Commissions - Pencil Portraits by Michelle

~: PENCIL PORTRAITS BY MICHELLE WRIGHTON:~

UPDATE July 2008: This website is no longer current. Please visit my updated Animal Fine Art and Photography website at http://michellewrighton.com

Commissioning a Pet Portrait is easy!

Simply send me an email with the following information and a selection of your favourite photos for my approval (See "Photo Tips" below):

Portrait size;
Medium: Graphite, Mixed Media, Pastel, Acrylic;
Information about the pet, including his/her name, age and personality.
Special requirements for portrait eg background colour or image, full body portrait, double portrait etc.
Your shipping and contact details including telephone number.
Any other questions you may have!

I will contact you by email to confirm the suitability of the photos, to discuss the portrait composition, total cost including shipping, and advise the expected completion date. Payment details and all my contact information will be provided in this email.

A non-refundable deposit is required for pet portraits to hold your position on my waiting list and to confirm that your commission request is genuine. Commissions are completed in order that deposits are received. The deposit is to cover the cost of materials and is non-refundable once work on your portrait has commenced. Australian payments can be made by Direct Deposit, Money Order, cheque or Paymate (including Credit Card payments). International payments can be made by Paymate or Paypal.

When your portrait is complete, an image will be made available online for you to view for approval. If the artwork is to your satisfaction, the portrait will be custom matted and shipped once the balance of payment is received. Your satisfaction is extremely important to me - in the unlikely event that you are not happy with the artwork, I will endeavour to correct any areas of dissatisfaction. If this cannot be achieved, I am happy to keep the portrait, no further payment is required and your reference photos will be returned to you at my expense.

Please let me know which organization in my 'Art for Animal Rescue' program referred you to my website so that I can make the donation to the correct group!

UPDATE July 2008: This website is no longer current. Please visit my updated Animal Fine Art and Photography website at http://michellewrighton.com

Portraits are commenced in order that the deposit and photographs are received, please allow 8-12 weeks for delivery depending on the time of year and the number of commissions on my waiting list before yours.

PHOTO TIPS

The quality and detail of the finished portrait is dependant on the clarity and quality of the photographs that you provide. Unfortunately some photos are just not suitable for my use - in addition, poor quality photos dramatically increases the time it takes to complete the portrait. I want to be able to capture your pet as accurately as possible, not only in appearance but also in personality, so reference photos that are accurate and clear are very important.

Perth Pet Photography Service: I do offer a photographic service if you are local to the Perth area and do not have any suitable photos that can be used as reference material for your portrait. For a small fee I will come to your house, local park, beach, horse property or other favourite location to obtain suitable reference photographs of your pet or pets for their portrait. On location pet photography sessions usually take 1-1.5 hours depending on the individual animal. I take numerous photographs in different poses, and will send you a selection by email for you to choose the main one that you would like your Pet Portrait based on.

Your Photos: Although only one good close-up photograph in a pose that you would like the subject in the portrait is needed, if you can send me several photographs that is even better as they will give me a better idea of the personality and character of the subject.

Photographs can be sent to me by regular mail (these will be returned with completed portrait), or as high resolution digital images either on CD or by email. I frequently enlarge the images to 'life-size' to see the minute detail, so it is essential that the image is clear enough to enlarge to this size without distortion or pixelization.

It is my aim to create a portrait that we will both be happy with, therefore I may request additional photographs if the ones provided do not provide all the detail I require. In the event that the pet has sadly passed away, and new photos cannot be taken, I do reserve the right to refuse the commission if I do not feel that I can produce a quality portrait from the available photos.

I am unable to use photographs taken by a professional photographer unless I have written permission to do so.

The following tips are provided to help you obtain great reference photo’s for your portrait.

The number one tip for great photos is take them from the subjects level to prevent distortion. For pet photo’s, that may mean laying on the floor!

Use natural light if possible, no flash or artificial lighting. The best outside photographs are taken on overcast days with light cloud so that there is plenty of light. If it is sunny, position the subject in the shade and take the photos with the sun behind you. Don’t take the photo in direct sunlight as this will make the subject squint, and cause distortions in the colours and contours that define the individual. If you need to take the photo inside, take it near a window that allows plenty of natural lighting, and try to avoid using the flash. Take the photo with your back to the window with the subject facing the window.
Take photo’s from a distance of 6ft or less (unless you have a good zoom lens).
Fill the camera lens with the subject, especially for head study portraits. The eyes must show very clearly in the reference photograph to be used for the portrait. Close-ups of the head should include the ears down to the chest.
Take as many photos as you can. Lots and lots of close-ups!
When taking photos of pets, enlist the help of another person to stand beside you and get the animals attention with a toy or treat. A shot of the head looking forward and slightly to the one side usually makes a more interesting portrait than a full side-on profile pose - try to take the photo from an angle that shows both eyes (for dogs and cats).
Photos that capture the subjects personality and character are important.
If you require a multiple subject portrait, ensure that the lighting is similar if using different photo’s, and at least one photo of all subjects together to show comparative size.
Be patient and be prepared to spend a fair bit of time, possibly over more than one photo session. Dog’s in particular will sense if you are getting frustrated or grumpy, and this will reflect in their demeanor. Try to make it fun – toys and treats usually work!

These two photos of Jess are examples of good close-up and detailed reference photos.

Please note:

All portraits remain the property of the artist until paid for in full.
All artwork is commissioned for personal use only and may not be used for financial gain, unless a prior Licence agreement is made with the artist.
The artist retains full Copyright and reproduction rights on all artwork and reserves the right to use images of the artwork for advertising, promotional or other purposes.