How To Commission A Pet Portrait

I have tried to keep the ordering process as straightforward as possible - all I need from you are one or more clear photos of your pet or pets and a little information. You may have some questions too, and if you cannot find the answer here please get in touch for a chat and I will do my best to help. If you have a look through the examples shown on this website you will have a good idea of the kind of paintings I do and if this is what you are looking for in your pet portrait. Simply contact me via email or phone (01856 731216) to start the process. If you unsure of any aspect I provide a friendly personal service and will be happy to offer advice without obligation.

I specialise in watercolour paintings. Watercolour is the most wonderful medium and I use both transparent and opaque techniques. It is incredibly flexible and equally suited to sweeping washes, detailed backgrounds or carefully blended layers of fine fur and feathers! All of my paintings are drawn and painted by hand and each one is completely unique. You can have any number of animals in the painting, either head studies or full body portraits and you can have any background or setting you would like. If you would like your pets depicted in a particular place, such as a favourite interior or landscape, you will also need to supply appropriate photographs for me to work from, or alternatively I can create an imaginary setting based on your ideas.

Once you have chosen your photos, please get in touch and give as much information as you can about the portrait. This is an initial enquiry with no obligation, so don't be afraid to ask. Anything you are unsure of I will be happy to help and advise. Please send at least one sample photo of your pet. I will then be able to give you a quote, including the shipping cost, based on your requirements.

If you would like to go ahead, you do not have to pay in full when you place your order as I only require a 50% non-returnable deposit to secure you place in my work list and allow me to spend time on the preparation.

When I am ready to begin your portrait I will let you know and I make every effort to keep you updated while the portrait is being painted;  I am happy to let you see the work in progress at various stages if you would like this. When the painting is finished, I will send you a picture of the completed portrait for your approval by email or post. While I stand by the quality of my work, you are under no obligation to accept the finished painting.

If you would like to order fine art prints, greeting cards or other gifts, please let me know before sending your final payment as these will be shipped along with your painting. You can of course order them at a later date, but postage will be charged.

All being well, you then send the balance of the payment and receive your finished painting. You will already have been advised of the postage and insurance at the time of order, which is by Special Delivery within the UK (guaranteed to arrive the following day by 1pm) and Airsure or International Signed For to all other destinations (usually arriving within a week). I have always found both services to be a most reliable and safe way to send my paintings.

Your Pet Photographs - I need one or more clear photos to work from. A good close up in natural light is ideal, with another taken from further back if it is a full body portrait. The more detail I can see the more I can include in the portrait - and as my paintings are very life like, I include a lot of detail!  The 'Photo Tips' page offers some helpful advice on taking or selecting your pet photos for the portrait. Prices for Pet Portraits  - I will be able to give you an exact quote when I have all the details, but currently my prices start at £250. When working out the cost for you, I need to take into account subject(s), background and size, together with the photos I have to work from. Unfortunately poor photos can influence the cost. If you have a specific budget to work to please let me know and I can offer advice.

Payment - A 50% non-returnable deposit is required when you place your order with the final balance due on completion. I accept payment by pre-arranged instalments if you prefer and the portrait will be despatched when the final payment is made and cleared (please ask for details if you would like to pay this way). Payment can be made by Paypal (worldwide) or UK customers can pay by cheque, postal order or bank transfer in GB pounds. Original Artwork remains the property of Tracy Hall until payment is received in full.

Aftercare - Your pet portrait will be supplied unframed and ready to take along to your local picture framer who will be able to help with your choice of mount and frame. Watercolour paintings must be framed under glass and mounted ( so that the surface of the painting is not in direct contact with the glass) and the back carefully sealed. Your framer will have lots of mouldings for you to choose from, and they will be able to offer advice on things like 'museum grade' mount board, double mounts and other ideas to enhance and preserve your painting. When you get your portrait home, it is best to hang it out of direct sunlight. I always enjoy seeing a photo of your portrait 'in situ'!

Copyright - Please note that I retain full rights, including copyright and reproduction rights, in all my artwork, commissioned or otherwise. This includes paintings completed from photos you have supplied for that purpose. Artwork is commissioned for personal use only and may not be reproduced or used for financial gain without my written permission (full terms and conditions are supplied with your quote). Out of courtesy, I choose not make prints of or license privately commissioned pet portraits without asking my customer first.