COMMISSION PROCESS + PRICING

For Pet Portraits, read below and click “Contact” at the bottom of this page.

To inquire about my other artwork or event installations click PatriceDonnellArt@gmail.com

YOUR SCULPTURE COMMISSION PROCESS

I am dedicated to capturing the distinct image of your pet and their beloved spirit. They’re your treasured fur-babies! After receiving your email, I’ll be in touch to discuss your pet’s personality and the best pose to reflect it, then offer an estimate. Following your deposit I sketch my vision for your sculpture, inspired by your photos, videos and stories.

I build the armature with aluminum and steel wire, and sculpt with professional-grade polymer clay. I’m committed to excellence at every step, so will update you with photos to ensure happiness with your final piece. After your sculpture is baked, I hand paint it with acrylics in full color (a faux bronze patina is optional) and give your cherished portrait a protective varnish. My aim is that your pet’s portrait will bring joy and sweet memories for years to come, every time you see it.

Above is the beginning of Bumpy’s sculpture. After building the armature, I usually mold the head before completing the body. My sculpting and painting process is meticulous and takes at least 200 hours over a span of two to four months - but rush portraits are possible. Below, Bumpy is finished, and I’m applying his final protective varnish.

PRICING

Most full body sculptures measure approx. 10” from tip of nose to start of tail, and include full color acrylic painting and protective varnish. Prices are different for reclining poses and sitting poses. Larger sizes are possible in every category. See below.

10” Full Color Reclining Poses (Zeke seen above) start at $2000. 12” Full Color Reclining Poses start at $3000. Specialty bases can be created.

10” Full Color Seated Poses (seen above with Archie and Maggie) require a clay and wood base and more extensive armature, and start at $2500. 12” Full Color Seated Poses start at $3500. Optional faux-bronze patina finishes are $500 less than full color finishes.

Full Color Sculpted Busts (head & neck only) Rosie’s portrait measured approx. 5” x 4” x 4”. Prices start at $700. Larger, or life-size busts are possible. A faux-bronze patina on the bust is $200 less than full color.

Specialty Bronze Cast and Outdoor Sculptures: Bronze, Aluminum or Cement-cast portraits can be commissioned for almost any size. Above is my bronze life-size “Charlie Bear.” These Specialty invoices include cost for visiting the foundry and coordinating the mould-making and metal casting process. Note: The foundry’s technical mould and final casting costs are not included. They’re estimated for you once my clay sculpture is done, and depend on metal market values at the time. I don’t include or mark up those costs; you can pay them directly to the foundry.

SCULPTURE PAYMENTS

In the Contact email below, please include a full body photo of your pet and close-ups of their face. Tell me the size and kind of pose you’d like, and describe your pet’s personality. I’ll be in touch with you to go over important details, and can follow up with an estimate. After your 50% deposit, I send a basic sketch for your approval. Deposits are nonrefundable once I begin creating the actual piece. When your sculpture is done, you’ll send the remaining amount, including any further approved costs like packing, shipping and insurance.

YOUR PET DRAWING / PET PAINTING PROCESS

Please send photos of your pet’s face, a full body portrait, or a mix of both, and we’ll discuss your vision and estimate. After your 50% deposit I’ll email a preliminary sketch for your approval.

I work with artist grade pencils and pigment light-fast oil pastels on 100% acid-free archival paper. (See Lacey’s pastel above.) I never photoshop photos to look like drawings. Subtle pastel textures lend my drawings a unique sculptural quality. I send pictures in progress to ensure your happiness. Black and white drawings take about two weeks, color pastels and paintings take about three weeks from the approved preliminary sketch. Rushes are possible.

PRICING: Black + White Pastels or Pencil drawings start at $300. Color Pastels and Acrylic Paintings start at $600.

Whether pastel on paper or acrylic paint on canvas (like Ginger’s portrait) your piece will be finished with a protective fixative. Pastel portraits should always be framed with an acid-free mat and covered with acrylic or glass. I can provide professional matting and framing at additional cost. Packing/shipping is not included.

Single portraits are usually drawn on 9” x 12” paper. Two or more pets in one portrait are usually on 12” x 18” paper. Paintings are usually on 11” x 14” canvas board. Other sizes are always possible.

Thank you for your interest. Please click Contact below to ask about your pet portrait. I look forward to hearing from you, and to creating your beloved pet’s treasured portrait together!

Patrice