How to order a pet portrait

On this page, you'll find all the information you need about the process of commissioning a portrait with Gemma Nolan Art, including the ordering process, time-frames and how to choose a good photograph.

For pricing and delivery information, please click here.

1. Choose your style

Have a look through Gemma's pet portrait gallery and Instagram account and decide what kind of style is right for you. As standard, most of of these portraits are done in pencil, either coloured or black and white, with a highly photo-realistic style.

There are other examples of work in different mediums such as charcoal, pen and ink, and acrylic paint. Please contact directly if you are interested in commissioning a portrait in a non-standard medium.

Backgrounds are generally not included as standard, however these can be added (subject to surcharge).

2. Pricing

Please see Gemma's pricelist here for a rough idea of costings for both black and white, and coloured pencil portraits in a range of sizes.

Pricing is job-specific and will depend on the level of detail, number of subjects and the time-frame in which you require the artwork, so please don't hesitate to contact directly for a more accurate quote.

3. Get in touch

Once you've decided on the kind of portrait you'd like, please get in touch with as much detail as possible (size, number of subjects, medium, timeframe, relevant additional info) including any reference photo(s) - more info on good reference photos can be found below.

You can contact me via the online form here, via Facebook or Instagram messenger. Once a suitable reference photo has been received, and price and timescale has been agreed, I can get underway with the artwork. For pieces over £200, a 50% deposit may be requested prior to starting.

Choosing a reference photo

As I work exclusively from photos, please make sure you have a suitable reference photograph from which I can work. This should be a good-quality photo, with the subject(s) clear and in focus. See examples of good reference photos on the left.

For portraits with multiple subjects, it is preferable to use one photo which includes all subjects. In cases where this is not possible, photos may be merged using photo editing software and this may include a surcharge.

Miniature portraits (approx 2"x2") require an extremely high quality reference photo of your pet's face only. Not all reference photos will be suitable for a miniature portrait, so please get in touch if you wish to discuss this option.

4. Completion of the artwork

Depending on size and detail, portraits can take between four and six weeks, however timescales for completion will vary depending on demand, and a more accurate time-frame will be communicated when you get in touch. If you require an urgent turnaround i.e less than two weeks, this will incur a surcharge.

If you are looking to give a portrait as a Christmas present, please get in touch well in advance to secure your order in time for Christmas delivery.

Photo updates of progress can be sent to you along the way if requested, and you will be sent a watermarked image of the completed portrait before dispatch, to confirm you are happy with the finished product or to make any final tweaks.

5. Payment and postage

When you have confirmed that you are happy with the finished piece, payment of the agreed amount plus postage costs, can be made via bank transfer or cash (if collecting from the Gateshead area).

The artwork will then be posted with tracked and signed for delivery - you'll be contacted when the piece has been dispatched and provided with tracking details. Please note, artwork will not be dispatched until payment has been received.