Determining the right size for your dog portrait depends on several factors. First, consider where in your home you will display your painting. You may have the perfect wall in mind to hang the artwork, or you may want a cradled wood panel that can stand upright on a shelf or mantle. The second factor is based on the image. A recommendation on dimension and orientation (square, portrait, or landscape) can be given based on the best image.

There isn’t a definitive ‘best’ choice between canvas and wood panels; it truly depends on your personal taste and the look you’re going for in your dog portrait. Wood panels provide a smooth surface that can enhance the vibrancy and luster of colors, making them ideal for detailed work. They also offer a more solid feel and longevity. On the other hand, canvas paintings feature the texture of woven fabric, which can add character and depth to the artwork. They’re also lightweight, making them easier to hang, regardless of size. Ultimately, it comes down to your preferences and the effect you want to achieve in your painting!

Personally, I prefer painting on wood panels. While preparing wood panels involves extra steps—like sanding and priming—I appreciate the harder surface they provide. The smooth texture allows for more precise details and a refined finish in my work. That said, both options have their merits, and I’m happy to create on whichever surface you prefer!

Yes, the wood panels I use are ready to hang! They’re cradled, meaning the flat birch wood surface is mounted on a sturdy poplar wood frame. I install two eye screws on the inner edges of the cradle and connect a picture wire, so the panel hangs securely and sits flush against the wall. It’s all set for display as soon as you receive it!

Yes.

Yes, I apply a coat of Gamvar Matte Varnish to each painting for added protection and to enhance the colors through light refraction. If you prefer a glossier finish, I can use a gloss varnish by request. Varnishing helps safeguard the paint surface from dust and fading, but if you’d like to exclude the varnish altogether, just let me know. Your preferences are important, and I want your dog portrait to look exactly how you envision it!

I don’t frame oil paintings on wood panels or canvas, but I’m happy to provide recommendations if you’re looking to frame your dog portrait! The wood panels I use are 1-5/8" deep. They look impressive without a frame. However, if you do want to add a frame, a floater frame like the one by Ampersand will work nicely.

I wouldn’t recommend placing a canvas or wood panel painting outdoors, even if it’s under cover. Moisture, heat, and UV rays can damage both the painted surface and the wood over time. While exterior-grade varnish offers some protection, it’s typically not enough to preserve the artwork in outdoor conditions. For the best longevity, it’s best to keep the portrait indoors where it’s safe from the elements!

Yes, absolutely! If you have a specific background color in mind, I’d love to incorporate it. Sometimes we may need to adjust the shade a bit to make sure your dog stands out—like going lighter or darker in certain areas. Most clients leave it up to me to choose a background color that complements their dog’s fur and personality. I also draw inspiration from special details, like in one dog portrait where I used pink as the background because it matched the dog’s favorite jacket. I’ll work closely with you to create the perfect setting for your pet’s portrait! .

Yes.

Yes, definitely! The sizes listed are just some of the most common options. There are plenty of pre-made wood panels and canvases in various sizes, so I can work with you to find the perfect dimensions for your space or vision. Just let me know what size you’re interested in, and we can explore the best options together!.

The best photos to paint from are taken in natural light, outside or near a window. Photos taken at your pet’s eye level, about 6 feet away, can create a real connection with your loved one. Sending multiple photos is recommended, providing a better understanding of your pet’s likeness and personality.

It really depends on your dog and the story you want the dog portrait to tell! If your dog was especially active or had a signature move, an action shot can bring out that lively spirit. For a more intimate feel that captures personality, a close-up works beautifully, especially since it allows me to focus on details like the eyes, which really show their character. Either way, I’m here to help choose the best shot to bring out your dog’s essence!

High-resolution photos are ideal, but I understand that sometimes the best memories are captured in older, lower-quality images. Since my style is on the looser side, I can often work well with these! If you have other photos that show more detail—like a clearer shot of your dog’s face—I can combine references to create a cohesive portrait. I can also look at photos of similar breeds to fill in any details, so we get a result that truly honors your pet’s likeness and spirit.

I’d be happy to take a look at your photo! If it’s underexposed (a bit too dark), I can often adjust the brightness and contrast on the computer to bring out details. Overexposed photos, which are overly bright, are a bit trickier but might still be workable. If there are strong shadows cast on your dog, I can sometimes minimize or remove those as well. I’ll do my best to work with what you have to create a beautiful and accurate portrait!.

Yes, I usually focus on isolating your dog from any busy backgrounds, so the portrait centers on them. Background details often take attention away from your dog, so a simpler setting usually works best. If there are objects in the way, I can often remove or adjust them, depending on the photo quality. Feel free to send over the image, and I’ll see what’s possible to create a clear and beautiful portrait of your dog!.

If your reference photo includes your dog’s favorite toy, I can often incorporate it into the dog portrait! I’ll assess whether I can capture the toy clearly enough so it’s recognizable and complements your dog, without becoming a distraction. Including personal touches like this can add extra character to the pet portrait—so feel free to share any photos, and we’ll see what works best!

If more than one pet are included in the same reference photo or scene, then it is likely they can be painted together as they appear in the photo. If the pets are from separate photos, it becomes a bit trickier. A lot depends on whether they were photographed from similar angles and similar lighting. However, if you send me several images, we'll see if it can work!

It depends.

We ship all artwork by UPS Ground. Delivery times for UPS Ground service range from 1-5 business days. UPS Next Day Air is available at an additional cost.

We accept payments from Venmo and Paypal.

Yes.

Yes.