Watercolor Pet Portraits
Watercolor Pet Portraits are some of my favorite projects, and painting the animals you love most is a total joy. My mom is severely allergic to cats & dogs, so I never had pets growing up beyond fish and Chewy the guinea pig. So while I’ve never had a dog or cat of my own, I still very much am the person who shouts “Look! A Dog!” to my husband every time we see a cute little pupperino out & about. Painting pet portraits is my outlet to love on the cutest floofers you ever did see. I’d love to share with you a bit more details about my pet portrait painting process, and how to order a commission of your very own!
STEP 1: PLACING AN ORDER + REFERENCE PHOTOS
I offer quite a few options for pet portraits in my online shop. First, for these commission projects, I offer 3 sizes (5x7, 8x10, and 11x14 inches). You can also choose if you want a “HEAD ONLY” portrait, or a “FULLY BODY” pet portrait. The golden retriever, Indy, seen above is a great example of a 5x7 HEAD ONLY portrait. The Double pet portrait as well as the Brittany Spaniel paintings also seen on this page are 11x14 inch FULL BODY paintings.
Finally, you can choose if you want your painting professionally framed through my partners at Framebridge. If you’re interested in framing your painting - check out our 5 frame options!
When an order is placed through my online shop, you will receive an email requesting reference photos. Up to five high quality photographs required to complete the commission. Note which one is your preferred view & angle! Additional photos can then be used to ensure the right color, lighting, and fur texture of your pet.
STEP 2: THE STETCH
This stage of the process may be the most important. My goal is to have the final piece match the reference photo as much as possible, but just in my personal watercolor painting style. I actually sketch everything out with pencil and then erase all of the pencil lines before painting. Yes, that may sound bizarre, but I don’t want the lines to detract from the final piece. Only the faintest indentations remain on the paper for me to use as guide.
STEP 4: PAINTING TIME!
A finished painting takes layers and layers of watercolor paint! Each of my pieces begin with a base coat to block out the different main colors of fur. Then, I use the tiniest of brushes to add fluff to your furry friend. My favorite part is adding final touches of pure white gouache to the fur, eyes, nose right at the end of the project. I find that those highlights and whiskers help the painting really come alive.
I additionally offer multiple options for the background of a fully body pet portrait. A classic, simple white background really lets the focus stay on the pet, but we can do anything your heart desires - ranging from the visible background of the reference photo to a single color, daffodils, or ice cream cones. I discuss backgrounds with each client when reviewing reference photos via email.
Please remember that each piece is hand done. Painting time in my studio can range from 6 hours to 20 hours. Depending on my current work queue, turnaround time can be up to 3 weeks before shipping.
STEP 5: SHIPPING
I offer 2 options for shipping dependent on if you are framing your piece. Shipping is free for both options. That said, if you require a fast turn around (two weeks or less), please reach out to me directly via email about rush fees.
Without frame: Your painting will be shipped directly from the Sofia Lenore Watercolors office in a clear archival bag with a backing board. This option gives you the chance to custom frame yourself, or use an existing frame.
I use priority USPS shipping which usually takes 3-5 days before arrival.
With frame: Your finished painting will be shipped first to our partners at Framebridge for framing, and their process takes up to 10 days (especially around major gift giving holidays). Framebridge will then ship the finished product directly to you. Framebridge uses UPS for shipping, and I will email you a tracking # when the final, framed piece ships. Anticipate 3-5 days before arrival.
