1. Get in touch …
To commission a dog portrait, please get in touch by sending me an email with your thoughts – sarah@bowwowsketch.co.uk Currently there is a waiting list of around 3 months. For a special date please try and get in touch with as much notice as possible.
I offer three kinds of portrait for commission. Drawings are created in pencil, ink or charcoal and Sketch Portraits are painted freely in watercolour. Paintings begin with an accurate pencil drawing and then several days of careful watercolour layers.
I approach each very differently and enjoy working in a variety of ways.
2. Taking a good photograph …
- Imagine your dog – do you see him/her alert and playful or relaxed and calm? Which would you prefer as a lasting portrait?
- If possible take the photograph in good natural light
- For head and shoulder portraits capture at eye level.
- Please send the highest resolution (the biggest file) you have.
- Send several photographs – although I work from one image, a collection will give me more information and a better sense of your dog. We can shortlist these together.
I have done several portraits of dogs that are no longer with us. It might be that you have few clear photos of a dog that has passed away, but if you can share what you have I will be able to come up with a way of working with what is available.
3. Prices …
Drawings:
Ink, pencil or charcoal on paper
9″ x 12″ : £100 + postage
12″ x 16″ : £170 +postage
Sketch Portraits:
Loose painting in watercolour on paper
9″ x 12″ : £220 + postage
12″ x 16″: £320 + postage
Paintings:
Refined watercolour paintings achieving a high level of representation and accuracy on Arches paper
9″ x 12″ suited to head and shoulder portrait of smaller breeds: £450 + postage
12″ x 16″ suited to head and shoulder portrait: £700 +postage
18″ x 24″ suited to large-scale head and shoulder portrait or full body portrait : from £1200 + postage
To secure the time for your painting, I require a non-refundable deposit of £200. An additional payment will be required shortly before I begin the portrait, with the remainder plus shipping costs paid upon completion.
For drawings and sketches portraits I ask for a non-refundable 50% deposit to secure the time in my diary.
Payment plans and gift vouchers are available – please get in touch for details. All portraits are sent securely packaged, via guaranteed next day delivery, Royal Mail or via specialist art courier. I regularly ship worldwide, please get in touch for international shipping costs. Please note that there may be a 5% additional charge for international payments to cover exchange fees, thank you.
A tree will be planted by The Future Forest Company in the name of anyone commissioning a portrait.
4. Bespoke …
I am happy to discuss other sizes, several dogs together and so on. If you have something specific in mind please just get in touch and I’d be delighted to talk it through with you. I can also arrange framing if required.
Please note that all copyright remains with the artist and images may be reproduced by the artist and sold as limited edition prints or other printed media.