Commission a cat portrait

Your source photo and budget together are the best guides for selecting a shape and size for your cat portrait. Some compositions lend themselves to one or the other and I’m happy to discuss this ahead of time. 

11x14" - $375

12x12" - $350

8x10" - $290

5x7" - $125

Duralar drawings and paintings - start at $25 depending on size, color, etc.

Please note, if the study drawing that led to your commissioned artwork survived the process (not all of them do), I am I happy to include that with the painting free of charge.

Shipping of artwork

Shipping (continental US) under 8x10" - $10 via USPS Priority Mail 

Shipping (continental US) 8x10-11x14" - $20 via USPS Priority Mail 

Shipping/handling (international) and larger or framed works - quote upon request

Shipping (Duralar works) - under 6" free, over 6" will depend on how I have to pack your artwork in order for it to arrive safely

I'm also happy to create a gift card should you wish to give someone a commissioned painting of their cat but want to let them make all the decisions.

First we will establish your preferences of size, subject, any important elements you want to incorporate, etc. I will need at least one main reference photo and if possible, several additional photos to help me get to know your pet. I would love to hear some of your favorite stories about the subject as well. Please let me know if the painting will be a gift so I don't spoil any surprises with my post. 

My cat portraits begin with a guide drawing done in actual size from your photo. Sometimes this becomes several studies leading up to the drawing I will use as the basis of your artwork. Once the final guide is ready, I lay it underneath the plexi for the first layer of paint. The painting then gets one quick layer of spray varnish, followed by many layers of translucent paint building to the final product. At varying points in this process, I work on the back side as well, adding a couple layers of color to give the final painting its sense of depth. 

One thing to note however is that my best work as an artist is done when I have freedom to play with the parts of your photo and elements of your cat's personality that speak to me. Hopefully you are here because you like my work and trust in the process.

This process generally takes around eight hours over a couple days, plus drying time for the varnish layers that protect the finished painting. 

Unless we've discussed discretion until delivery, I will post the painting on social media once complete, tagging you in post.

Most individual commissions are ready to ship in about four and six weeks. Groups of several portraits may take longer.

The amount of time between when you send photos to completion and shipment can vary based on factors such as my current wait list, study drawings/paintings leading up to the final product, event or gallery obligations, and real life adulting. If wait time grows too long, I will likely pause taking on new commissions until it is caught up.

If you have a date in mind, please let me know. I will do my best to accommodate or at least be up front about it if the timeline you have in mind isn't possible.

It's important to me that your artwork represents your furry roommate's personality. I earnestly hope you enjoy the final result. Experience has taught me though that setting expectations in advance is important. 

Here are my boundaries. The few times I have waivered on any of these concepts were neither enjoyable nor did they produce my best work. In short, I am simply not interested in projects that feel like work. Thank you for understanding! :)

1. No proofs for approval or anything else that feels "graphic design-y." We're not here to make a corporate logo or print flyers and there's no undo button. That means that you'll get my best effort, but  
2. I will do my best to accommodate small requests but to be completely honest, I am not a huge fan. It's very easy for "can you include his favorite toy from this other picture" to turn into "can you turn her a little to the left...no wait, I want the paw over here...please make the background redder" and then when I'm done, "oh, and one more thing, I was hoping you could..." and I am very uninterested in pursuing that lifestyle.
3. I do not ask for a deposit because I feel that doing so transfers control and restricts my freedom to make an expressive portrait in the timeframe that it naturally takes. 
4. If any of these things are objectionable, there is a wonderful network of pet portrait artists who might be a better fit. While I cannot speak to their policies and pricing, I'm happy to point you in the direction of someone whose skills I respect and demeanor I enjoy.

I would be happy to order prints of your painting for you. Sizes and pricing will vary.

By default, I ship paintings unframed. Plexiglass is sturdy yet relatively lightweight, which opens the door to numerous display possibilities. While much is up to your preference, I always do recommend leaving some way for a small bit of light to travel through the painting, as this will bring out a glow.

Please inquire if you are interested in having your painting arrive framed. This is sometimes possible at an additional charge. Some offerings in my Available Works section are already framed.