I work exclusively in acrylic on canvas. I prefer acrylic paints because they are non-toxic to the environment and to humans and pets. They also work with my style of painting, which is quick, loose, and multi-layered. My goal is to create not only a lasting memory for you of your pet, but also a work of art that will stand on its own. Because of this, I prefer to have a little artistic license with the composition. Although I can do head and shoulders, classical portraits, I would rather make your pet really stand out in a fun, artistic, interesting composition. See some of my previous works as examples. But this, of course, is entirely up to you.

As I paint, I like the idea of the background to be influenced by and in concert with, the subject – your pet. The background style and color I choose are purposefully in harmony with the rest of the painting. I choose colors for the background that will compliment the colors that I have used in the subject. If there is a color that you really dislike, or you know where you are going to hang the art and there is a lot of strong color already in the room, please let me know this before I start on your piece so that I can keep this in mind.

Commissioning a portrait -

Once you have decided that you like my work and would like for me to create a painting of your pet, I will provide you with an Art Commission Contract, which will state what I have agreed to paint for you, how much you have agreed to pay me, the timeline, etc.  Because the art is created for you specifically, I require 50% deposit before starting work. I will also need reference materials, preferably numerous photographs of your pet (digital preferred, but I can use snapshots). With payment and photographs, your painting will begin the process of hanging in your home. If you like, I can provide you with a sketch of my composition before I start to paint. When I am finished with your painting, I will provide you with a digital photo of it via email for your final approval. I want everyone that I paint a portrait for to be extremely pleased with the results, therefore, you are not obligated to purchase the painting when I am finished. Upon final payment, your painting will be professionally packaged, insured, and shipped via FedEx, or UPS.

 If you want more than one pet in the painting, the addition of other elements, or a more complicated background, please contact me to discuss.  (additional cost may apply to the base cost of a 1-pet painting.)

Sending Photos -

I work from photographs either provided by you, or that I take myself (if you are close to where I live in Santa Barbara, CA). See my photo tips page for creative tips on how to photo-shoot your pet. I prefer digital photos (as high resolution as possible.)  I can use printed photos and will return them to you in your painting's package.

Pricing -

Pricing depends on the size of canvas, and the number of pets or other elements.
Please see my current price list. If you desire a size that you don't see on my price list, please contact me using my Email Kellie form and let me know what you have in mind and I will quote a price for you. A portion of each portrait fee goes directly to local shelter & rescue organizations to help care for the animals waiting for homes.

Payment -

A 50% deposit is required to reserve a spot in my schedule. I can accept: PayPal, personal checks, Visa, and MasterCard for complete payment.

Shipping -

Once I receive final payment, your new portrait will be carefully packaged, insured, and shipped. Your final payment must include packing and shipping charges, which I will provide to you at that time.

Feel free to email me with your questions. I try to answer all email within 48 hours.