When commissioning a portrait, you might be asking yourself some questions:

Q. How do you draw my child’s or pet’s portrait if they can’t sit still?

A. Getting children or animals to sit still and pose for an extended period of time is difficult, so I work from photographs. The quality of the photos you send me will ultimately determine the level of detail achieved in the finished portrait. A good, clear photo with natural lighting (no flash) is preferred so that under or over-exposed areas can be avoided. Most digital cameras are a great choice in achieving a clear, detailed image of your subject. If you do not have a digital camera, I can either work from traditional photos or I can shoot photos for you. I believe a 3/4 view (in-between a front and side view) of a subject makes for a good portrait, but I can work with whatever view you choose. Furthermore, the more photos you send me, the better, as they provide me with more information about what your child or pet looks like.

Q. What kind of paper do you use?

A. The papers that I create your portraits on are of the finest quality. For graphite (black and white) or colored pencil work I can use either professional, heavy white paper or toned charcoal paper. The colored charcoal paper allows for a softer look, very similar to pastels, while the white paper offers a more traditional look. For painting work, I use heavy, finely crafted watercolor paper or stretched canvas. The quality of these surfaces will stand up against time, so you can cherish your portrait for years to come!

Q. Will you mat or frame my portrait?

A. All portraits completed on paper sized 11x14'' or smaller will be matted with a standard white mat and backing for presentation purposes. While I do not frame portraits, I can make recommendations about what kind and color frame will complement your portrait well. I suggest taking all artwork to a frame shop for professional artwork preservation.

Q. How soon can I have my portrait once I place my order?

A. The answer to this question depends on the size, medium, number of subjects and complexity of the piece. I can offer a more accurate completion estimate when I see your photos. Portraits are completed on a first come, first serve basis.

Q. What sizes do you offer and how much do they cost?

A. I typically offer portraits in six sizes, ranging from 8 x 10 inches to 24x30 inches. These sizes fit in most standard frames, or they can be custom framed. Custom sizes may be ordered as well. Please see the table below for price estimates: