Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you offer two different styles of painting?
Classic is the painting style I used for the first painting I did of my own dog. I liked how well it turned out and decided I would offer portraits in that style to be consistant. It's a more time intensive style that requires patience to do, requires my clients to have patience in waiting at least one year for delivery, and results in a higher commission fee.
After marketing my portrait services for a while, I'd come to realize that many people, regardless of how much they love their pets, do not have as much expendable income for a Classic-style portrait.
Being a versatile artist, my solution was to offer the Impressionist-like Modern-style portrait in one size to keep it simple and to keep material costs down. Modern Style paintings are done with larger paint strokes, and I use more opaque color. I still have a tendency to strive for realism with this style but, it goes faster, making it a logical choice for a more economical portrait to offer.
AND I have now expanded the modern style to a larger 20X24 inch size canvas for lovers of "big" art. I'm naturally drawn to doing this "Modern" style, and I would consider discontinuing the Classics. However, people also love and prefer the more realistic, dramatic, and finer detail of the original paintings. So, two styles it is.
Are you able to paint from existing photos?
Yes. I realize some dogs have passed on, live too far away, or you may already have a photo you really love. The better the photo, the better the painting.
What if you have to drive farther than a day's drive for the photo session?
I will be happy to come to your home for a photo session regardless of the distance, however, I will need to be reimbursed for additional expenses.
A good solution to this would be to have a photographer take a great photo, or get out your own camera and take a ton of photos. That's what I do when I have a photo session. Experiment with the lighting. Digital cameras can take good pictures in low-light environments, rather than being outside in the bright sunlight, which might bleach out any detail in a light color coat. With a dark coat, you may need to take it outside or with a flash, but watch to make sure the eyes aren't squinting.
Do you paint people also?
I can. I've been focusing on pets. If you really would like to have a portrait of your child or you with your pet, I would set up a photo session with you. This type of painting requires more time, and will require a quoted fee.
How do I get the process started?
Together we will determine what type of painting services you need, I will electronically send you a pdf of the invoice or send one by mail. A 50% down payment is required for me to start the painting process.
What materials do you use?
I use Max Grumbacher oil paints on gesso board. When dry, I apply several applications of varnish with a brush to create a unique surface texture. The modern-stye paintings are done on an 8 X 10" canvas board, or on a 20 X 24" stretched canvas with the same paints, and no varnishes.
Do you sell prints of your paintings?
Not at this time. However, if you are interested in a giclee print contact me. There are internet services that can do this.
FAQs Regarding Pet Magnet Orders
Do you just print them on magnet paper?
No. I looked into it and the image quality wasn't good enough and it doesn't make sense to laminate over the magnet. I then outline-cut them using my Artistic judgement as to what looks best, use a hot iron to go around the edges, and color tint the edges to match the image.
How long does it take to make one magnet, package and ship?
Up to an hour if all goes well.
For the group shot magnet, can I provide two photos and have you put them together?
Although it looks the best if they are in the same photo, I do combine them for an additional fee. Check the box for additional photo touch up on the magnet order form.
If my pet photo has an ear cut off, can you photo shop that in?
Yes, I will do the best work I can for an additional fee. Check the box for additional photo touch up on the magnet order form.
Can I be in the photo with my pet?
Absolutely! I have done a few of those. I try to give the best looking outline cut out with what is provided to me.
