FAQ’s About Getting a Pet Portrait

Are we there yet? Are we there yet? 
Here's some useful answers to the most commonly asked questions I get asked.

Can I choose what size of portrait?
Yes, of course! Sometimes this choice is down to budget as all my pet portraits are priced by the size of the finished artwork.  I have a range of basic sizes which I use but you can also specify dimensions if you have a particular place you wish to display your portrait. You can find my Price List for the standard sizes I offer here - https://eclectickelpie.com/prices.html 

Can you remove a background from the photograph?
YES! That’s the beauty of getting a pet portrait done. As we all know, it’s so hard to get animals to pose on the spot, in a specific way!  Some of the best photos we take of our dogs or cats unfortunately have annoying backgrounds.  Like your cats photographed in front of the kitchen bin… or your dog at the park with people in the background… sound familiar? Well, getting a pet portrait can mean you capture that perfect animal pose, but without the distracting background, making it a worthy piece of artwork rather than a photo you store in your phone and never print out! 

Can you draw a background into the portrait?
My art style is generally quite minimalistic where I present the subject on a neutral coloured background. This allows the detail in the portrait to really pop and make your pet the focus. However, I can do a background if one is requested.

Can you draw the whole animal?
Yes, you can get the whole body of your pet in the portrait if you like, just remember that you may not see as much detail. 

Can you draw my cat and dog in the same portrait?
Of course, if you have good photographs to work from I can make up any composition of pets you have… (if they’re safe to be in the same photo together...gerbils and snakes together? I’m not so sure!)

Can you make additional prints of the pet portrait for my family?
Yes, on request I can produce high quality prints of your pet portrait so that you can share with family. There is an additional fee for each one as I work with a local print company who specialise in fine-art printing.

How long does it take to get a pet portrait completed?
Because I work part-time as a Lighting Technician in the theatre & TV industry, my work schedule can be very irregular. Long anti-social hours means I don’t get to draw as often as I’d like so my completion times on portraits can vary.
I aim to complete medium sized portraits within 2 weeks but sometimes this just isn’t possible due to work. If you need a portrait completed for a specific date, please let me know at the time of booking and I will juggle things around to get it to you for your deadline.
I tend to book in 2 portraits each month depending on the size and complexity of each one and I will give you an estimated starting month when you book. It’s always advisable to book in advance of popular dates like Christmas. Don’t worry if you are late in booking though as I do offer gift vouchers to the full value and valid for 24 months, so you can still gift a portrait if you’re a last minute minnie like me :)


Do you always use pencils or can I get a painted portrait?
Most of my recent pet portrait artwork has been created with artist pencils as it is my preferred medium. They lend themselves so well to getting that fine detail I aim for, however I do work in watercolour from time to time so I’m open to discussion on a looser style using watercolour.


How long will the colour last on the artwork?
I use artist grade pencils that have been tested and rated using either the Blue Wool or ASTM D-6901 Scale. This gives each pencil (or pigment) a rating based on its ability to withstand fading under light. Under gallery conditions they will last well over your lifetime but what about in home conditions? So long as you don’t hang your portrait in direct sunlight or in a very brightly lit area your portrait will be absolutely fine. If you are at all worried you can speak to your framer about using UV protective glass.

Do you offer framing?
I do not currently offer a framing service as choosing a frame is a very personal thing, it needs to fit with the decor of your home. They are also incredibly costly (and risky) to post. Instead I supply all my pieces with a neutral coloured mount (or mat) cut to a standard frame size which enables you to pop it straight into a shop bought frame. I can also supply your portrait as “art only” without the mount if you plan to go to a local framer. That way you have complete control of what your finished piece looks like.

Can you post internationally?
Yes, I take commissions from all over the world. All my finished pet portraits are packaged securely to ensure they are not damaged in transit.  International shipping costs will be applied accordingly, and agreed in advance. 

What will it cost me to get a pet portrait?
I have a price list online - check it out here - https://eclectickelpie.com/prices.html

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch
​Thanks Arla x