Frequently asked questions
What are the payment options?
I currently accept payment by bank transfer for both the booking fee and the final balance. An invoice will be provided for all commissions, and payment receipts will be issued for your records once payment has been received.
Do I have to pay any money upfront?
Yes, there is a 25% booking fee (which is non-refundable) which needs to be paid before I can start working on your portrait.
Do I have to have my finished artwork mounted?
Before posting, I can mount your artwork using a quality white mount that complements the Fabriano Artistico paper I use, and seal it with a backing board and a cellophane bag for protection.
Your artwork will then be ready for you to frame yourself. If you do not want me to mount your artwork please let me know.
How long does a pet portrait take once you start drawing?
My artistic style is highly realistic, with a strong focus on capturing the fine details that bring each subject to life. From individual strands of fur to the subtle expressions in an animal's eyes.
The time required to complete a portrait varies depending on its size and complexity. A small 6x6 inches mini portrait may take around a few days to complete, while a larger artwork such as 10x8 inches can take a few weeks or more, with each layer carefully built up to achieve depth, texture, and realism. I will keep you updated with the expected timeframes throughtout the process.
What materials do you use for my artwork?
Every portrait is created using professional-quality coloured pencils and pan pastels, chosen for their rich colour and durability, so your artwork can be enjoyed and treasured for many years.
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Faber Castell Polychromos
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Caran D’ache Luminance
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Caran D’ache Pablos
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Derwent Drawing Pencils
- Pan Pastel
I use Fabriano Artistico Hot Pressed 300gsm paper for my portraits. Made from 100% cotton, this premium-quality paper is both durable and long-lasting, providing an excellent surface for creating detailed, realistic artwork.
How do you package your pet portraits?
Ensuring your pet portrait arrives safely is just as important to me as creating the artwork itself. I package each piece with the utmost care, using beautiful, high-quality packaging. While exact packaging varies slightly by size, your portrait will typically arrive in a lovely presentation box, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, After care information and a thank you note from me!
How quickly can you start my portrait?
This will depend on how busy my waitlist is, however I will be able to give you a rough estimate of when I might start when you contact me. Basically, the sooner you contact me the better!
What type of photos do you need for a pet portrait?
High-quality, clear photographs are fantastic for a detailed portrait. I'll need several good reference photos, ideally taken in natural light, showing your pet's true colours and personality. Front-facing shots and close-ups are particularly helpful.
What if my pet is sadly no longer with us and I only have old, poor quality photos?
One of my favourite parts of being a pet portrait artist is creating artwork from old photographs of beloved pets who are no longer with us. Although older photos can sometimes present a challenge, it is incredibly rewarding to help bring those treasured memories back to life through art.
If you scan in an old photo or take a photograph of the old photo in good lighting, I would be happy to take a look and see if I can turn it into a pet portrait for you. I will always try my best!
Where can I buy your greeting cards?
Greeting cards featuring my artwork will soon be available in my Etsy shop, and I'll be happy to point you in the right direction once it's up and running. However in the meantime if you see a piece of artwork in my gallery that you'd love to have as a greeting card, please feel free to get in touch. In many cases, I can create a card from my existing artwork, so don't hesitate to ask!
How can I stay updated with your latest artwork and news?
Do you ship internationally?
I can offer shipping outside of the UK to selected countries. Please e-mail me to see if it would be possible for me to deliver to your destination and the postage costs - I will try my best to make it happen!
What is your cheapest pet portrait?
The cheapest option is currently my Mini Portraits which are 6x6 inches (mounted to 8x8inches). It’s big enough for a small head and neck portrait and makes a great gift.
What is your most popular size pet portrait?
My most popular size is the 8x10 inch portrait (which comes beautifully mounted to 10x12 inches). Perfect for a single pet, this size allows me to capture an incredible amount of fine detail while remaining a standard size that is incredibly easy to frame yourself.
What is the shipping cost for a pet portrait?
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UK Orders: I am pleased to offer free, tracked shipping on all orders within the UK. Once your portrait ships, you will receive a tracking number so you can follow its journey right to your door.
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International Orders: Shipping outside the UK is available to selected countries for an additional fee. If you are ordering from abroad, please email me to check availability and receive a custom shipping quote. I will always do my absolute best to accommodate you!
Have more questions?
If you couldn't find the answer you were looking for, please reach out to Amanda Elizabeth Art. I am always happy to help and discuss your unique artistic needs. Let's create something meaningful together!