Drawing Board

Leila is on my drawing board.  Lots more to do but will post finished portrait soon.

The 13 Project

While surfing around yesterday I found a blog, prettyfluffy.com, with a fantastic idea to help animals.  I completely agree with the feeling of being overwhelmed by all the posts and photos out there of animals in need.  What can we do to help?  The idea is great.  Commit to help animals in any way you choose.  Make a list of 13 things you will do before 2013 to help animals.  That’s it.

I sort of always have a list of things I want to do running in my head, now I am making my list and sticking to it.  Join the 13 Project and spread the word.  Wouldn’t it be amazing to see more “Going to my furever home” photos than “Urgent: Help!” listings?  I think so.

Here’s my list:

1. Offer assistance to rescue groups with fundraising (done/doing).
2. Offer 10% of all custom pet portrait orders to rescue and shelter groups of the buyer’s choosing.
3. Provide Lab Rescue LRCP with items for their silent auction.
4. Buy 2013 calendar from From the Heart Rescue (the rescue where I found Simon and Olive).
5. Buy (and sell) Yankee Candles in the Alliance for Responsible annual fundraiser. (Who doesn’t like a nice candle for Christmas?)
6. Buy our Christmas cards from the National Wildlife Federation because I know I will not find time to make my own from my own work.
7. Spread the word to help find lost pets in the Indy area as well as find the owners of those who have been found through Indy Lost Pet Alert.
8. Donate towels, blankets, food and gently used toys to local shelters and rescues.
9. Find and sign animal rights petitions.
10. Promote responsible pet ownership and encourage people to spay/neuter their pets.
11. Try to keep track of other people who are participating in The 13 Project and share their links on Facebook and Twitter (using the #the13project hashtag).
12. Post, tweet, share, and pin stories of animals in need of help (already doing).
13. Share the 13 Project with others!

Custom Dog, Cat or Any Pet Portraits

I am once again offering custom portraits for dogs, cats or whatever animal you have as a pet! You can take a look at my previous work in the Gallery or in my gallery shop.  If I can help you with a portrait, contact me. They make fantastic gifts for the holidays and also sweet memorials to your beloved pal.   I work primarily in artist-grade colored pencils and graphite using photographs you provide. I will create an original portrait of your pet that can be proudly displayed in your home.  Portraits are drawn on 9×12 inch heavy weight Bristol Vellum paper which works well with 11×14 inch mat and frame. Please keep in mind that the price of commissioned portraits do not include special backgrounds, or special requests. If you wish for to me to add these items to your piece, please contact me for a quote.  See the prices and other information below.  Let me know if I can help.

Prices begin at $100.00.  After you contact me and let me know what style and size portrait you’d like, I can send you a Paypal Invoice so that you can pay securely with a credit card (you don’t have to have a Paypal account).

Portrait Style                 Graphite                       Colored Pencil 

One Pet -Head Study          $100.00                                  $150.00

One Pet – Full Body             $150.00                                 $200.00

Add’l Pet – Head Study        $50.00                                   $75.00

Add’l Pet – Full Body            $75.00                                  $100.00

PHOTO HINTS: The best photographs to work from are close-ups that show a good deal of detail, shot at eye level with your pet. Natural light is always better than flash.  The more photographs you are able to provide, the better the finished product will be. If you would like to send the photo(s) by email in electronic form or by mail on a cd, that will work as well.  Just Contact Me and I will provide the address.  If you mail photos, please put them in a sturdy mailer.  Photos will be returned with the portrait.  Also, if you mail photos, please be sure you’ve contacted me first via email and let me know.

TIME TO COMPLETE / SHIPPING: Expect the work to take approximately two to four weeks. The price includes shipping via U.S. Priority Mail. If you desire another method, please contact me.

GIFT CERTIFICATE: If you would like to give a portrait as a gift, you may purchase a gift certificate. Printable gift certificates can be sent to your email account which will be redeemable upon payment.

LEGAL STUFF: Please be advised that I retain the rights to my artwork. While you will have the original piece to admire in your home, I may choose to duplicate the image for my own use.