Graphite Pet Portraits

I am a professional artist living in central Florida.  I create portraits from your best photos.  I use quality graphite pencils and premium grade, heavy weight paper, which is then sprayed with a fixative to avoid smudging and mailed in sturdy cardboard packaging ready for your favorite mat or frame, (mats and frames 

currently not included).

Feel free to view my pencil portraits gallery to see previous work  and read testimonials from previous recipients.

 If you are looking for a hand-drawn pencil portrait of one of your 

furry, fluffy, feathery or scaly friends, 

I would be happy to help!  

PRICES AND SIZES 

(for head and shoulders of one pet)

5” x 7” (13 x 18 cm) image size: $100

 **Extra: $20

8” x 10” (20 x 25 cm) image size: $150 

**Extra: $40

9” x 12” (23 x 30 cm) image size:  $200 

**Extra: $50

11” x 14” (28 x 36 cm) image size: $250 

**Extra: $70

**Extra: Additional subject, full body, background, or watercolor wash. A larger size may be necessary for additional subjects or complex pictures.

 Please email me your best photographs, (see HOW TO TAKE 

THE BEST PHOTO below), 

at lmmportrait@gmail.com with your name and selection. I would also like your pet’s name(s) and your ideas! We will confirm the order together prior to payment.  Payment of $50 holds your spot for completion. 

I just added gift certificates!  If you want to give a beautiful portrait, but are afraid that you don't have the best picture, let them choose their favorite!

Payment accepted through Paypal, Zelle, check or cash.

 I look forward to drawing for you!

When drawing a pet portrait, the final portrait is best with details!! I want my portrait to look realistic but like a drawing, not something that you can get off of a computer.

For a head and shoulders portrait, fill the screen of your camera with a close-up. Do not use the zoom feature; the picture will be of lower quality. For a full body portrait, be sure to include the whole body, so I’m not trying to figure out what the tail looks like! Try to take a picture that shows me their unique character. Having someone nearby with a treat or toy can work out well.  

Light is your friend! If you can, take the photo outside with beautiful natural lighting. If not, try inside near a window or using the brightest light possible.  

Take a picture on their level! I love to see their eyes. If you are able, kneel down for that special picture. Another option for the little ones is to place them up on a stable surface. Include what you want in the portrait: tack for horses, special collars or kerchiefs. If you don’t want it, please remove it safely for the photos so that I don’t have to guess at what might be underneath.

When you send the photos, avoid screen shots or Facebook photos; they are already downsized and have poor resolution for portraits. Do not downsize! Send the “original”. If it is too large for my email, we can use another method.  

I welcome multiple photos. Our pets don’t always sit still, and I can find details in another photo. I can put two pets together from different photos, but I will need several photos that have the two side by side for size and color comparisons. Extra photos of your pet in different situations can help me to get to know them!

  I am able to complete most portraits in less than 2 weeks; however,  I do have a waiting list.   I am currently taking commissions for completion in January.  If I have any cancellations, I will let you know as soon as possible, beginning with the first name on the list!  

I do have gift certificates available, (for a wonderful Christmas gift!).  You can choose either a monetary amount or pay fully for a particular size portrait.  Certificates are good for a year.  If you purchase a certificate for the portrait and send me a good quality photograph with your payment, you will be next on the list!  

I also have kept space open for a portrait obtained through a raffle supporting Mental Health month.  NAMIGO, (National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Orlando), will draw winners of the "Never Give Up Hope 2020" raffle at the end of October.

As always, your satisfaction is guaranteed.  We communicate prior to the start of the portrait, and you will receive pictures of my "work in progress" for any comments or suggestions.

Thank you for your support! 

Q:  I'm ordering a memorial portrait as a surprise, and I only have their poor resolution picture.  What should I do?

A:  Please contact me so that I can see the picture.  It may take longer and need additional photos to accurately depict the pet.  

As a last resort, send them a gift certificate with a lovely note!

Q:  How much time do I need to allow 

for shipment?

A:  Portraits have been delivered in Florida in 3-5 days, out of state allow a few days longer.  I had one get stuck in a metropolitan postal facility for over a month during the height of the COVID pandemic there!  Allow a 2-4 weeks for international delivery. 

 I use tracking, and can include your email if you wish to be notified of exact delivery.  

Q:  Can I have it shipped 

directly to the recipient?

A:  Absolutely!  Although it is fun to watch them open the gift, we can't always be face-to-face.  I will send it to whatever address you submit.