An introduction...
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 I’ve always drawn
and painted for pleasure and had always hoped to make a living out of my art. My
hopes began to turn to reality 2000 when I was asked to donate something to a
local charity auction.
Having committed myself I then had to come up with something of value so I
decided on a painting of our dog Charlie who was known and loved by everybody as
he was a real character and a true “pub dog.” I thought it would raise possibly
£30 or £40 as people entered the spirit of the auction but never did I expect it
to go for £200! Orders for pet portraits started flooding in from people who had
seen Charlie’s painting and I have never looked back! I made the decision
in 2004 to |
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GIFT VOUCHERS |
Treat a friend or loved one to a portrait of
their pet! You can contribute any amount from £25 for the most original
birthday, anniversary or Christmas present!
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become a full time professional pet portrait artist. |
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I can use a variety of mediums for
my work so you can decide what you like best and would suit
your pet portrait. I am predominately asked to work in pastels as
they have a beautiful vibrancy and I can achieve a great amount of
detail with them that create my unique pet portraits. Graphite,
and acrylic are also available and can be viewed along with my
pastel pet portraits on this site by visiting the pet portrait 'Portfolio'
page.
I have been featured in
Sporting Gun magazine as ‘artist of the month’ and The Rider
magazine where some of my working dog pet portraits were
displayed. Most recently I have been asked to do a series of dog
breed drawings for a company to go on mugs, coasters and key
rings.
If you are interested in commissioning a pet
portrait then please contact me via the 'Contact'
section. Below you can read about how to go about ordering your
pet portrait and some of the options you may want to consider.
Please also take the time to read through some of my delighted
customers comments.
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Step 1
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Placing an order couldn’t be simpler with three easy steps.
However, before I can proceed I do need to see the photographs
that you wish me to work from to ensure they are clear enough
for me to produce the best results. Photographs can be sent in
digital format via email at high resolution so they can be
printed clearly or on CD by post.
Send all hard copy photographs by post only but don‘t scan them as
it can change the colour considerably. Please see
below for some simple
tips on photographing your pet. It is essential to have good
photographs (see right photo) in order to create your pet
portrait. All photographs will returned with the completed
portrait.
If you would like me to come and personally photograph the
subject(s) AND live within a 10 mile radius of Sevenoaks in Kent I
am happy to visit for the cost of my travel.
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Step 2
Once I have checked the photographs and we agree on your
requirements and delivery schedule I will ask for a a 30 per cent,
non refundable deposit of the agreed price.
I will then sketch out the form of the portrait and send to you
via email or make it available for you to view online to check you
are happy. If you wish I will send you up to two updates of
‘work-in-progress’ although once we have agreed the medium, style
and format the majority of my clients prefer to wait for the
completed work.
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Step 3
On completion of your pet portrait I will ask for the balance
which you can either pay by debit or credit card securely online
through Paypal or by cheque through the post.
On receipt of payment (If you are paying by cheque I will wait for
the cheque to clear) I will dispatch your finished pet portrait
work using a reputable carrier.
To the left is a portrait of the above photo.
If you are interested in a pet portrait then please contact me via the 'Contact'
section.
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Please visit my prices page for an idea of how much you pet
portrait will cost. I also have a selection of frames to choose
from. If you can’t see frame you like let me know as I have many
other styles to choose from.
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A great gift for any animal lover! Not sure what type of painting they would
like? Can not obtain any photographs of their pet? Too late for their birthday
or anniversary? Then why not give them a pet portrait gift voucher?!
Sarah’s Pet Portrait gift vouchers can be any purchased from this site by debit
or credit card securely online through Paypal or by cheque through the post. Any
monetary value from £25 up to the full amount of the painting is available. They
can be sent either to you or direct to the person you want to surprise.
If you are interested in pet portrait Gift Vouchers then please contact me via
the 'Contact'
section.
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Tips for taking your own photographs for
your pet portrait
To ensure I can achieve
the best results for your pet portrait it is important that I can
work from clear images which show the unique details of your
particular pet such as the fur, eyes, markings etc. If possible it
is always best to send three or four images pointing out which one
is most true to their colour. If you wish to send me some new
photographs and you are not experienced in capturing pets here are
a few tips I hope you will find helpful:
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Photographs taken outside without flash or by a large window are
the best to avoid red eye.
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Try to avoid a really sunny day as the sun will cast dark shadows
on your pet and the photograph won't reflect their true coat
colour. Likewise avoid a really dull overcast day.
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Ideally, take your photographs with your back to the sun.
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Take your pets photograph at their level rather than looking down
to avoid and distortion or an unnatural pose and make sure they
are facing the camera if you want a head/head and shoulders pet
portrait.
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Try to get as close to your pet as possible whilst staying in
focus as this will give the maximum amount of detail and make
painting the portrait easier.
Good photographs are essential as I can only paint what I see!
Examples
The Alsatian’s photograph is sharp and in focus. It is well
exposed giving an accurate colour representation. The horse's
photo has similar qualities, and also has an alert expression that
will bring character to a pet portrait.
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Please take the time to read how truly delighted previous clients have been with
their pet portraits.
Portrait - Applejack
"As expected David loves the picture, he noticed straight away that Applejack's
fur is all wet. He wanted it put up straight away (so lucky I put some picture
wire on it when it arrived last week) and it's now hanging in the hall where we
both keep wandering so we can look at it.
Once again very many thanks for doing such a wonderful picture, I didn't doubt
that you would do a good job but it has been fantastic to have my already high
expectations exceeded. I know we will both enjoy your picture for many years, it
will help us remember a very funny and daft little individual. We have 2 more,
with a third kitten arriving late in August - I'd better start saving if I want
a full set of paintings!"
Josie Newman
Portrait - Boz
"Thank you again, I can’t tell you just how pleased I am with it, I am so glad I
did choose you to do his portrait not only is it brilliant but it has been such
a pleasure. Like I said I definitely want Lily and Gunner and probably others
after that. "
Nicky
Portrait - Lucy & Blue
"ITS GREAT, WONDERFUL, MARVELLOUS, FABULOUS!!!!!! FANTASTIC - YOU ARE SO CLEVER.
The expression on Blue's face is so like him - you have caught him exactly - and
Lucy - well the pleading in those eye's is spot on, she is a very greedy dog and
that's the worried look she has when she thinks she is not going to get any
titbits (that's the look she has in her waking hours - as she is always on the
scrounge for food. Blue's fur is fabulous it looks like you have individually
painted every hair on his body!!!! and his colouring is absolutely right and
Lucy's colouring is spot on.
I'd just got back from lunch and there it was at my desk. I had told the woman
at reception that I was expecting a package today and before I went to lunch I
told the people in my office it was expected so could they sign for me.
I've just had the most wonderful fun opening it - you have wrapped it
wonderfully well, everyone was as excited as me - we did think at one point
thing about playing pass the parcel as there was so many wrappers!!!!!! but no
one but me could have the prize - so it was a no go!!
Sarah thank you so much, its absolutely brilliant and I know he is going to love
it and I will keep you informed."
and after the client received the portrait...
"Hi Sarah, I said I would let you know what he thought of the portrait, well he
absolutely loves it.
We waited until everyone arrived and had had a couple of drinks, then my son
Daniel was sent upstairs to get the portrait out of its hiding place. My friend
Sue's partner was armed with a camera to capture the moment. Daniel then gave a
little speech and then presented the parcel in all its wrappings to him, I think
at one point while unwrapping he thought he had got a tray as a present!!!!!! He
is absolutely delighted with the portrait and could not think of a better
present to receive. He says you are very talented (this is quote from him) and
have captured their likeness and personalities and you have a very rare gift.
Everyone was so impressed with the portrait, so I think I will be directing them
to your website - lots of our friends are besotted with their animals as well.
The portrait is now in our sitting room, so thank you again Sarah its absolutely
brilliant."
Margaret
Portrait - Sylvester
"Sylvester's portrait arrived at lunchtime today. You packed it really well - it
took ages to unwrap! It is absolutely beautiful - my Mum & Dad were really
impressed. Mum is worried that I will cry whenever I look at it, but I am just
really happy that I have a lovely permanent reminder of him!
I'm looking forward to having a whole set of cat portraits eventually; I have a
new kitten now (a spotty Ocicat) & Ozzie, but I will have to save up for the
next picture - maybe next birthday or next Christmas ... so don't stop painting
will you ?
I can't wait to get the portrait hung this evening."
Nicki
Portrait - Fern and Pippin
"Just a note to say how pleased I am with the picture my wife Julie arranged for
me, You have really captured the dogs characters and I will now always have Pip
and Fern with us. It was an emotional gift and its hard not to cry when you
receive something like this. It's wonderful and now we are back from holiday I
cant wait to show it to my Beating Buddies."
Thank you
Ian Millmoor
Portrait - Sally the Westie
I hope you and your family got home ok, I can't thank you enough for the lovely
portraits you did of Sally. Both myself and my husband are absolutely delighted
with them. The larger one has taken pride of place above the fireplace and we
both feel she has come home. I must admit I did shed a few tears. My daughter
was thrilled with her portrait she has a permanent reminder of her little dog.
Once again thank you so much for our beautiful portraits.
Best wishes,
Jean,Mick and Michelle.
Portrait - Ffransis
‘Well its has arrived, we are so very pleased with the painting, brillant‘.
Sandra Pragnell, Ffransis’ owners
Portrait - Gran Culom
“I am delighted with Sarah’s painting of Culom. It shows his power and energy
and the look in his eye is unmistakably him! I was so pleased I have
commissioned another painting and recommended Sarah to all of my friends!”
Samantha Hicks - owner of Gran Culom.
Portrait - Rodney
“You have captured Rodney’s character perfectly. You are so talented. Thank you
very much."
Nathan Finch
Portrait - Baloo
"Sarah, The painting has just arrived. Don't know what to say really, somehow
THANK YOU!! does not seem enough. I'm sure Julie will contact you after
Christmas to say Thanks (when she stops crying)." - Dale Mumford
Dale’s wife did email me after Christmas…
"Hi Sarah
Thank you for capturing my little man so wonderfully, his eyes follow me
around the room. I feel like crying every time I look at him.
You and Dale have made me very happy
Thank you once again"
Julie Mumford
Portrait - Black Stallion
"Over the moon with him. Thank you for your hard work. He is a stunning piece
and cant wait to hang him on the wall."
Michelle Ashmore
Portrait - Scampi
"We are absolutely delighted with the painting, the likeness is superb and the
painstaking attention to detail is incredible.
Thanks again it has been a pleasure dealing with you"
Chris Baxter
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