Life-like Pet Portraits
From Your Own Photographs!
Art With Meaning
Whether it is a a loving tribute for your furry friend that has passed, a gift for all pet owners, pet lovers everywhere, or a gift for you or someone you love who has lost their beloved pet and family member, Alexandra strives to realistically eternalize and capture the essence and personality of each finished cherished pet portrait that will last a lifetime, by hand-crafted, precise detail.
She achieves this by utilizing the most professional, highest quality pastel pencils and acrylic paints, on the best surfaces, to reflect every feature that is needed to immortalize and bring all of your precious pets to life.
If you're interested in commissioning a custom portrait of your own pet or a gift for someone else, you're in the right place!
Please feel free to read everything over that is provided below for more information, or contact the artist to get started!
How To Order:
What is the process like?
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Fill out a contact form listed here:
The link will take you to a new window.
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-One of the most important steps in commissioning your portrait is choosing a quality reference photo. In Alexandra's words, "since I mainly work directly from photographic references provided by you, it is crucial to choose one with the highest resolution possible. The more detail available in the reference photo, the more accurate and realistic your portrait will be!"
-Take a look below, in the "Choosing The Perfect Reference Photo" section. You will find more details and learn tips on how to capture the perfect photographs.
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-After all of the information from you in your contact form had been received and reviewed, and had decided together on the perfect reference images, it will then be possible to provide you with an approximate timeframe of when it'll begin, and an estimated time it will take to complete.
-If you would like to move forward with Alexandra as your artist and secure your commission slot, it is required to send a 50% deposit on the commission. Portraits are drawn in order of deposit paid, not order of when the original commission request form was received. The commission can't begin until the deposit is paid. Deposits are non-refundable once Alexandra starts working on your portrait.
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-Once your portrait is complete and you are 100% happy with it, the final balance of the commission will be due.
-After total payment is received, It will then be shipped to you very carefully & professionally well-packed, via USPS or UPS for a slight additional fee based off of your location & size of the finished artwork.
-Payments are accepted via Venmo, CashApp, PayPal, bank transfer such as Zelle, or with a check made out to AMazzola Heartsome Creations.
It All Starts with a Photograph.
“Taking Pictures is savoring life intensely, every hundredth of a second.” -Marc Riboud
Choosing the Perfect Reference Photo
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-One taken in natural light, with no direct sunlight, sun glares or flash. -Up close, without zooming in, having both the head and neck in the shot. -Detail should be as clear as possible, even after zooming in to the image. ***It is understood that sometimes, it is hard to have the perfect photograph available, so in those situations, it can be worked out! You do NOT need to have a perfect professional image for it to accurately portray your pet. ***The artist is always willing to work with you, so if you are unsure or need any more advice, she will be there to help guide you every step of the way, so do not hesitate to ask!
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***These Could Result In An Inaccurate Depiction Of The Subject:
-Poorly lit- Blends into background- Slightly or very blurred- Taken from a significant distance
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-When creating a portrait, one photograph is typically worked from, however, multiple photographs can be sent to ensure all fine details and personalities are captured.
-If you want more than one pet in the final portrait, but do not have them all together in one photograph, separate images of the subjects can be merged together for a final portrait of all subjects in one.
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-Try holding a treat by your camera!! This is a great way of grabbing their attention, if they won't sit still.
-If your dog is smarter than that and still remains “camera shy”…try looking up & playing sounds that make a dogs head tilt on YouTube!
-If none of these work, try using their favorite words, such as “want a treat?”, or “do you want to go for a walk?” (Obviously I am not encouraging you to tease your dog, as that is not very nice!! :)…..)
Commission Price List
*IMPORTANT INFORMATION*
All Prices ARE Negotiable and Willing To Be Worked With For The Perfect Price That Fits Your Budget..
Final pricing subject to change based on personal preferences and requests.
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“Saxon, The Mountain Dog”
12'“x12” Acrylic Painting on Canvas
“Queso”
Wooden Ornament Portrait
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4x6 in.- $65
5.5x8.5 in.-$95
6x8 in.-$115
7x9.5in.- $190
9x12 in.- $200
9.5x12 in.- $225
11x14 in.- $250
12x15.5 in.-$350
20x28 in.- $600
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4x4 in.- $20
5x5 in.- $40
5x7 in.- $50
8x8 in.- $60
8x10 in.- $100
10x10 in.- $120
9x12 in.- $140
12x12 in.- $215
11x14 in.- $240
12x16 in.- $240
16x20 in.- $350
18x24 in. -$380
20x20 in. $370
30x40in.- $460
36x48 in.- $490
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4x6 in.- $30
5.5x8.5 in.-$45
6x8 in.- $50
7x9 in.- $80
8x10 in.-100
9x12 in.- $115
11x14 in.- $180
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-Approximately 3" diameter and up: starting at $65
-Can be a wooden ornament, or a wooden plaque
-Contact for a direct quote!
Side-By-Side Examples
Additional Things to Consider & Other Helpful Information
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***If portrait contains more than one subject, additional pricing rates apply. ***
-For two subjects & up, sizing recommendation starts at 11x14in. for Pastel Pencil Portraits, however, whatever is most preferred. For Acrylic Painting, 10x10 in. or 11x14 in.
-This is to ensure that I am able to 100% fit every detail to accurately portray your pets!
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-Please note that pricing will vary depending on whether you request a full or partial body and head, or only head and neck.
-Prices also vary based on background chosen: this is determined from the simplicity or complexity of the background requests.
-The price list are for un-framed portraits: Frames are not provided, however, if you request it to come custom-framed, an additional rate to cover the cost of the frame will also be required.
-If you want a custom size or variation that is not listed, just contact the artist and be sure to provide her with that information, so the correct size will be made prior to starting.
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-Once started, each portrait can take 2-3 full days of work to complete, depending on complexity of the breed (coat pattern, fur length, etc.), along with the portrait size and background.
-Sometimes the estimated timeframe until completion could be up to around two weeks total on average. Larger portraits that include breeds with those complex patterned and lengthy coats, or commissions including more than one subject will all naturally take longer.
-If it is a gift and you need it by a certain date, something can be worked out!
-Throughout the entire process, update photographs and videos are sent, to ensure any changes requested by the customer are met, resulting in 100% customer satisfaction in the end. Along with this, the customer gets to see their portrait truly come to life!
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***Applies Only to Acrylic Paintings on Canvas & Pastel and Charcoal Pencil Drawings on paper****
-Your portrait will be painted or drawn in soft pastels, pastel pencils, charcoal pencils, or Acrylic paint. If on paper, it will need to be mounted and framed behind glass to provide the best protection that will help preserve it for a lifetime.
-For best results, it is important to work with a professional framer. This will help the artwork’s protection & enhancement due to the frame chosen specifically by them.
***Important thing to consider***
-Picture frames that are cheap do not use the best backing boards and mounts that usually have natural acids which can damage artwork over time, causing discoloration due to absorbing into the paper. Framers that are professional will use acid-free, professional materials to preserve your artwork.
****Only applies to Pastel or Charcoal drawings****
-Fixative spray will not be applied, so it’s important to let your framer be aware that your portrait is one that is "unfixed". Make sure to request a “gutter mount” in this case, as they are perfect for these types of works.
-Once framing is all set, the next step would be to figure out the best place to hang or display it.
***Suggestions for hanging ALL portrait artwork, including canvases***
-Try your best not to display it in direct sunlight to avoid any chances of it fading over time.
-For pastel & charcoal drawings especially, make sure to display in a room without excessive humidity: examples include kitchens or bathrooms, and lastly, avoid placing above or close to any form of heat such as a fireplace, which could these works of art to warp.