Pet Portrait Information

"Jake" pastel portrait

"Fiona" - Ink and Watercolor Portrait

Fiona - Example of ink and watercolor wash

I have received a number of inquiries about painting pet portraits, so for any who would like to have a portrait of your pet, here are some guidelines to consider.

1.   I will be painting from photographs, naturally, so here are the photos that work best for me:

• photos taken at "eye level" looking at the subject.
• photos should be taken from a reasonable distance from the subject - not really close up - so the proportions and perspective are not distorted
• multiple photos from various angles that show the color, patterns, size, fur texture, and "liveliness" of the subject
• photos taken in the pets favorite "haunts" are also special
• photos in different, normal lighting - flash photos are not much help

2.  I paint mostly in pastels and ink-and-wash watercolors.  My prices vary based on the size of the work, the media, and  amount of time and effort involved to produce the painting.  

3.  Before I can begin, we will need to agree on the subject, the photo material needed, the painting size, the painting media, the price, and delivery schedule.

As a rough guide, my prices range from $175 for a 5x7 ink-and-wash watercolor to $750 for a 12x12 pastel.  Prices may increase because with the complexity of the subject requested.  

Of course, I can do larger paintings, and we can talk about price if you are interested.

If you have any questions, please contact me or reply in the comments.

Pet Portraits - Rick Petersen, Artist

Pet Portraits
by Rick Petersen

We all have pets that have become part of our lives, but we often fail to get pictures of them that memorialize their personality.  Have you considered having a portrait made of your special friend?  If you have, I really want to create a memorable likeness of your pet.

·        Let’s start with a conversation.  Please contact me by e-mail, Facebook, or Messenger/phone.

o   E-mail – rjpete@comcast.net

o   Facebook – Rick Petersen

o   Messenger / phone – 904 651-6939

·        I want to hear all about your pet, why he or she is special, and how you relate to each other. 

·        My work will start with photos, so I need you to send me photos of your pet that show personality, unique expressions, and special moments. 

·        If you decide you want me to do a portrait, I will do one or more pencil sketches, and I will send you copies to let you know what I plan to do.  

·        When we are ready to begin your portrait, we will complete a formal commission contract that contains the specific commitments, prices, and dates that we agree to, and I will begin work on the portrait.

Let's start the conversation....

Dawn Palms, Study

Pastel over Ink and Watercolor on Paper, 5x7

This is a commission painting.  The collector wanted a beach scene with palm trees to balance a painting she already had.  I developed this painting to match color combinations and time of day with her original painting to make a pair.