Custom Animal Portraits by Artist Kathryn Beals

About This Business

Pricing and Prints

The Portrait Process

Art and Animal Rescue

About This Site

Who is the artist?
My name is Kathryn Beals, and I am a full-time professional artist. My husband Travis and I operate www.BealsStudios.com in California. You can read more about us on the About page.
Do you offer a guarantee?
Yes! We shop online too and know the importance of a hassle-free guarantee, so we offer a very flexible return policy so that you can be confident that your portrait will be just as you want it.
 
When the painting is nearly finished, Kathryn will send you a watermarked digital photo of the portrait via email so that you can suggest any changes that are necessary to get the likeness just right. The portrait will be shipped only when you're happy with it. If, after your suggested changes have been made, you are still not satisfied with the portrait, you will receive a full refund.
 
If you approve the portrait and it is shipped, but on arrival you change your mind, you still have 30 days to return it for a full refund or send it back for additional adjustments.
Do you ever outsource your commissions?
No. Unlike some low-cost portrait companies, I never outsource my portraits. I handle all orders personally, and I paint all portraits by hand the old-fashioned way. We are proud to be a "mom and pop" business and know you will appreciate the benefits of personal service, a no-hassle guarantee and top quality materials. Kathryn only uses paint made in the USA.
What are your prices?
Prices for animal portraits start at $180. Please see the Ordering page for prices on the most popular sizes. Paintings are available in many sizes up to 30"x40", just contact us for a quote if you have something special in mind.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is FREE for all destinations worldwide. We normally ship via FedEx or the United States Postal Service, depending on your location. If you prefer a specific shipping carrier for your location, please let us know when you order.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept major credit cards and PayPal through our secure online ordering system. You do not have to have a PayPal account to pay online.
Do you sell prints?
Yes! You can buy prints and notecards featuring your new portrait, or choose from many other paintings in the gallery. Prices start at $12.00 plus shipping. Visit the prints page for more details. Kathryn retains the copyright on all her painting images, but you are welcome to use the images for non-commercial uses.
What can I expect during the painting process?
After you submit your photos and payment, Kathryn will start your painting and send you progress photos as she works on your painting. You'll have lots of chances to offer your input and suggest any adjustments that are necessary as the painting unfolds. Read a detailed description of the portrait commission process and feel free to ask questions any time.
What materials do you use?
I paint my animal portraits in premium quality, American-made acrylic paint on professional stretched canvas. You can read about the canvas and paint I use on the materials page.
Why don't you use oil paints?
I use acrylics for my animal portraits because they are safe, resilient and non-toxic. Acrylics are much better for the environment than oils, because they are water-based and don't require the use of toxic solvents. Acrylic paints dry quickly to a hard, permanent finish that is durable and looks like oil paint, but is safe and clean to work with.
 
When acrylic paints were first developed in the 1940s, the selection of colors and workability was limited. Now, acrylics are available with all the same pigments found in oil paints--the only difference is the transparent binding medium. Paintings made with modern acrylic paints are difficult to distinguish from oil paintings, and more and more professional artists are switching to this medium.
What sort of photo works best?
The best photo for an animal portrait is a clear, accurate shot of your animal, in the pose you would like in the portrait. Detailed information on portrait-friendly photos is in the animal portrait photo guide.
Can I choose the background?
Yes. Backgrounds in animal portraits work best when they set the animal into a scene and help create a mood, but do not detract from the star of the portrait. Look in the Gallery for examples of backgrounds in dog portraits, or go to the backgrounds page to read about the different options.
Can I put more than one animal in the portrait?
Yes! You can add additional animals for an extra fee. If you don't have a photo of both animals together, you can submit seperate photos of each, plus at least one reference photo of them together (which doesn't have to be good) showing their relative sizes. Be sure to specify which pose you want for each animal.
Does the painting need to be framed?
It's up to you. I use premium quality gallery wrap canvases with staple-free edges, so my paintings can be displayed attractively without a frame for a clean, informal look. Most of my clients choose not to frame their paintings.
 
With proper care, a frame is not needed (or recommended) to protect the painting surface under most household conditions. I apply a clear, protective finish to my paintings which protects them from dust and light. If you do want to purchase a protective or decorative frame for your painting, I recommend you take the painting to a quality framing shop in your area. I include a detailed information sheet on portrait care with all orders.
Do you paint people portraits?
Yes! I consider animal portraits my specialty, but I occasionally paint people as well. I have painted commissioned paintings of landscapes, houses, dinosaurs, airplanes, boats, and even a favorite pair of work boots. I have even painted paintings from someone's description of a vivid dream!
Paintings tell a much deeper story than photographs ever can, and I enjoy the challenge of working through someone else's memory of a loved animal, person or place. If you like my style and want to commission a painting of something else, please email me to get a quote.
Where else can I see your work?
Be sure to visit my landscape site where I show more of my art and list upcoming shows in California.
I am a registered artist at the American Kennel Club's Museum of the Dog. I am also listed in the League of Animal Artists and occasionally on the Dogster Dog Blog when I paint portraits of Dogster members.
If you want to learn a little more about how I paint my portraits, you can see tips, techniques and paintings in progress in my art technique blog for beginners, updated several times a week.
Does your business support animal rescue?
Yes! We have donated free portraits and gift certificates for charity auctions to:

Lab Rescuers

The Berkeley Humane Society

National Beagle Association of America

The San Francisco SPCA

Blankets for Babies

Shelter Stockup 2007

The Great Dane Club of Arizona

Lab Rescuers

The Berkeley Humane Society

Newfoundland Dog Rescue

The Churchill Animal Protection Society

In addition, I donate my used-but-good brushes, art supplies and equipment to local public schools and art education programs.

If you know of a non-profit organization that would benefit from a painting for fundraising purposes, contact us.

Is it safe to pay online?
When you order online from Beals Studios, your payment will be processed securely by PayPal, which uses encryption to protect your credit card number and personal information. Beals Studios never handles, sees or stores your credit card number. If you prefer, you can send your payment via check, allowing extra time for processing.
Help! PayPal says I have missing fields.
You may have entered your credit card number using spaces or dashes between the numbers. PayPal requires you to enter the numbers with no spaces or dashes. If you have any problems, just email us and request a secure invoice. You can also refer to the payment instruction page which walks you through the PayPal process in detail.
Can I link to your site?
Please do! You can add my link to your Dogster page, myspace page or any other website. If you also have an animal-related organization and want me to add your link to my directory, go to my links page for instructions.
What is your privacy policy?
We never give or sell your personal information to any third party, and we will not send you unsolicited emails or "spam" of any kind. The only emails you will receive from Beals Studios will be in response to orders or inquiries you have sent. Read more on our privacy policy and use of cookies here.