Commissions
Getting your pet drawn
I specialise in drawing highly detailed, realistic pet and animal portraits from a photo provided by you. All drawings are created with the highest quality archival and lightfast materials. On this page I have provided some helpful guidelines that you may find useful before ordering a portrait.
The portraits I draw are usually a mix between coloured pencil and pastels. I use this technique because it provides the most beautiful and intense colours. In some portraits I might predominantly use coloured pencil and in some pastels to get the required results.
The paper I use is Pastelmat paper, this is a nice sturdy 360gsm paper that grips pastel and pencil very well.
Some tips on how to take a suitable photograph of your pet, you can find further down the page.
In general I don't frame portraits unless they can be collected in person at my studio in the Netherlands.
I recommend having the drawing framed by a professional or framing it yourself with a mat behind real glass.
I use standard sizes to make framing the portrait yourself easier.
However if you live in a country that doesn't use the metric system your standard frame size might be a little different, please don't hesitate to let me know so I can adapt the drawings size to the closest available standard frame and mat size that is used in your country.
Photo tips
A good quality photo is very important. A high resolution image will result in a more detailed drawing.
– I require a photo in a high resolution (use 'Wetransfer' for files that are too large a file size to send by email).
– Enlarge the photo by zooming in and have a good look at the hair structure and the eyes, are the details still visible?
– A photograph taken close up and at eye level, works best.
– Daylight (but no harsh sunlight), produces the most natural colours.
When a good photo reference is not available, because a pet is no longer with you for instance, I can always take a look and see what's still possible. But keep in mind, the better quality the photo, the more detail that I will be able to achieve.
Prices
These prices are estimates for a head and shoulder portrait (unless it's a small animal like a bird or guinnea pig of course), with a simple background. Complicated extras like a basket or a blanket will come at an additional cost. Always happy to answer all questions about different portrait sizes and or poses.
| Portrait size | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 x 20 cm (7.9 x 7.9 inch) | 1 subject | €175- | Suitable for e.g. 30 x 30 frames with mat |
| (A4) 20 x 30 cm (7.9 x 11.8 inch) | 1 subject | €295,- | Suitable for e.g. 30 x 40 frames with mat |
| 30 x 30 cm | 1 subject | €350,- | Suitable for e.g. 40 x 40 frames with mat |
| (A3) 30 x 40 cm (11.8 x 15.7 inch) | 1 subject | €395,- | Suitable for e.g. 40 x 50 frames with mat |
| 40 x 40 cm | 1 subject | €450,- | Suitable for e.g. 50 x 50 frames with mat |
| Sizes A4 and up | Every additional animal | + 25 % |
I will require a 25% upfront deposit (not refundable once I started) and the balance on completion after your approval of the final drawing. Worldwide shipping from the Netherlands, but postage is not included. Customers ordering from outside the EU may be charged custom duties/taxes outside the overall shipping costs.
© Copyright remains the property of the artist. I may use images of the artwork for promotional purposes, prints, cards etc, but your identity, personal information and privacy remain my priority. You may not reproduce the artwork for any purpose without my written permission. I keep a digital copy of your portrait on file, if you wish to purchase reproductions.