FAQ's
If you have any questions or general inquiries, fill out the contact form below
Frequently Asked Questions
When will l receive my portrait?
Depending on my current line up of orders my turnaround time is always changing. You will receive an estimated date for your portrait during the booking phase!
If you need your portrait by a specific date please contact me through my contact form and I will see if I can accommodate your requested date!
Do you frame the portrait?
I do not offer framing at this time as glass can be hazardous and can risk damage to your portrait during the shipping process.
If you are local to Dutchess County, New York I may be able to offer my own framing services and hand delivery!
Does my package arrive secure and gift wrapped?
To ensure your portrait arrives securely each portrait is placed in a plastic sleeve and then into a cardboard envelope to protect your painting from being bent. It is then gift wrapped and placed in a white cardboard box.
Each pastel drawing is taped flat between 2 pieces of foam-board with acid-free glassine paper secured on top of the drawing to prevent smudging. I use bubble wrap to prevent the portrait from sliding in the box and extra protection. You will also receive special instructions on how to open your package.
Why do you need a high-quality photo to work from?
I will need a high quality photo where I can see the direction of the fur on your pets face, as well as their whiskers and prominent features. In a low resolution photo these features can look blurry or even disappear!
If you are unsure if your photo quality is best for a pet portrait, please contact me and we can discuss if I will be able to work from your photo!
What materials do you use?
Pastels:
My pastel drawings are created with high grade materials to create high quality artwork for you!
The most importrant piece of material in my opinion is the paper your portrait is created on. I use Clairefontaine Pastelmat Paper which is one of the highest quality paper in the pastel field. It has a beautiful grain that holds all of the pigment of the pastel and allows me to work in many layers. This paper does not require a fixative which can dull or alter colors of a finished piece.
My base layers include a mixture of PanPastel and Sennelier soft pastels. This provides me with a buttery smooth surface to help guide the next step, details!
To create high defining detail I use Faber-Castell Pitt Pencils. These pencils are vibrant and allow me to create true to life colors.
Watercolor:
I use high-grade paint and paper to create high quality watercolor portraits.
I use a variety of brands of paint from Windsor & Newton Cotman to Sennelier French Artist's Watercolor.
Each watercolor portrait is created on Strathmore Cold-Pressed 140lb. paper.