2023 September

Show me your pictures!

“Bella” Portrait

Bella’s ” The One”, reference photo

Most pet portrait artists work primarily from photographs; this is our main source of reference for insuring an accurate portrayal of your animal. So having the best possible photos is extremely important. The following information will help you take, or choose from an existing album, the best reference material for me to use in a painting or drawing of your pet.

The most important goal in photographing your animal is to get a picture, for me to use to paint or draw from, that accurately shows the true characteristics of his or her personality.

THE “ONE”

I like to have at least 2 or 3 different pictures to work with. One of these has to be the EXACT pose or likeness that you want me to portray as your pet portrait, (“The One”). The other photos are useful to show further eye, snout and coat detail. Clarity of detail, true eye and coat color are of the utmost importance.

LIGHTING

It would be best to photograph your animal outside in morning light with a bit of overcast or cloud cover. If it is a sunny day, photograph with the sun behind you and shining onto your animals face and coat. Natural lighting is best; mainly try not to use a flash as this can change the color of things on the animal. These are optimum conditions that of course can’t always be met, so that is why we need a few different shots to work from. A flash going off in the face of an unsuspecting animal is not good either so if you have to use a flash, be cognizant of this and don’t take too many shots of them looking directly at the camera.

CLARITY and COMPLETENESS

It is very important that the photos are clear, especially the eyes, snout and coat texture. Always check your shots for clarity. Make sure as well that you get the entire animal in the photo, at least everything that you want painted or drawn! If nothing else take some extra shots of body parts which may have been left out of the “One” photo. Also along those lines, make sure any characteristic marks that are unique to your animal can be clearly seen in the pictures.

Please go to my pricing and ordering page and order your pet portrait. I will be happy to discuss with you any of the above information at length, so that we get the proper reference material for a portrait you will love!!

Have Fun with your animals!!

Pet Portraits By Cy: Acrylic Paintings & Charcoal Drawings: The Process

“Zoe” Acrylic on Canvas 18 x 24 in.

Click pictures to enlarge

The Inquiry

You have decided to look into a fine art Painting or Drawing to honor and immortalize your special animal. You have heard about my work, seen me on Facebook , Twitter, Pinterest or Linkedin, or through other means have ended up on one of my websites. You also went straight to my Testimonials to find out what all the excitement was about. Now you have questions and it is time for you to contact me with an inquiry. This initial meeting is an important information gathering opportunity for both of us; You need to know what I am all about, and what I can do for you, and I need to know exactly what you want, and expect, so as to provide the best possible solution for your need.

The Deposit

Once we have decided to proceed together with a Pet Portrait project, I will Email you an invoice for the first half of the commission cost, which once paid, will reserve you a spot on my schedule. I take payments securely through Paypal. You may either use your Paypal account or a credit card.

After your deposit has been made, you will be added to my schedule, and I can then let you know the approximate times of both the starting, and finishing of your portrait.

I will also, at this time, need 2 or 3 photos of our subject with one photo being earmarked as “The One” I will portray. The photos below were used for the “Zoe” Portrait above. (You can probably tell…)

Zoe “The One” Reference Photo

: Zoe 2nd reference photo

: Zoe 3rd reference photo

The Progress Report

I will be in contact with you via Email from the very beginning of work until the completion of your piece. You will know what stage we are on, and what is happening throughout the whole process. I do not provide pictures of my work until the Portrait is finished, but you will get to see Jpeg files of the finished piece for approval.

The Viewing and Approval

When I have finished work on your portrait, and I am happy with every detail, I will photograph the Painting, or will Scan the Charcoal, and will let you know that an Email containing Jpeg images of the Portrait is being sent to you. Below are Zoe’s approval Jpeg files.

: Zoe Client Portrait approval Jpeg

: Zoe Gallery wrap Client Jpeg photo

I will ask that you contact me as soon as you have had time to view the artwork. Most of the time everyone Is thrilled with the finished product, but on the rare occasion that an adjustment needs to be made, then this would be the time to bring it up.

Once you have approved the Portrait, for a Charcoal, I will spray a protective fixative on the piece, or for an Acrylic Painting, I will paint a clear Isolation coat on the Canvas followed by a final protective varnish. These steps will seal and protect the artwork for generations to come and once applied cannot be undone. Charcoal Portraits will be mounted on Foam core backing and placed in a clear protective art sleeve. All Charcoal pieces will need to be PROPERLY FRAMED.

Acrylic paintings will arrive ready to hang for display.

The Final Invoice and Delivery

After approval I will email you a final invoice for the second half of the total commission cost plus any insurance and shipping costs if the Portrait needs to be packaged and sent.

I will then safely and securely package your Portrait. Once I receive your final payment I will Insure your piece and will have it sent through the United States Postal Service, Fed Ex or UPS, depending on where and when it is shipped. At the moment I send your package, I will call or email you with the approximate date of arrival, and opening instructions. Your package will need to be signed for, so I will suggest the package is sent to a place where it can be received and taken care of safely.

If yours is a local order, I will hand deliver your Portrait, and payment can be made at that time.

The Continued Support

As a Cy Hundley Pet Portrait owner, you will always be able to count on me for advice any time on display, cleaning and care for your fine art investment. You also will be a member of my Preferred Client Club and will receive many benefits from this as well.

I hope this post has satisfactorily explained the whole Pet Portraits By Cy process for you. Now, please peruse my website: www.petportraitsbycy.com and send me an inquiry!

Archives for September 2023

Photographing your pet