Commissioning your Pet - Process & Tips
Step 1 - email me high quality sharp photo(s) of your pet(s) (if I am able to get to you I would be very happy to take photos for you).
• For best results photograph your animal(s) in natural lighting (outside if possible)
• Look out for shadow on the face that could take away any detail
• Avoid using the flash which can cause red-eye
• Make sure your pet is in the foreground so they can be seen clearly
• When emailing avoid compressing photos (which can degrade the image). Aim for around 4GB with a DPI of 300
Please note, I can only paint what I can see and the quality of the photo provided will reflect this.
Examples of suitable photos for portraits - close up showing off personality and detail; sharp images that do not blur; nice compositions; good lighting
Examples of unsuitable photos for portraits - blurry low quality images; awkward poses; shadows on face; low lighting; subject in the distance:
Step 2 - I will create a sketch for your review and approval.
This will be a rough sketch (created on 200gsm smooth Fabriano) to explore composition, shade, colour and likeness. During this stage of the consultation please let Gina know any preferences or comments you have.
Step 3 - Once you are happy for me to continue with your final portrait you will be required to pay for your painting and any postage charges. Paintings are created on 300gsm (thick and slightly textured) Fabriano. This Fabriano holds the ink beautifully and allows detail, texture and depth to be added with many layers of ink. I start with a light Indian ink washes for the initial outline, before adding layers of various depths of ink to build detail and texture. I can also use water colour washes for any colour detail required. If you would like updates emailed at these various stages please let me know.
initial outline in light ink wash highlights/shadows layout layers of ink to add detail, depth and texture
Step 4 - When the portrait is complete I will email you a low resolution proof of your portrait for review. I will then make any amends and confirm final preparations (presentation/personalisation/postage). Any watermarks shown on proofs will not appear on the final portrait.
Optional - I am also able to arrange giclee fine art prints, greeting cards or hand-crafted coasters of your pet portrait. Please ask me for your more details if this is something you are interested in exploring.
Harvey and Milo’s A3 portrait was also turned into a framed A2 giclee fine art print (above) with a personalised message added (the message on the image was added to the print only and did not appear on the original painting).
Please note: All digital images of artwork remain the property of Gina Andrew’s for promotion and reproduction purposes (if you would prefer your pet portrait image not to be used in this way please let me know).
Please note: All digital images of artwork remain the property of Gina Andrew’s for promotion and reproduction purposes (if you would prefer your pet portrait image not to be used in this way please let me know).
If you require any further information please do not hesitate to me.
© Gina Andrews established 2012