This is the standard process you can expect when you order a portrait. If you have questions at any time, Kathryn will be happy to answer them, just send her an email.
When you decide you want to commission a portrait, submit your payment, photographs and a description of your preferences through the button on the orders page. Kathryn will evaluate your photos and respond in an email with questions about your pose and background preferences. If you prefer to discuss special requests over the phone, leave your number and ask for a phone consultation and when it would be best to call.
When you order, Kathryn will give you a time estimate for when your portrait will be shipped. Portraits book up fast around Christmas, Mother's Day and Father's Day so order in advance. Most simple portraits take about two weeks from when Kathryn gets your photos to when they are ready for the final adjustments. If you have a special date in mind for when you need your portrait (a birthday, etc) be sure to let Kathryn know when you order, and she will do her best to accomodate it.
Payment is processed at the start of a portrait to discourage non-serious buyers, but your money will be refunded in full if you aren't happy with your portrait. You can read more about the portrait guarantee and order policies on the orders page.
Next, Kathryn will make a rough sketch of your animal in the chosen pose and send it to you via email. The sketch is not a detailed drawing, just a simple line drawing to confirm your preferences before starting the painting. When you email back to confirm the sketch, Kathryn will start painting your portrait.
Kathryn will send you several digital progress photos at different stages throughout the painting.
After painting the initial colors, before starting on the detail, Kathryn will send you a progress photo to check that the portrait is going in the right direction. At this point, the detail is not painted in, so the painting will probably not resemble your animal very well yet, but you can advise her if the proportions are off.
The next progress photo will be more detailed, and Kathryn might ask you specific questions about features that are unclear in the photo. Responding sooner will help get your portrait finished faster.
Kathryn's portrait style is a mix of realism and expression. While she doesn't strive to make portraits photo-realistic, she will try to capture your pet's likeness as well as possible. Good photos and prompt, specific feedback really help.
You might feel a little awkward about pointing out errors or asking for changes, but don't - your input is welcome and expected. Kathryn doesn't usually get to meet the animals she paints, so she relies solely on the photos and on your comments to make the portrait accurate. Be specific in your emails about what needs to be adjusted, and Kathryn will make small changes and check back with you until the portrait is just right.
Many people say that once they got into it, they enjoyed the process almost as much as they enjoy having the finished portrait. The best portraits are often the most interactive and Kathryn enjoys hearing stories about the animals she paints. So have fun, get your family involved and give Kathryn lots of feedback!
To see a sample portrait from start to finish, go to the portrait demo page. Kathryn is proud to show her current paintings in progress with commentary and advice for beginners on her art technique blog. If you prefer not to have your pet's photo on her blog, just specify when you order.
When your portrait is complete and you're happy with the final progress photo, we will ship the painting. Your portrait will be gift wrapped inside a well-padded shipping box, with an instruction sheet on portrait care. Portraits are shipped via the United States Postal Service (USPS) Priority Mail or FedEx, depending on your location. We will email you the approximate arrival time of your package. If you want overnight shipping at an additional fee or have special shipping instructions, please let us know when you order.
Many customers order portraits as a gift for their spouse or someone in their family and want to keep it a surprise until the big day. If you're in this boat, just let us know and we'll use plain packaging to help keep your gift a secret.
