Pet Portraits - General Information

*Personal Contact*	If you are not able to supply a selection of photographs, I amAlthough not necessary, it is a great help to meet the animal concerned and to take a selection of digital images myself. This interaction helps me to gain an extra insight into their character and personaility. You are very welcome to visit me or I may be able to visit you. I can travel anywhere within the SE of England at fairly short notice, but all parts of the UK are possible by arrangement. Cost is governed by distance.
*People Portraits*	Complete satisfaction can only be guaranteed if I am able to meet the subject and take the photographs myself. Commissioned studies of people, from your own submitted images alone, require a 50% non-returnable deposit.
*Digital Images*	Excellent portraits can also be created from digital images ..... but they must be high resolution (.tiff or.jpg format) supplied on a CD. I shall also need a printed photograph (either a pre-printed digital image or a 'normal' photograph) that you consider to be a true coat and eye colour match - as I shall set my palette to this. Again, the more I have for reference the better the portrait.
*Photographs*	I like to borrow as many as possible - all returned - to help me capture the personality of the animal. I try to create each study from several images so the more I have for reference - the better the portrait. I need one good, clear photograph showing the eyes (most important) and for you to point out the best coat-colour match - I shall set my palette to this. This may seem odd if the coat is black or white but there are colour elements within each coat that lends themselves to certain hues. It is this that I base the colour scheme upon. Also please indicate any particular aspects you would like included - or avoided - as the case may be, although I shall always correct ear positioning and lay manes and coats to the best advantage. You can of course leave everything to me. Click 'Photographs' to see examples of finished portraits with their original photographs.
*Sizes*	The size of the finished artwork is determined by several factors including subject matter and number of studies to be included within the painting, but to give you some idea: For a graphite or pastels on watercolour 'head' study of a medium-sized dog the size will be around 13"x15" and a horse 14"x18"; a full-body (non-action) study of a dog 16"x20"+ and a horse 18"x22". Oil paintings on the whole, tend to be larger with a head study around 14"x18" and a full body horse portrait 20"x28". These are just guidelines as all portraits are geared to the chosen pose and your personal requirements.
*Framing*	Framing is now available. Please ask for a quote.
*Composition*	Any combination of animals can be portrayed within the same picture and a 'Study Portrait' consists of several images of the same animal or breed, making up the finished artwork. For two or more subjects within the same portrait, the price 'per subject' may be reduced. Click 'Composition' to view a selection of study combinations.
*Additions*	An additional charge will be made for head collars, saddles and other tack. It may be possible to include a rider if the images are good enough. Click 'Additions'to see examples.
*Backgrounds*	I am a portraitist and as such, complicated or detailed backgrounds are not encouraged. The hallmark of my fine art is to create a portrait where the subject study is the focal point of the finished artwork. Graphite and charcoal studies have no backgrounds. Pastel enhanced watercolours have a passive, complimentary backdrop. Oils range from stormy skies to serene balmy sunsets for relaxed ambience. The choice is yours ........ or just leave it to me.
*Timescales*	Although completion times relate to the chosen medium and current work schedule, timescales cannot be guaranteed until a commission has been confirmed in writing. As Christmas approaches my work load becomes over-subscribed so I must encourage early ordering to avoid disappointment. Click 'Timescales' for a guide to completion times.
*Payment*	The finished artwork is added to the web site and an unprotected image is sent for your approval. Portraits are posted on receipt of full payment. Click 'Payment' for details and available methods of paying for UK and overseas clients.
	The following prices are a guide only and do not include postage, package and insurance. North American visitors please keep in mind that postal fees, currency conversion and insurance costs start at £35.

*Prices*	Graphite & Charcoal	Pastels on Watercolour	Oil Paintings
	From ... £200 GBP	From ... £280 GBP	From ... £590 GBP

All portraits are supplied unframed and come with the name of the animal and my signature discreetly included.
A deposit is required for commissions undertaken solely from scanned images.
Portraits are posted once full payment has been received.
Quotes stand for 6 weeks from the date of issue.
Only the images on the website are protected by over-writing of web address and animal name.
All photographs and digital images submitted for portraits become freely available and without obligation for use by Pam Reed.