I use acrylic paint and my favorite brand to use is Liquitex Basic & Heavy Body Acrylics 👌
What are your prices and sizes?
As of May 2024, prices start at $500 USD for a {6 in x 6 in} custom acrylic portrait, which is my smallest canvas size. Full price list is on the Mailing List Sign-Up page.
I won't paint on anything smaller than that size--If you'd like another canvas size priced though, let me know through the Contact page.
Where do you ship?
I can ship anywhere in the U.S. and internationally-- shipping is included in the cost of the portrait.
How do I place an order for a custom commission with you?
Thank-you for considering me as your pet portrait artist! 😊 I have openings for the start of 2025 and you can go to the "Book a Portrait" page here to place an order now.
If you'd like to stay in the loop when it comes to future commissions, you can join my mailing list here. That's how I'll be contacting everyone going forward 💖
What is the commission process after booking?
After you book, email me ([email protected] ) your pet's photos-- the more the better! You can go over special requests with me then and I can make sure all of the photos look ideal for the portrait.
The clearer the photo, the more detail I can put into the piece and the easier it is on me to paint.
I'll let you know the exact day your painting will be finished on and you should expect a photo of the finished piece to approve on that day. If everything looks good to go, I can ship it out asap. If it doesn't, I'm always down to do edits until it's perfect in your eyes.
I ship through USPS Priority Mail and it should reach you in about 3 business days if you're in the United States or up to 14 business days for international shipping.
Can you paint any kind of animal?
Yes! I'm down to paint any kind of animal from a cat or a dog to a bearded dragon to a tortoise to a bird to a horse! Love cats and dogs, but a variety of animals to paint is appreciated 😁
How long does it take to complete a portrait?
It takes me about 2-4 work days depending on the size of the canvas. 🙌
What kind of photo is best for the portrait?
The best kind of photos for me to work off of show the pet looking straight ahead, taken at the animal's eye level with high photo quality and natural lighting to achieve maximum detail in the painting. Photos showing the animal smiling or their general personality is awesome too! Below are some ideal photo references featuring my pets!
I know sometimes only older photos or lower resolutions photos are the best options and I can work with them. Feel free to check with me before booking as well! I've always been able to make it work though 😊
Can you paint two animals together from separate photos?
Of course! I do think that the most natural portraits are based off of photos where they are already together-- but I understand that can be a tricky task. :)
How did you get into making pet portraits?
I've always had a passion for creating art inspired by animals (no seriously, I've been drawing animals since I could hold a crayon!) and that morphed into a job when my high school chemistry teacher gave me my first custom pet portrait commission! From that small beginning in 2014, it became my part time job through the rest of high school and throughout college.
After I graduated from ASU in 2019 with a BFA degree in Painting, I made pet portraits my full time job and I've continued to enjoy every second of it! Everyday I get to capture the personality of a goofy dog or the quizzical expression of a cat knowing that this painting will be loved, almost as much as the real animal. :) It's one of the most rewarding experiences getting to do what I truly love doing and I'm so grateful for the opportunity.
I've been able to complete over 1,000 pet portraits since 2014 and I can't wait to keep making more! 😊
Follow my art journey on Instagram & TikTok @kcristalpaintings