Pet portraits are undertaken from photographs.

CHOOSING/TAKING A REFERENCE PHOTO
You may have a mass of photos of your pet in all kinds of situations, poses and light. However, the quality of the painting will depend largely on the quality of the reference photo.  Good resolution and lighting are important. Basically, if I can’t see it, I can’t paint it.

Ideally, the photo will be in good focus, taken in natural daylight with the light source above and slightly to the side/front of your pet so that their eyes are not in shadow. If you’re taking photos outside, it’s better to avoid direct sunlight and look for a balance of light and shadow.

If you already have photos of your pet but you are not sure if they're good enough, please feel free to send them to me at lucyandrewart@gmail.com and I'll be happy to take a look. When sending, please keep the image file as large as possible as images are often reduced in size for messaging, which will impact on the quality of the image. The larger the size of the image file the better.

DISCUSSING YOUR PREFERENCES

Before accepting a commission I will discuss your preferences, timescales and any additional costs with you. Only once you are happy, will I ask for an initial deposit of 30% of the portrait cost. I will then keep you updated on progress.

TIMESCALES

Portraits in oils usually take two to three weeks (depending on weather conditions, time of the year and which varnish is applied) as they need to dry properly. Once dry and varnished. The painting will be supplied unframed, so you can choose your preferred frame with a view to the location of the painting. A timescale will be discussed and agreed at the outset.

FINAL APPROVAL AND PAYMENT

Once the painting or drawing is ready I will send you a photograph for your final approval. I will then ask you to pay the outstanding balance and any shipping costs.

GETTING YOUR FINISHED PAINTING TO YOU
You are welcome to collect the painting from the studio. If you are unable to collect the portrait, I can deliver it (subject to distance) or the portrait can be shipped, any additional shipping costs will be discussed with you at the outset.

Shipping will normally be via Royal Mail and with a tracking number. Paintings will be protected with acid free paper and bubble wrap within a cardboard box.