Custom Pet Portrait Framed, Close-up of a hyper-realistic pastel portrait of a calico cat peeking out from behind a blue blanket.

Commissioning a

Custom Pastel Portrait

Whether you're looking for a meaningful gift, remembering a beloved pet or want to capture a special moment, commissioning your own custom portrait is a simple and thoughtful process. I'll be with you every step of the way, from selecting your reference photo(s) to final delivery, to make sure the final piece reflects the love and connection that inspired it.

DOGS CATS HORSES PEOPLE WILDLIFE

MY Approach

Hyper-realistic pastel portrait of Calico cat in progress

I love creating pastel portraits that feel alive with warmth and emotion. Pieces that capture not just a likeness, but the heart behind the moment. My work often features beloved pets including dogs, cats and horses, as well as wildlife and people. If you have something unique in mind, please reach out through my contact form below. I'd love to explore it with you.

Every commission begins with collaboration. I take time to understand your vision, review your reference photos, and plan a composition that best compliments your subject. The result is a portrait that feels deeply personal and timeless. Something you can treasure for years to come.

MY Materials

Each portrait is created using professional-grade materials ensuring your piece will last.

Surfaces

I choose my papers carefully, because the surface plays an important role in how a portrait comes to life.

Papers like Pastelmat and Velour allow me to build many delicate layers of pastel. This layering is what creates depth, softness, and subtle shifts in light especially in fur, eyes, and expressions.

Pastelmat is a sanded surface that provides a strong foundation for rich detail and refinement, while Velour's soft surface lends itself beautifully for animal portraits giving a natural texture. Both are archival papers chosen to preserve the beauty of your portrait over time.

Pastels

I work with professional-grade soft pastels and pastel pencils known for their high pigment and exceptional lightfast ratings.

Rich pigments allow for vibrant, nuanced color and subtle transitions bringing warmth, depth, and emotion into each portrait. The brands I use are also chosen for their proven lightfastness, ensuring your artwork maintains its color and integrity over time.

How To

Commission a Portrait

1 I GET IN TOUCH

To begin, simply share your ideas using the contact form below. I'd love to hear what you have in mind, who the portrait is of and what makes them special to you. Please also include whether this is for a special occasion or timeframe. If you'd like to share a reference photo, please upload the file before clicking Submit.

2 I TALK THROUGH DETAILS

Together, we'll select reference photos that best reflect the personality, expression, and feeling you'd like the portrait to convey. I'll guide you through size and composition options and take note of any special details you'd like included.

3 I SECURE YOUR SPOT

Once I have a good understanding of your vision, I'll put together a proposal to provide a more accurate idea of what we can achieve within your budget and timeline. A deposit will then reserve your place on my schedule to begin your portrait.

4 I CREATING YOUR ARTWORK

I'll keep you updated as your portrait comes to life. Once it's nearly finished, I'll share a preview for your review. This will be your chance to request any small adjustments before the final piece is completed.

5 I FINAL TOUCHES & DELIVERY

After your approval, I'll complete the final details and carefully prepare your portrait for delivery. Every piece is thoughtfully packaged, including framing recommendation and care instructions. Once the final payment is received, your portrait will be shipped with tracking and ready to frame or gift to someone special.

Questions?

How long does a commission take?

Once I begin your portrait, most commissions take 2-4 weeks to complete depending on size and level of of detail.

I work on one commission at a time so each piece receives my full attention. Because of this, start times depend on current availability, and I always discuss scheduling upfront so you know what to expect.

Rush commissions may be available on a limited basis. If you have a specific timeline in mind, feel free to reach out through the contact form on my Commission page, here and we can talk through the details together.

Do you offer different size options for custom pieces?

Yes. I offer a range of sizes so your portrait fits perfectly in your home and wall space. Common sizes include 8x10", 11x14", or 16x20", but I can create larger or custom dimensions upon request. If you're unsure which size is best, I'm happy to help you choose based on your reference photos and where you plan to hang the piece.

Can you create portraits with more than one subject?

Yes! I can include multiple subjects in one portrait.

For pieces with more than one subject, a larger size is often recommended to ensure each detail is captured and the finished piece looks balanced. We can review your photos together and plan the best composition and size for your vision.

Do you create other types of artwork besides portraits?

Absolutely. In addition to animal and people portraits, I also take on wildlife and nature pieces upon request. If you have something special in mind, please reach out to me. I'd love to discuss it with you.

Visit My FAQ Page