Animal Portraits by Vicki Jackson

What special qualities does pastel have?
Pastel is my favourite medium for rendering the beautiful textures and softness of animals. Clients often remark that they want to touch the soft coat of the animal in the painting.

As a painting medium, soft pastels have the purest form of pigment and are also regarded as the most permanent. Pastel paintings done by Rosalba Carriera during the 17th Century hanging in mildew-laden Venice, Italy, are still as fresh and vibrant as the day they were painted. The beauty of Pastels unlike other media is that their colour brilliance is very resilient over time, as long as the surface is protected. If properly framed, your pastel can last indefinitely.

What kind of photos of my pet do you require?
Please post me prints that are 10 x 15cm (4" x 6") or larger, or email me high-resolution jpegs at 200-300 dpi. Photos should be sharp, clear and close-up, with good colour accuracy and lighting. Please send me a photo of your pet in a favourite pose as the main painting reference, and ideally a few more different shots that will give me a good impression of its features.
For tips on taking photos of your pet: click here

Can you do a portrait of my dog who passed away? I’m not sure if the photos are ok?
I paint many pets that are in loving memory. I always ask to see the photos first, before I can confirm if they are suitable for me to work from. Ideally they should be clear, close-up shots.

Will I have my photos returned?
Yes, I take great care of your photos and they will be returned to you with the finished Portrait.

I would like to have a group portrait of all my pets. Can you do it from separate photos?
Yes, if the photos of all your pets are suitable. There should be more detail to work from. If I am not meeting your pets and taking my own photographs, I will need to know their size relationship.

Can I give you photos that have been taken by a professional photographer?
You need to contact the photographer and ask for his/her permission. Otherwise it would be a breach of copyright.

How long will it take for you to complete my pet’s portrait?
Depending on workload, the delivery period is approximately four weeks. You will be advised of the expected delivery date once order details are confirmed. If you have a special date request at short notice, such as a birthday, every effort will be made to meet your request. Christmas is the busiest period so please place your order as soon as possible, preferably by early October.

What if I’m not happy with my pet’s portrait?
Rest assured. I will send you a preview of the finished Portrait for you to approve, prior to purchase. I am happy to make any amendments if required. Only when you are completely happy with the finished artwork, is payment due.

How do I order?
Please submit the initial enquiry form and I will reply as soon as possible and answer any questions that you may have. We can then proceed with the order details, if you are happy to go ahead. A deposit is not required.

How do I pay?
If you are a New Zealand customer, payment can be made either by: bank transfer, cheque or by credit card via Paypal. For all overseas customers, payment can be made by credit card via Paypal.
Please do not proceed with payment until you have approved the preview of the finished portrait.

Copyright?
The rights of all artwork remain with the artist. Only the artist is legally able to reproduce any artwork in any way, unless specific approval in writing is granted.