During the course of a more than forty year career making a living as a commissioned artist I have created many drawings of beloved pets from photographs. Dog portraits are the most common request although I have drawn many felines, horses, birds, lions, wolves and a number of other types of animals. Essentially if you have a picture of it I can create a drawing of it. However please note that clear quality photographs of your pet must be provided, and they will be returned at a later date. Also please note I highly recommend that you make photo-quality digital or physical backup copies of your pictures in advance before giving or mailing them to anyone. Pet portraits are realistic but with an artist's touch which gives the drawing a value that surpasses a technical or machine-produced photograph. With good clear photos every turn of the ears, even the softness of the fur is rendered faithfully so that you know immediately this is your dog or cat (or other beloved pet from any animal category).
With proper framing your custom work of art will maintain its beauty for years to come. Framing is important and is available from the artist for an extra fee. Framing is available only with local pick up at my location in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. There is no shipping available for glass and/or framing.
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There are many ways to customize your pet's portrait. The most obvious is to draw only the head and chest of the animal, which is by far the most popular request (from a full-body pose). This makes it possible to use photos that otherwise distort where the rest of the body is farther from the camera lens. It also allows for a distinct artists' touch in the vignette or fading out of the chest area. Everything that is not the animal will be eliminated, or blurred if so desired. A pet collar is usually removed, but can be drawn and included, according to your preference. Tags will not be included in a drawing unless you request otherwise.
If you would like to put all your pets in one portrait it is usually possible to do so even if they are appearing in separate photographs. Each head is counted as a portrait in this case so the overall size of the picture (drawing) will have to be larger to accommodate all of them. In some cases I may recommend that the portraits be done individually if the poses don't particularly fit together well.
A person and his pet enjoy a unique relationship. They communicate without the traditional definition of language, relying more on trust, unconditional love and respect. There is every reason a fine dog or cat should have a beautiful likeness displayed in a place of honor in his or her master's home. The need is ever greater when a beloved pet has passed away. These drawings are especially cherished and help the pet owner heal after the terrible loss. All you need are a few photographs of your pet. Even imperfect photos can be a source and visual guide to render them into beautiful artwork.
