Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does it cost for a custom portrait?

  XS (7x9” image on 8x10” paper) $200

  S (8x11” image on 9x12” paper) $200

  M (10x13” image on 11x14” paper) $250

  L (11x15” image on 12x16” paper) $250

  XL (17x23” image on 18x24” paper) $300

• Why does it cost that much?

  I use professional grade supplies to achieve the best color vibrancy and lasting quality.  Good paper and paints really make a difference! Not everything needs to be top-of-the-line, of course. But like a lot of things—playing an instrument, building something—better tools and materials help you struggle less with the process and produce a more satisfying result, in my experience. I use Arches 100% cotton cold-pressed watercolor paper and Holbein watercolor paints.

  My time is averaged into the overall price. It takes me anywhere from 5-10 hours to complete a painting.

  Each finished painting gets ironed inside a cotton pillowcase, to smooth out any warping. Since the paper is 100% cotton, it irons just like clothing! It will look better matted and framed if the painting lays flat underneath.
  Every painting gets scanned at The Little Pressroom in Middlebury, VT, so it can be reproduced as prints, notecards, and more. I’m happy to send you the digital file if you would like.

• Do I have to buy the original painting or can I buy a print instead?

  You don’t need to buy the original painting! I’m happy to do a custom pet portrait and provide a print. Print sizes:

  S (7x9” image in an 8.5x11” mat) $25

  M (8x10” image in an 11x14” mat) $30

  L (11x14” image in a 12x16” black mat or a 16x20” white mat) $35

• How long does it take, once I place an order?

  Your painting will typically be ready in 2-3 weeks. Sometimes I have a backlog of work or other delays which I’ll communicate if that’s the case. I work full time and paint on the side which is why the turnaround time takes a few weeks.

• How does this work, do you need to meet my pet or do you work from reference photos?

  I would love to meet your pet! But I don’t need to in order to paint their portrait. It’s helpful to hear about your pet’s personality, what you love about them, if there’s a special backstory and what you hope to see expressed through their portrait. If you have a reference photo in mind already, great! If not, feel free to send me several.

If you have other questions or special circumstances to run by me, I would love the opportunity to talk with you! Please call, text, or email me.

Thank you.

~Erin