How to Start a Business Painting Pet Portraits
Cat, Dog, Horse Paintings from Photos can be Lucrative and Fun
Oct 6, 2009
Due to the nature of pet portraiture, most custom pet portraits are painted from photos. Obviously, live sittings are not practical unless the animal is asleep. Artists paint dog portraits, cat portraits etc. from a favorite photo submitted by a client. The photo should be as detailed and clear as possible for the artist.
A fine arts degree may not be called for, although this would certainly add to a pet artist's credentials. A prospective client will ask to see a portfolio of work completed so far and may ask for references.
What can a Pet Artist Expect to Earn?
A professional pet artist can command fees of $250 for a 11" x 14" head portrait in pastels to as much as $4000 for a 20" x 24" painting done in oils, with three subjects in the painting. Pricing also depends on the kind of background the client desires in the portrait and whether the painting comes framed or unframed.
How to get Started Painting Pet Portraits
A basic course would be suitable for complete beginners and intermediate artists. Look for a practical but intensive course with enough information to continue practicing at home.
According to Gatlin Education Services, the more advanced fine arts course would include:
- Drawing: concepts of line, perspective, composition and form.
- Digital photography: the student learns the fundamentals of lighting, perspective, indoor and outdoor location shoots, portrait and commercial shots.
- Art history: this helps the student how to identify mediums, materials and techniques of famous artists
- Painting: learning traditional approach to oil painting, that is, how to mix paints correctly and a guide to approach oil painting from preparatory sketches to the finished product, plus the correct use of solvents.
- Watercolors: A module that teaches traditional watercolor techniques, including washes, glazes, scumbles and an exploration of watercolor's unique properties.
For the potential pet artist who really wants to learn everything there is to know about fine arts, a fine arts degree is usually a four year full time course. There are colleges that offer correspondence courses, but certain workshops will have to be attended in person.
The old adage “Practice makes Perfect” is really very true in the art world. Some artists suggest practicing at least a sketch or two every day. Artist Rolene Yateman, a South African artist, says that “The more you draw and paint, the more naturally it will come. There are always times of frustration, but your eye becomes trained to look at light, tone and color in nearly everything you look at.”
Deciding on a Medium
Most artists begin with charcoal sketches or pen and ink drawings. The only way to decide on a preferred medium is to practice and experiment with a variety of mediums, starting with simple pencil sketches and migrating to acrylics, pastels and oils.
A client may request a pet portrait in a specific medium such as oils, but the preferred medium really is the domain of the artist. A professional pet portrait artist may be able to migrate comfortably between different mediums but certain artists will only stick to one or two mediums.
How Long does it Take to Complete a Portrait?
According to Melanie Phillips, a full time UK artist who paints dogs, cats and horses for clients worldwide, a portrait in oils will take between three days to two weeks to complete, depending on the size, background involved, breed of dog and quality of the photo that the client has submitted.
Tips on the Business Side of Pet Portraits
- Ask for a non-refundable deposit before commencing a portrait. Many artists ask for 30% of the total cost. Show the client the work in progress, either by uploading photos onto the Internet or by inviting him or her to pop into the studio if they want, to ensure they are satisfied.
- Do not post or give the finished product to the client until the remainder of the funds have been transferred to the artist's bank account. Most artists work this way, and it saves considerable time and effort trying to recover debts further down the line.
- Initially, advertising may be necessary until work comes in, such as arranging exhibitions and setting up a website portfolio with contact details. Carry a portfolio of work and business cards around to show to potential clients.
- Diversify if possible. Clients are all different, some love classic portraiture, others like pop art or an impressionist style. If it is within the artist's ability, a diverse portfolio will add to the possibility of attracting additional clients.
More Articles on Small Business Ideas that may Interest the Reader:
How to Succeed with a Pet Photography Business
How to Start a Pet Sitter Business
Small Business Debt Collection
Sources:
jack-hand.com, Art Prices, information retrieved on 6 October 2009
gaitlineducationservices.com, information retrieved on 6 October 2009
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