The Process

I strive to capture the spirit of your pet in a realistic hand drawn portrait that will become a timeless keepsake.

  1. CONTACT ME.   Let me know what you are looking for and your timeline.
  2. SEND ME YOUR PICTURES.  Include original, large sized files by attaching them to the contact form. Images shared via text or social media will not be of a high enough quality. Attach the original photo file to the contact form or an email.
  3. AND YOUR DEPOSIT.  50% will hold your spot. Payment accepted through the website.
  4. TIMEFRAME.  My portraits are not digital. They are one-of-a-kind hand drawn art. Each custom art piece can take several weeks to complete. At times there may be several projects in line in front of you. Think ahead for special occasions!
  5. DELIVERY AND FINAL PAYMENT.  After acceptance of a watermarked digital version of the portrait, send the final 50% payment and your finished artwork will be shipped to you.

Original photo and finished art


Pet portraits are usually drawn from photos. Although it is always helpful to meet a subject in person to gain knowledge about their personality and nature of the fur, photos are a natural fit for animals. If possible, I try to take my own photos and select the pose with the client. Otherwise, I will review your submitted photos, select a composition, work out a ‘mock-up’ or sketch of the planned portrait, then schedule a timeframe for completion. Please read through my tips for quality photographs.

Portraits and botanicals are created with top-quality artists pencils on acid-free, museum quality paper. Combined with an acid free mount, frame and a low-light placement or UV blocking glass, the artwork will remain vivid for a lifetime.

I ship pieces in an acid-free mat suitable for framing. *Not all portraits will fit perfectly into a pre-cut standard size mat or frame. Sometimes the portrait my better fit a custom cut mat and frame from a custom framer.  Quality framing and placement away from direct sunlight can extend the lifespan of your artwork. Using framing materials with glues and paints that leach acids into the paper of the artwork can leave permanent discoloration. These include cardboard and chipboard backers found in retail frames.

Ready to get started?

Contact me about your project today!