Pets and Animals
Commissioning an artwork
Animals are a source of joy and wonder for many of us, be they fuzzy-bottomed bees tending the flowers in our gardens, birds that serenade us in the morning and eat the fruit off our trees, the beloved pets who keep us company in our homes, or the wildlife we see in our native habitats and at the zoo. They serve as reminders of our responsibility to care for our environment and a powerful source of connection to nature in a world that is increasingly anthropocentric. Whatever the subject or purpose, I would love to create an artwork of your special animal for you.
I am available for personal commissions, for oneself or to give as a gift, as well as for commercial projects. I can produce works in a variety of media including graphite, coloured pencil, charcoal, watercolour and oils, and subjects can include pets, native wildlife, insects, fish, birds and exotic animals. To learn more, scroll down to my FAQs, or click the button to see my gallery of animal art.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I receive about pet and animal art. If your question isn’t answered here please feel free to email me.
How can I commission an illustration or painting from you?
Every commission starts with a conversation, initially by email and then if possible in person. Consultations are free so you can ask any questions you have and ensure your idea will be feasible before deciding to go ahead with your artwork. I will ask you for the details of what you have in mind, establish what your budget is and suggest the various options that fit within these preferences. I will generally ask you for reference pictures if you have any, but I can often source these as well. Once we are both happy with the price and plan for your artwork I will ask for a deposit of at least $100 before commencing, with the rest payable upon completion. A larger deposit will be required for large or expensive pieces.
What do you charge for a bespoke animal illustration or painting?
My current rate for illustration work is around $100 an hour. This fee is only charged for actual “pencil-to-paper” time; research, reference acquisition, consultations and other preparatory work are included in this price.
I can be somewhat flexible with this pricing and am always happy to talk about your options if you’re unsure of the affordability of the project you’d like to commission. Most pieces can be quoted for upfront so you know exactly what you’ll be paying, and on average a simple pet portrait can be done for between $450 and $750.
The cost of a piece will be determined mainly by the size, medium used and complexity of the image; coloured pencil and oils are time-consuming and present a greater cost in materials, whereas charcoal or graphite on paper is more time-efficient and less costly. Smaller pieces take less time than larger ones, and a single animal takes less time than multiples. The addition of a detailed background or other decorative elements also add to the cost. The amount of detail can increase with a larger budget also; I will discuss all your options with you before embarking on a project, and make suggestions for the best medium to use on the basis of your desired size, imagery and budget.
Commissions for commercial projects will be subject to a negotiable licensing agreement.
Can I pay for my artwork in installments?
Yes you can. I can create a payment plan for you payable by direct desposit, with the first payment being a deposit upfront and the final payment due upon completion of the project. In the future I am also looking into offering Afterpay.
What sort of reference images can you work from?
For pet portraits I can usually work from whatever images you have of your pet; most people have a variety of photos taken on their phone or possibly even professionally taken photos, and all of these are of use as long as they capture enough detail. Clear images of the pet’s face are preferable, with light-catches in the eyes and decent resolution, but I am able to compose an image using multiple references if there isn’t a single image you’d like your portrait to be based on. Backgrounds in photos for portraits are unimportant as the animal can be isolated from it easily, and colours can be modified to suit a limited palette. A different background can be added if desired, or other embellishments such as flowers, a decorative frame or the pet’s collar, tag or toy. These will add to the cost depending on the time required to add them.
Native wildlife or other animals that you have photographed yourself from life can be tuned into art in a similar manner. Other creatures like crabs or fish can sometimes be purchased from markets for reference, and various insects can be purchased from entomology suppliers. Deceased insects in your possession like butterflies can be brought to me for reference if you live locally, or you can photograph them yourself. Larger or exotic wildlife that will be realistic and detailed will generally need to be drawn from professionally taken reference photos. These can be purchased through stock photography services if necessary. Smaller illustrations that don’t require as much precision can be made from reference images sourced from books or google.
Can you frame the art you’ve made for me too?
Yes! As my husband Shaun is a conservation picture framer he can create a bespoke frame to go with your artwork. Shaun puts as much love into his frames as I put into my art, so he can create something truly unique that will complement and preserve your artwork. You can see Shaun’s frames and read more about his process on his website, here.
How soon can my commissioned art be completed?
How long the art will take depends on several factors, including how large and complex it is, how urgent the deadline is, how many other artworks I am currently working on and when their deadlines are, whether the piece will require the purchase of art supplies or reference material and whether it is to be framed before delivery. Most artworks take several weeks to complete in between other projects and homeschooling my three kids – large or complex pieces can take more. Framing can add several weeks also, depending on the type of frame and how busy Shaun is with other jobs. If you require your art by a specific time it’s best to start a conversation as early as possible to ensure completion in time.