FAQ: PET PORTRAITS
I get so many questions about my art, especially about my pet portraits from how to order, photographing pets, prices, etc. that I have dedicated this page to answering most of these important questions …
THE BASICS:
1. Do I have to bring my pet into see you or can you work long-distance?
This is probably the most frequent question I receive other than price. I have painted for clients all over the United States, but if you are local (Central Florida), I would love to meet your pet and see them first-hand. It always helps to get to know your subjects….furry and all. But if this is not possible, you can just tell me about them so that I can understand their personality. If you are far away, I can work from high resolution pet images that you send me.
2. Do you create your pet paintings on a computer?
Absolutely not! Each commission is entirely hand-painted and signed by me, the artist (FayBecca). I may have a little help from my Havanese puppy, Jorgi, as she snoozes next to my feet…but you have my sincere promise that she did not take a paint brush to your pet!
3. Can you paint my entire animal and can you paint more than one pet in the same picture?
Yes I can paint the whole animal and I can paint more than one pet in the painting but I prefer to not put more than two pets on one canvas. More than two requires a larger canvas and becomes quite pricey for the client. If you have more than one or two pets, multiple canvases on a wall make a beautiful statement.
4. Do you ever take commissions for other pets i.e. unusual pets besides cats and dogs?
Yes, I really love to paint most animals, large and small….cat portraits, dog portraits, horse portraits, and let’s not forget fish, birds, parrots, frogs, geckos, pigs, cows, or any other beautiful animal that has a place in someone’s heart. I also do florals, abstracts, and wild animals…just ask me!
PHOTOGRAPHS:
1. What kind of photos can you use?
I need high resolution images, where I can clearly see the eyes and nose clearly. If you have a smartphone, especially a newer version, the resolution on those devices are perfect. Also, these are very easily emailed or sent through text to me directly. Once I have your images, we can discuss whether I can comfortably work from them.
2. Do you have any advice on how to take great shots of my pet?
I am clearly not a photographer and I realize that it isn’t simple to get that perfect shot….especially with our active pets! When I take photos, I use my mobile phone and I just keep taking shots holding down the button for 25-45 images (you can always delete them when you finish). I try different rooms with different light, outside and inside both. Try different angles and just play with it…make it fun! Your pet will get the message and will become more comfortable and accommodating if you are making it a game.
Use natural light whenever possible, it is always preferred over a flash. Near a window is good with the light behind you when a flash is not required. Early morning or late afternoon light is softer and more angled.
For more realistic pet portraits, take the photograph from the level of your pet. For a more whimsical and abstract approach you would stand pointing the camera down at your pet which creates a distortion that lends itself to a more contemporary approach.
3. What if I have a print photo and not a digital photo to send you of my pet?
Most images are on our computers or cell phones which which makes them easy to share. I have done many pet portraits of animals, no longer with us, from photographs. In this case, I would need a copy of the photo either by scanning me physical photos of the pet.
TIME AND MONEY:
1. How much to you charge for a portrait?
My portraits are individually priced depending on the scope and size of the painting. It is so hard to put a price on my work because the enjoyment from painting is priceless. Therefore, my prices are based on the size of the canvas and whether you choose a whole dog pose or a face pose. Your painting will be painted on a gallery wrapped canvas that doesn’t require framing.
I price my work very reasonably, starting as low as $100 for a 10x10 face pose of your pet. The best way for me to price a commissioned pet portrait is to know what you want and what you envision. Please contact me at 407-314-7547 or email me at faybeccadesigns@gmail.com for a quote! I would like to preface this by saying that I believe my work is very competitively priced and hopefully you will be surprised at the quality and service you will receive from me as an artist.
2. How long will it take to finish my pet’s portrait?
Once we begin discussion your custom painting, I will give you a time frame for completion. The holiday season is my busiest time of year. It is best to order early for holiday gifts. A general rule of thumb is to allow 2-4 weeks. I give each commission my full attention and commitment to make sure your painting is finished in a timely manner.
4. What if I want to give the painting as a gift?
Custom pet portraits make excellent heartfelt gifts. If there is someone in your life who could benefit and appreciate a unique painting of a cherished pet, I can not think of a truly treasured gift. Just in case you are in a hurry to give a gift…instead of a finished painting, I can provide you with a gift certificate that allows the recipient to be a part of the creative process, which is fun.
5. How much can I expect to spend on shipping?
Currently, my prices include FREE shipping within the United States.
Finally, I hope that most of your questions have been answered here…again, please feel free to CONTACT me. I would love to help bring the vision of your pet to canvas! I love to hear from people and enjoy your feedback.
So what are you waiting for? Order your custom, hand-painted pet portrait today!