Woof!

I can’t even begin to describe how much joy my pets have brought to my life. Who else will listen to me sing terribly, endure my ridiculous pet names, and not judge me when I watch a little too much Netflix? 

When asked to create a pet portrait, I jump at the opportunity! It's such an honor. I love learning about everyone’s relationships to their furry friends. Read on to learn how I make these portraits and what you can expect from me as far as size, cost, and timeline are concerned.

✨Availability✨

To learn when I’m available to start your project, please check out my availability status on the contact page.

Portrait Portfolio

Here are a few portraits I’ve done in the past. Mostly doggos! I’d love to add more cats or an exotic pet to my portfolio. I mean come on, check out this adorable pet fox and this beautiful leaf tailed gecko — I need to paint them!

Materials & Style

All pet portraits are hand drawn and painted using watercolor. I will focus on your pet’s head leaving the background simple and off-white (the color of the watercolor paper). If you are looking for something a little different than the ones shared here, let me know when you reach out and I’d be happy to discuss options with you.

 

Framing

I’m happy to frame your pet portrait if you like. This way it is ready to hang as soon as you get it! To learn more about how I frame my work, check this out.

 

Size & Cost

Pet portraits start at $300. I work small and detailed, the largest size I offer is 11” x 14”. Below is a list of the sizes I offer and their associated cost unframed and framed:

- 7" x 7" for $300 (unframed)
- 7" x 7" for $400 (framed)
- 8" x 10" for $425 (unframed)
- 8" x 10" for $550 (framed)
- 11" x 14" for $550 (unframed)
- 11" x 14" for $700 (framed)

Double portrait note: if you are interested in two pets in a single painting, the price will be more than those listed above.

Size note: depending on the direction of your portrait, I may suggest a different size that will still align with these costs. For example, instead of a 7” x 7” I may recommend a 6” x 8” for the same $300 cost.

 

Payment Details

I ask for 50% upfront to secure the time on my calendar and 50% upon completion of the project.

Venmo is my preferred payment method, my handle is @chloejanegray. If you need to pay another way let me know and I can share a few other options with you.

Local Pickup or Shipping

If you live in Austin we will organize a time for you to pick up your portrait from my studio when it is complete.

If you need me to ship your painting, I’d be happy to pack it up safely and insure it but I ask that you cover the cost of postage. This additional cost could range between $15-$30 for domestic shipping depending on the size of your portrait. I ship via USPS.

 

Process

The first step is to email me at hello@chloegray.studio with a short and sweet email letting me know you are interested in a pet portrait. A single line will do! I’ll respond with a link to a form so I can collect all the details.

I’ll ask you to tell me all about your pet and to share a bunch of images with me (around 8-12). Send me a mix of photos to get to know your pet. I love seeing their personalities shine through the photos! Be sure to send a handful that are at eye level with your pet, those work the best for portraits. See examples below of photos I’ve worked from in the past for inspiration!

From there I’ll review the images and pick one or two to work from.

If you agree with the direction, I’ll make a sketch.

I offer 2 rounds of minor revisions to the sketch. Revisions beyond the 2nd incur a fee of $30 each. If your feedback requires an entire new sketch, it’ll be an additional $50.

Once you approve the sketch I’ll start painting the final portrait. There’s no turning back from here. I can’t make edits to a painting once I’ve started it. It is very important that you really feel good about the direction of the sketch before I begin the final.

If you want me to frame your piece, I’ll pitch you ideas for frame and mat color combinations while I work on the final painting. Once you approve the direction for your frame I'll order the supplies! 

When the painting is complete (and framed if requested), I’ll ask for the final payment and we’ll discuss how to get the painting to you. 

Hang and enjoy!

Turnaround

So, when will it be done? That can vary on a few things! What is your deadline? What is my workload? Are you asking near the holidays? I’ll be able to give you a clear idea of what to expect when you reach out.

Pet portraits take me about 4-6 weeks to complete. Add on a week or two if you need the painting shipped. Generally speaking, if you commission a portrait two months in advance of when you need it, that would be great!

If your pet portrait is going to be a Christmas gift, know that I stop taking requests after November 1st.

Ready to get started?

Email me at hello@chloegray.studio with a short and sweet email letting me know you are interested in a pet portrait. A single line will do! I’ll respond with a link to a form so I can collect all the details.

PS & Just Because

Here's some photos of my doggos. They are both Shetland Sheepdogs. River (on the left) is our guard boy, protects everyone from all possible intruders, squirrels, and odd sounds. He feels under appreciated for his hard work. Gully (on the right) is a pro snuggler who doesn't understand why we won't let her be fat. I love them so much!