An angle shot showing two pet portrait commissions, both of a golden retriever named Copper. One is a strait shot with a serious face, and in the other, Copper has a relaxed smile and a slight head tilt. A cup of coffee sits in the background.

commissions


I have two main commission styles, but I am always open to new things, so if you are looking for something different than what you see here, just shoot me a message and we can work it out!



what to know before ordering a commission

I love receiving commission orders! Itโ€™s exciting to paint something specific for someone who will treasure it. I often get questions about what I need, how long it will take, if I can make certain changes to the photos, and other things, so here is a quick list of answers.

photos:

I will require a photo of what you want me to recreate, be it your pet, your house, or your local pub. If you canโ€™t decide on one, you can send me a few and I will decide (please keep it to 5 or less). The higher quality the photo, the more detail I can include in the painting, and the better the end result will be!

information:

I will need your email and name; what details of the commission you want (name included, size, etc.); if, where, and how you want it shipped; if you need it done by a certain date; and I always love to hear about the subject! Who is the pet and what are they like, what does the place mean to you? You donโ€™t need to give me any personal information if you donโ€™t want to, but I like to feel a connection to what Iโ€™m painting – those pieces always turn out the best!

timeline:

The timeline for commissions varies with how busy my business is, but the average time for a piece 8×10โ€ and under is a month. I can do a quicker turnaround for a fee, and Christmas orders need to be in by the end of October. I have a limited number of slots for Christmas, and it is first-come, first-serve, so order earlier if you want to be sure to get your piece in time!

edits to photos:

I have been requested to meld different photos of a pet, add a name on a bridle, and paint a black and white photograph in colour. Edits can be done, and sometimes I will do them on my own out of necessity for the piece. If the edit is small, like adding a name to a collar, I will do it for free. If it is a large ask, it will take more time and effort for me (and sometimes some Photoshop skills!) and that equals a fee. I am always open to discussions so feel free to ask me, and I can let you know what is possible and how much it will cost!

framing:

Both watercolour and gouache are susceptible to water damage, and need frames to protect them. Choosing a frame is a personal decision, and as I offer commissions in very common frame sizes, I recommend that you get your own frame. New frames can easily be bought and used as-is, either from a nice frame shop, an art store, online, or even IKEA. If you want to make sure it is done properly, and donโ€™t mind the price, you can get it professionally framed. If you like a more unique (and sustainable) option, I love thrifting frames! Thrifted frames are often cheaper, and you can find high-quality options, but they may need a bit of love and care before being used. If you donโ€™t want to have to frame your commissioned piece, and you are doing a local pickup/dropoff, I offer framing for $100. I do not offer framing for shipped pieces, as shipping art in frames is extremely tricky and costly.

the process:

Send me an email with all the information requested, as well as the photos and any questions you have about it, and we will get started! Once the order has been agreed upon, I will send you an invoice with payment information. When the piece is ready, I will let you know and we can arrange a pick-up, or I will send it off.