Frequently Asked Questions

Pet Portrait Commissions

How do I commission a pet portrait?

All of the information on commissioning a pet portrait can be found on the Commission Information page.

How much do you charge for a pet portrait?

A useful blog I wrote about this: Pet Portrait Prices: How Much do you Charge?

Price guides, based on head portraits, can be found on my website here: Price Guides

For background work, or full body portraits the price will increase accordingly.

Contact me for a no-obligation quote based on the painting you are interested in commissioning.

I would like a painting of several pets together but I don’t have a photo of them together. Can you work from separate photos?

Yes, of course. The majority of my multi-pet portraits have been composed from separate photos. It can be difficult enough getting one dog to pose for a good photo – I speak from experience!

For multiple pets painted to look as if they are sitting together, it is best to provide photos of them taken at roughly the same angle so that the poses look natural.

What are the best photos for you to paint from?

Photos should ideally be in focus, well lit, preferably taken outside, and enlarge with no loss of detail. I have put together a blog with some helpful information: Pet Portraits Photos Hints and Tips

I only have a small image of the pet I would like painted. Can you work from this?

You are welcome to send photos and I can advise if they will be ok to work from.

If the photo quality doesn’t enlarge well but is still workable, a smaller portrait size may be more suitable.

My dog’s paw / ear / part of body is missing in the photo, can you add it into the painting?

Often this is possible. Additional reference photos are often required to capture the correct look. Your quote will include the cost of any additional planning and drawing up involved with recreating missing parts of your pet.

What is the delivery charge?

UK: Postage and packing costs are £8.99, including insured next-day delivery. Portrait sizes shown on my website are all within this postage price. If your painting size is larger than the Royal Mail Special Delivery maximum size, then I will let you know the cost of sending by a courier when I provide the quote.

International orders will be quoted for a similar insured service.

How long does a painting take?

This is dependant on the composition and complexity of the fur; curly and multi-coloured coats, can take a bit longer to paint.

An A4-sized head portrait of one dog, for example, is usually completed in 1-2 weeks.

How much time do you need if I require a portrait by a certain date?

Ideally, as much time as possible! My waiting list sometimes has some ‘wiggle’ room if there are bookings without a deadline to work to. I can advise if a date is achievable.

Early booking is advised for busy periods, especially Christmas.

What is your returns policy for commissions?

Commissioned pieces are non-refundable or returnable once you have give final approval and payment has been made. The approval process is in place so that any adjustments you feel are necessary can be made to your commission. My aim is always to have my customers 100% happy with their paintings.

Full terms and conditions can be found on my Commission Information page

Shop Orders

How much is delivery?

UK delivery is included in the price, unless otherwise stated.

International orders cannot currently be processed through my website. If you would like a shipping quote to your country for the items you are interested in, please contact me and I will be happy to calculate this for you. Actual shipping costs will apply. I will send you a Paypal invoice for the total cost should you wish to complete the purchase.

How long does it take to receive my order?

I aim to post orders within 1-2 days of them being received.

Prints: In stock items are sent 1st Class or Tracked 24 and should be received within a few days from posting. Back ordered items: Please allow 2 weeks; these are printed-to-order and sent to you once received from my printer.

Original art: Items are sent by insured postage, next-day delivery.

International orders are dependant on destinations. Items to North American countries, for example, can take approximately 2 weeks for delivery. Busy holiday periods or Covid impacted destinations could expect delays.

What is your returns policy for purchases from the online Shop?

If you are unhappy with your purchase, please return it to me by a tracked service within 30 days. A refund will be issued, less the original postage cost. This excludes hand-painted bespoke plaques, which are non-refundable.

Other FAQs

Do you paint people?

No, I don’t paint people portraits – unless it is a back view! Animals and birds are my art focus.

Is my Personal Information safe and secure?

Yes, absolutely. Information you provide when placing an order is only used for the purpose of fulfilling your order or portrait commissions, and is not used in any other way.

Paypal is used for transactions and invoicing. Paypal is safe and secure and transactions are encrypted using advanced encryption technology. None of your credit card information is shared with me when a transaction is processed via Paypal.

If you have any other questions that I have not answered here, please contact me.