I begin with 2-5 reference photos, but please feel free to specify if you have one in mind and I will honor it.

These photos do not need to be master photographs, but the portraits come out the best with non-blurred images to reference.
I will be choosing and referencing one photo with some specificity, but I will make choices as to the background and whether it makes sense to keep it or to fill with color or something more attractive.

Also, please provide me with any necessary details about the animal or home or scene you’re having me paint. While I will never say no to hearing more about you, your pet, your life, your everything (I connect deeply and at will haha), I work best when given a few, important or tangible details, and then am given the freedom to create and instill the work with my artistic sentiment – which will be sensitive.

Something I’ve learned as a florist that transfers really beautifully into my artwork is to trust the immediate connection that I make with most people and all pets. I do fall in love a little with your furry friends, and your homes. Visually expressing the love you feel for these personal parts of your life is the primary goal in my art.

I will be in touch with you about the painting and drying process roughly 1 week after we are confirmed with the project to give you a progress report.

If you have thoughts, questions or want to reach out, I encourage you to do this as necessary to make the process comfortable. Similarly, if there is a special occasion the project is for, please tell me this so I can set reasonable expectations for both of us.

I work in oil paints, and while I use thinner layers that dry quicker on smooth wooden panels, there is still a longer drying period than any other painting medium.

Please allow for roughly 4 weeks until your painting is complete – sometimes it will be shorter and I’ve experienced longer drying periods – mainly if your subject has a lot of WHITE (the warmest and longest drying colored paint!). If your painting is a commissioned piece LARGER than 8×8” please anticipate a longer painting and drying process – I will give you an estimate at the beginning of the project.

Each painting has a cradled edge, which I will paint or stain in an attractive/complimentary neutral (brown or black) color. And the recessed cradle will allow me to install a wire for easy hanging, but you will need to provide the nail and wall yourself.