we will confirm the composition with you. We like to make sure that you like and approve the design of the portrait. As we are also professional digital illustrators we work in programs such as Photoshops and Krita to deliver mock up files (jpg) which will show you what the final piece will look like. It is especially helpful when creating a mock up for a portrait of multiple subjects. Most of our multiple subject portraits such as the one shown here have been created from more than one photo. Once this is approved we will get to work. Please keep in mind however that how long it will take us to deliver the finished piece will depend on the amount of work already commissioned. If you have a time sensitive commission, please let us know.
STEP 6. FINAL APPROVAL AND PAYMENT
Once the painting or drawing is ready we will send a photo of it for our final approval. We will then ask you to pay the remaining fee and shipping payment. If you ordered a painting it will take a couple of weeks or more (depending on weather conditions and time of the year) to dry properly during which you might want to start considering your framing options.
STEP 7. FRAMING (OPTIONAL)
You can choose to have your commissioned piece framed. We use Brampton Framing to order frames so you can look through their choice of mouldings and mount boards, and decide which one you like best. We will add the cost of frame and shipment of the materials from Brampton to our studio to your final price.
The framing process can be done while you're waiting for the painting to dry.
STEP 8. SHIPMENT
Unframed Charcoal Drawings and Pencil Drawings are shipped in a lovely presentation box, wrapped in acid free paper and bubble wrap for additional protection.
Oil Paintings and framed Drawings are shipped either in reinforced box or in a wooden crate depending on size. We package the paintings using an acid free paper and bubble wrap. This package is then placed securely inside a sturdy wooden or cardboard box (depending on size) and shipped via Royal Mail or ParcelForce, with a one day guaranteed delivery.
All the paintings and drawings come with Certificate of Authenticity included in the box/tube.
The parcels are tracked and insured. We will provide you with a tracking number as soon as we post the portrait.