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PET PORTRAITURE

Turn your beloved pet's photos into a pastel  portrait to be cherished forever.  I create these portraits from photos that you provide.  Having your pet's portrait created is really quite easy, even if you are out of state or in another country.  Your favorite photos of the pet can be sent by mail.   Photos will be returned with the finished portrait.

My portrait work is done using professional grade Prismacolor  pastels and pastel  paper.  Turnaround time depends on the number of commissions I am currently working on; but plan on about 4-6 weeks. However, if you have a special date in mind, please e-mail/call me and I will let you know if I can get the portrait to you by then.  If you have a personal deadline that cannot be met, or if you are unsure of which pet a friend or loved one might like in a portrait, I can create a "gift certificate" for you to present.  The recipient can then order at their convenience.  Head only portraits are $500.  Full Body paintings are $750.  More than one image in the painting will be priced during consultation.  Finished pastel portraits are 19 x 24.   Portraits are a unique way to make cherished memories you can enjoy for years to come.

Mixed media portraits  start at $150.  Pricing  depends upon background, number of pets/people to be included.  Your choice of sizes for portraits are  8 x 10  and 13 x 19.    Consider a portrait of your home, cottage, or even shop front as paintings can be done in this medium with excellent results.

A  50% deposit is required when ordering a  portrait and  the  balance is due after completion.   I will need good photographs of the pet(s) in order to capture  personalities and charisma.   A 5x7 or larger color  photo is best. 

Take the photo on your pet's level, sit or lay on the ground or put a smaller pet on a table or chair. Have someone else get the pets attention with a squeaky (or ball) toy. Get as close as possible while keeping the image sharp.  For cats -  feathers on a stick work great.  Focus on your pet's face, head and neck, unless you want a whole body portrait.   If you want a full body portrait, please also take a few close-ups of your pet's face so I can get an accurate likeness of their expression and eyes.

Take the photos outdoors in good natural light.  Please watch for shadows from trees and people.  If you must take the photos indoors, try to avoid flash so your pet does not have red-eye. If you are photographing multiple animals for a single portrait, try to get a few good individual pictures of each one - these can then be used to create a single finished portrait.

The best view of your pet is usually a three-quarter profile for full body portraits and  straight-on photos are excellent for head portraits. 

I look forward to hearing from you and creating a lasting memory of your loved ones.    References happily given.

Dyan L. Merkel

German Shepherd
V Sergio von Bad Boll SchH3
19 x 24 Pastel
on Mi Tentes paper