Commission A Portrait 
A hand-drawn or painted portrait is a unique artistic expression used to celebrate or memorialize a loved one. It is my pleasure to produce a piece of fine art that will honor your loved one, and I take your trust very seriously. I strive for, and guarantee, your complete satisfaction.
PRICING
At the time of your order, I will give you an estimate of the cost (see below). The price includes matting, but not framing. A nonrefundable deposit of 50% is required to secure your place on my schedule, order supplies, and commence the work. The balance is due upon completion of the portrait (plus any applicable taxes and shipping).
Prices are estimated based on size and complexity of the portrait. The following are general guidelines:
11" x 14" Head & Neck, One Subject, No Background: $480*
16" x 20" Head & Neck, One Subject, No Background: $590*
16" x 20" Full Body, One Subject, No Background: $640*
16" x 20" Head & Neck, Two Subjects, No Background: $640*
Other sizes are available and cost will be estimated accordingly.
*Inclusion of collars & tags, bandanas, toys, background elements (such as blankets or pillows), scenery, or additional subjects can make a wonderful, very personal portrait, but will affect the pricing. I give estimates on a case-by-case basis.
Photo Artwork
TIPS FOR TAKING PET PHOTOS
A clearly focused, well-lit photograph works best. The pet should fill most of the image area, with the eyes clearly visible. I am happy to consult with you about which reference photos I think will produce the best portrait, and there is no charge for this.
*When photographing your pet, position yourself at the pet's eye-level, back up, and use the zoom feature for a close-up. If you sit too close to the subject, the image will be distorted, and your pet's nose will appear larger than normal.
*If you use a cell phone, please use the HDR setting, and save the image to the highest resolution.
*Take several photos, preferably in natural light. Indoors near a window or outdoors in shade are good choices. Do not use a flash.
*It may help to have someone assist you, standing next to you or behind you and offering treats or toys. It is not necessary to have your pet face the camera head-on. Photos taken at a slight angle but showing both eyes are ideal.
*The angle and pose of the photo will be the same in the artwork. I can eliminate background or collars, but cannot change the pose.
*Please send photos in high resolution, as a jpeg image of at least 1-3MB, and do not use a zipfile for emailing. I enlarge the photos to life size, and if that view is blurry or pixelated, I cannot use that image.
If you would like, I am available to take photos for you within a 50 mile radius of Pensacola, Florida for a nominal fee.
I cannot use photos from professional or third-party photographers without their written permission.
PROCESS
After we have selected the primary reference photo, I will send you a preliminary sketch indicating the basic layout. This is the point at which you may make any suggestions or changes. Further changes are limited beyond this point, and may be subject to additional cost. When you have approved the sketch, I will begin the detail work. I will send you periodic updates, and an image of the completed work when it is ready to ship. At that point, you complete your payment. The Artwork will be securely sealed in acid free materials, wrapped securely, and insured for the purchase value.
I use high quality, professional grade artist materials. For best results for pastel work, I recommend professional framing.
*Copyright remains the property of the artist. I may use images of the artwork for promotional purposes, but your identity, personal information and privacy remain my priority. You may not reproduce the artwork for any purpose without my written permission. I keep a digital copy of your portrait on file, so you may purchase reproductions.
TESTIMONIALS
Jean T., FL
"They’re fantastic!! Thanks so much for doing this for me – I know they’ll be treasured forever."
Jane B., GA
"You've captured his face and eyes perfectly. I was so moved by the attached sketch that I called my co-worker in to see it. I can't wait to see the final drawing!"
"Thank you (again) so much for EVERYTHING! I love the final picture and am really excited to give this to my husband. He can be a hard guy to shop for but I know this will be the perfect gift. Take care and thanks for making this gift so beautiful. You have a wonderful talent and I wish you lots of success with all your drawings."
Katie S., Washington, D.C.
"OMG! Heather you're work is even more amazing in person! I got tears in my eyes when I was looking at Sammie's portrait. You have an amazing gift, and this was an amazing gift from you just gave me."
Diane W., OR
"Oh, Heather, isn't she beautiful? You are making me cry!!! Now I am going to have a hard time keeping this a secret!!!"
"PERFECTION! Absolutely love this of Sadie. She will "bring down the house" this Christmas!!! Thanks for doing such an extraordinary job. I love it!!!"
Sarah R., WV
"Sooo beautiful, Heather!! And I adore the notecard - what a nice surprise!!!!! I will definitely recommend you to all my friends!"
Rachael T., FL
"It looks amazing. I can't believe it. We really love it. My mom is going to be soo surprised."
Summer A., FL
"Thank you so much. You are truly gifted. It means more to me than you know."
Michelle P., MA
