Ordering Information

Would you like to commission a Pet Portrait?

Commissioning a portrait is easy. Simply send me your photographs together with details of the size of portrait you require, the number of subjects you would like portrayed and the medium you prefer. Please include your name, address and preferred payment method. I will then confirm the cost of your portrait based on the information you provide.

Should you wish to proceed with the commission I will ask you to read and agree my Terms and Conditions and forward a 20% deposit (non-refundable) to confirm your commission. Once these are received I will commence your portrait.



Please read the information below before contacting me. It provides details of the information I need from you to be able to produce your portrait.


Choosing photographs
The main photograph should be one that best represents the character of your pet (or other animal) as this will be the photograph I work from. The pose should be typical of your pet’s character and behaviour. Professional photographs can only be used if you have written consent from the photographer or studio. As my portraits are very detailed it is important that the main photograph is clear, in sharp focus and taken close to the subject (the bigger the photograph the better). The best photographs are those taken in natural light. I would also ask you to provide any other photographs that show accurate representations of the coat and eye colour (very important). The best portraits are painted from good photographs. I am happy to offer advice regarding the suitability of your chosen photographs with no obligation on your part. The safest way to send photographs is by email if they are in digital form (at least 300 dpi). Alternatively these can be sent by post as prints or on a CD (please send registered/recorded delivery). If you prefer to post your photographs I will be happy to provide my postal address on request. All photographs will be returned with the completed portrait.

Portrait Size
For best effect, I feel a portrait roughly life-size or slightly smaller works well, but I am happy to discuss this with you if you would like my guidance. The following information will give you an idea of the sizes I recommend:

Portrait size (ins)	Recommended use
10" x 8"	Head portraits of very small cats and dogs
12" x 10"	Head portraits of cats or small dogs or full body portraits of very small pets
16" x 12"	A popular choice for a single head portrait of a horse or medium to large dog, or two small animals horizontally
20" x 16"	Good for head portraits of large animals such as horses or very large dogs or full body portraits of pets

The sizes quoted on my “price list” page refer to the approximate size of the paper/board used, not the image size. All commissions are sent unframed. This reduces the cost of postage and, in my experience, people prefer to choose their own frames depending on their preference.

Which Medium
I currently work in acrylics, graphite pencil and coloured pencils. If you are unsure which medium to choose I would be happy to offer my professional advice regarding this once I have seen your photographs, as coat type/colour can often influence the medium chosen. Please see my notes on the various mediums I use.

Special Requests
I can combine two or more photographs should you wish your portrait to show more than one animal. I like to keep the background plain in my portraits so as not to detract from the subject. However, if you have any special requests concerning a background or the colours you would like, please let me know. I can also remove collars, etc. if you wish.

Payment Options
Once I have accepted your commission a 20% deposit (non-refundable) is required when you place your order, with the final balance only due on completion, after you have approved the final painting. Payment can be made through PayPal using their Email Payments option. This allows you to pay online using a credit card, bank account or PayPal balance.

Should you choose to pay this way, I will send you a PayPal invoice via email. Payment is made by clicking the link in the email making it a quick and secure method of payment.

Alternatively UK customers can pay by cheque or postal order - please make payable to Dawn Fox. Should you wish to pay by cheque or postal order, I will be happy to provide my postal address on request.

Portraits are despatched on receipt of full payment

Sending your Instructions
Once you have chosen your photographs, decided on the number of subjects you want portrayed and the size/medium required, I will ask you to send your instructions and photographs to me by email. Please also include your name, address and details of your preferred payment method. Should you wish to post you photographs to me please let me know and I will be happy to provide my postal address.

Confirming your Commission
Once I have received these I will email you to confirm whether or not your photographs are suitable for me to work from and will then confirm the cost of your portrait based on the information you provide. I will also be in a position to provide an approximate completion date.

Should you wish to proceed with the commission I will ask you to read and agree my Terms and Conditions and forward a 20% deposit (non-refundable) to confirm the commission. Once these are received I will begin your portrait.

Completion times
The time depends upon the number of commissions I am working on at the time but is usually 4 to 6 weeks. I will give an estimated completion date at the time of ordering. All portraits are completed on a first come first served basis.

Your Finished Portrait
Your satisfaction is guaranteed. While I am yet to have a dissatisfied customer, it could happen. If you do not like the finished portrait you are under no obligation to buy it. When I have finished your portrait I will email or post a scan to you for approval. Once you are happy with the completed portrait I will ask you to pay the outstanding balance and, when received, I will post your portrait to you.

Delivery
Delivery to the UK is included in the cost of your portrait (I will be happy to quote for overseas deliveries). Items will be thoroughly packed to ensure safe delivery. All UK paintings are sent by Special Delivery so a signature will be required on receipt. Please supply an appropriate delivery address. Overseas portraits are sent using Airsure.

These services electronically track their parcels and are secure and reliable. I will email you to let you know when your parcel was posted.