So… why choose The Pet Portrait Studio?
Well, I’m glad you asked! I offer bespoke, 100% hand-painted pet portraits with absolutely NO digital imaging or printing. Coupled with my graphic design and illustration qualifications I have the talent and skills to create the perfect composition resulting in a visually pleasing, balanced, fine art portrait. I have decades of experience as a professional artist and will never compromise on quality.
I can guarantee you are receiving a genuine hand-painted portrait by providing you with progressive photos of the art. This procedure is outlined in The Process.
I am not striving for 100% likeness as I want my artwork to be obviously a painting and not compete with a photographic portrait. I prefer to adopt a realistic but painterly style capturing your pet’s individual character. All of my customers have been extremely happy with the likeness to their pet. You can see examples of photo-to-painting on The Process page.
Yes. It is imperative I have a photo to work from so I can accurately paint your pet. You will find information in the Photo Guide section to assist you in obtaining the best possible photo.
No big deal. Due to the flexibility of hand-painting this generally allows me the freedom to enhance the subject. Unlike digital portraits I’m not as reliant on the quality of the photo. I have even successfully created portraits from Instagram screen grabs!
Absolutely. I encourage and prefer you Contact me first to discuss all of your requirements and photo availability. Once we have selected a suitable photo you will receive a FREE line art mock-up showing the composition of your pet on the portrait size selected. We may need to go back and forth a few times, but this should result in your complete confidence to proceed.
Yes please! This is a team effort and I want you to be completely satisfied with the end result.
Yes. Although my portraits cannot exceed 50 x 70cm and I do not suggest going any smaller than 23 x 23cm.
This depends on the complexity of the portrait and current workload. A general guideline is 2 – 6 weeks, but we can establish this in our initial consultation. The lead-up to Christmas can be very busy and your portrait may take longer than 6 weeks.
For more details go to Terms and Conditions
Go to Returns & Refunds for more details.
My prices are determined on size, detail and the time it takes to complete a commission. Even the smallest, head and shoulders portraits take me no less than two days to complete. Click here for Price List.
I use only the highest quality, professional, lightfast soft pastels and pencils, and the finest archival 360gsm Pastelmat paper. Soft pastels are one of the most permanent art mediums and won’t fade or diminish over a lifetime!
It is a common misconception that soft pastels are only used for drawings. All professional artists consider our finished works to be paintings as this applies to when the entire surface is completely covered with pastel.
Three pets maximum. I like to paint as much detail of your pet’s features as possible and I feel any more than three pets in one portrait will compromise on the unique detail. Multiple pets are not recommended for 23 x 30cm portraits.
As your portrait is a freehand painting I do not add the pet’s name to the art. I feel it deters from the focus of the pet and is probably best reserved for the more novel digital portraits available online.
Yes. I prefer to hone my skills in just dogs and cats portraiture and I don’t want to fall into the category of – Jack of all trades, master of none!
Unless you have a tail, are covered in fur and have whiskers, the answer is “sorry, but no”.
It is necessary to secure the Pastelmat (paper) with tape to prevent movement and smudging during the painting process, hence leaving a thin border of the background colour when the tape is removed. This border is beneficial when handling and framing and won’t be visible when placed behind a mount.
No. I prefer not to spray a fixative on the artwork as this can alter and flatten the colours and affect the vibrancy.
Absolutely not! The portrait has been exclusively commissioned by you for you.
You hold the copyright to the photo I work from, but I hold the copyright to the artwork created from that photo. You cannot reproduce the artwork in any format without my written permission.
This is entirely up to you. I do like to showcase the art on my website and social pages. If you would prefer not to share, please let me know.
Absolutely! Your portrait will not be shipped until I have your final approval.
With the greatest of care! The artwork is mounted onto foam board and covered with an overlay of acid free glassine paper to prevent smudging, then securely sandwiched between another sheet of thick foam board. It is then shrink wrapped to prevent movement in transit and finally it is firmly packed inside a sturdy cardboard box. Go to Shipping for more details.
Yes please! Word of mouth is often the best recommendation and definitely helps to encourage buyer confidence. I would be most grateful if you took the time to say a few words along with a photo of you with your pet and portrait.
No, I do not offer framing. Pastel art is extremely fragile and requires professional framing using museum quality glass. This can be subject to damage in transit so I suggest using a local framer where you can deliver the art and pick up your framed portrait. You will receive detailed information on how to care for your portrait and framing requirements with your purchase.
Yes! I stand behind the quality and authenticity of my artwork. With proper care I guarantee your portrait will not fade or diminish over time and will look as fresh and vibrant as the day it arrived.
You will also receive a certificate of authenticity with your painting.
If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact me any time at jmappin@petportraits.com.au
