Commissions

A portrait painted for you

Every commission is an original oil painting, made by hand from your photographs. Here is how it works, what it costs, and how to begin.

A white Shire horse standing in a sunny green field
Shire horse · oil on canvas

The process

How does a commission work

  1. I.

    Enquire

    Send the form below with your photos to get started. I’ll get back to you within two business days with initial thoughts and a quote.

    Alternatively, feel free to call or email me directly to discuss your ideas.

    +44 7724 164553 petportraitsbysylvie@gmail.com

  2. II.

    Reserve

    We agree on size, pose, background and timeline. A 50% deposit reserves your place in my calendar.

    Portraits are typically completed within 2–3 weeks, and large-scale commissions typically completed within 1–2 months.

  3. III.

    Painting

    I'll share progress photos partway through the painting process so you can preview the piece while fine-tuning and minor adjustments are still simple to make. Your input ensures the finished portrait aligns perfectly with your vision before I finalise the details.

  4. IV.

    Delivery/Collection

    Once you approve the finished painting and pay the remaining balance, it will be carefully packed and shipped or scheduled for local collection.

Sizes & prices

Price list

Oil on premium cotton canvas board. Prices include a softly painted background.

Item Size One animal Each additional animal
Standard10 × 12″£350+ £90–180
BespokeLarger or unusual sizesOn requestOn request

I generally recommend a minimum size of 10 × 12 inches for custom portraits, as this provides enough space to capture the fine details, rich textures, and unique expression that bring your pet to life. However, feel free to reach out to discuss what works best for you, whether you’re considering a smaller, larger, or non-standard size.

What does the standard price include?

  • A carefully finished original oil painting on premium cotton canvas board.
  • Finished with a high-quality protective varnish.
  • Careful packing and tracked shipping, quoted at enquiry

Enquiry form

Tell me about your animal

There is no obligation. I will reply with my thoughts on your photos, a suggested size and a quote.

Reference photos: after you send this form, I’ll reply by email and you can attach up to 5 photos (the more the better) to your reply.

I’ll only use your details to reply to your enquiry and, if you go ahead, to make and deliver your portrait. See the privacy policy.

Questions

Frequently asked

How long does a portrait take?

Portraits are typically completed within 2–3 weeks of your deposit, and large-scale commissions within 1–2 months, depending on my calendar. Oil paint also needs time to dry before varnishing and shipping. If you have a deadline, mention it in your enquiry and I will tell you honestly whether I can meet it.

How does payment work?

A 50% deposit reserves your place and is non-refundable once I have started painting. The balance is due when you have approved the finished portrait, before it is shipped or collected.

Can I ask for changes?

Yes! I share progress photos partway through the process, which is the perfect time for any adjustments. Small tweaks can also be made to the finished piece so you’re completely in love with the final portrait.

My photos are not very good. Can you still paint my animal?

Clear, high-quality photos definitely help me capture your pet’s true lighting and fine details best. That said, you’d be surprised what modern technology can do to help clarify lower-resolution images! Feel free to send over whatever photos you have, and we can discuss what’s possible from there.

Do you paint memorial portraits?

Yes, and I consider it a privilege. We can work from older photos, and I will take extra care to talk through what you would like the painting to hold.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. Every original painting is carefully wrapped, boxed and sent with tracking and insurance. Shipping is quoted along with your commission estimate. Please let me know at the start of the process which country the painting will be shipped to, so I can advise on potential import taxes and delivery costs.