The process of painting a custom portrait of your pet starts with the photo image you choose. 

The best images are those that are clear rather than blurry; and that either feature a close-up photo of your pet (especially where the eyes are clearly visible), or else a medium-range photo of your pet doing something characteristic or in a location that you want to capture.

Once I receive your photo image (electronically or in hard copy) I work with it to create a strong composition for the portrait. Composing the portrait usually includes cropping the original photo image and often eliminating distracting elements from the background so that your pet will shine as the portrait's focus (as you can see in the pictures on this page, which show a painting-in-progress based on a cluttered photo).  I then render the composition in Photoshop so it roughly resembles the final portrait.  I send you this rendering electronically for your input and approval.

Once we have decided on a composition, the next step is to sketch the image onto the prepared canvas.  Employing a technique developed by artists in Renaissance Italy, I use a grid as a visual guide to transfer the image in correct proportion. 

Then I begin to paint.  I mix colors and lay them on the canvas in layers, usually filling in image and background at the same time so that the portrait will have a unified color scheme.  I offer you a choice of a more muted palette for your painting or a brighter color-story.

As the portrait takes shape, I build shadows and highlights. I concentrate on capturing your pet's expression, especially the look in her eyes. I strive to put on canvas the unique spark of your pet.

I take a digital photo of the finished painting and email it to you for your approval.  When you give the thumbs-up, I finish the painting with a coat of varnish to protect it from dust.

Your satisfaction is guaranteed. I work with your feedback until you feel that the portrait truly captures your pet's personality and spirit.