For so many of us there is that one pet with whom you forge a deep and special connection. It doesn't diminish your love for your other animals but it is different. I meet lots of animal lovers & though you may have enjoyed the company of many animals in your life, you have that one special pet. You know who it is. You even know how you best remember them. You scroll through the pictures on your phone to find that one picture that, for you, says it all. Shows everything you love about your special animal companion. That is the portrait I want to draw for you.
When I started to draw daily, I turned to the animals in my life for inspiration. Those initial drawings fueled me to continue to practice and I reached out to friends & family to send me pictures of their favorite pets so I could draw them too. Every single portrait presents its own set of challenges and opportunities to learn something new. I love animals too & appreciate all these special connections.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
At first I posted my early portraits to social media as a way to document my journey & honestly my drawing progress. Friends & family requested portraits of their animals & I was more than happy to draw them. Eventually, a kind lady insisted that I accept payment for a portrait of her daughter's dog. I had simply viewed my portraits as drawing practice and had given them all away but demand was growing along with my confidence in my drawing skills so the time was right to launch my own art business.
Early day examples of my earliest portraits right at my kitchen table before I created an awesome studio.
WHAT SIZE PORTRAIT CAN I GET?
I am happy to draw your portrait in any size but over time have refined my online offerings to two standard sizes - the two most popular sizes. Generally I draw on Canson archival white paper - the white paper is simply my personal choice - if you like a toned paper it can be very effective in a portrait so please let me know that too.
These are standard sizes - you can purchase a pre-made frame in any style you like and at any price point for these two sizes:
11" x 14" for individual portraits
16" x 20" for double or larger scale portraits
Your drawing will be drawn, backed & matted on acid-free, archival paper so all you need to do is pop it into your frame of choice.
I WANT A LARGER PORTRAIT - CAN I GET THAT?
Of course!
I am happy to draw a portrait to your specific size requirements - if the dimensions you like are close to a standard size I recommend drawing to that size simply to make the backing, framing & matting more affordable for you . I love drawing large & have measured clients walls to figure out the optimal size so reach out to me - I love a challenge;-)
I WANT A SMALLER PORTRAIT - CAN I GET THAT?
Probably!
Usually I can draw your animal to a slightly smaller scale (outer framed dimensions 9" x 12" or the very smallest 8" x 8")
It requires the same amount of time & focus by me so I charge the same as for an 11" x 14."
This can be a lovely option for someone looking for multiple portraits without taking up too much wall space - reach out & we can figure out the best option.
WILL YOU DRAW MY PORTRAIT ON CANVAS?
Yes!
A lot of people like my drawings on both panel & on canvas. It's a more contemporary look. They require a little more time because I apply several layers of varnish like an oil painting so they cost a little more but do not require a frame. The cat in the middle (above) is drawn directly onto canvas & the other two examples are drawn directly onto birch panels.
Reach out with inquiries.
DO YOU ONLY DRAW CATS & DOGS? 🐾
No!
Over time I have been commissioned to draw ducks, donkeys, bunnies & ponies & more.
WHAT FRAME WORKS BEST?
Frame selection is entirely up to you & your taste & decor. I draw on high quality acid-free, archival paper & I back & matte your drawing with high quality acid-free, archival materials. I fix your drawing several times before sending it off with professional grade fixative. Your drawing is well-prepared and your frame is just the frosting on the cake - it will provide a layer of either glass or acrylic to ensure your drawing will have a long life.
Order any 11" x 14" or 16" x 20" frame that you like - use the back & mat I send you & simply pop it in the frame & hang & enjoy!
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Typically your portrait will be shipped out to you within about two weeks of getting your reference pictures. September through December tend to be my busiest months & so it may take longer then but I will give you an approximate timeline.
IT'S A GIFT! CAN YOU GET IT TO ME IN TIME?
Reach out to me & I will do my best to get your drawing to you in time. I have gift-wrapped portraits & had them ready for pick-up en route to the birthday party so yes I will definitely try to make it happen;-)
DO YOU HAVE A WAITLIST?
Yes.
Generally from September through December I book out all my portrait spots. I recommend contacting me in the first half of the year to have your portrait drawn as I tend to have much better availability.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Email me directly at emer@lovedrawinganimals.com