Custom Pet Portrait FAQs
The Work
Who makes my pet portrait? Every portrait is handmade by me, Silvana Varriale. My work is rooted in a lifelong love for animals. I always start from the eyes. They become my guide, leading my hand through the entire process until the portrait is complete. It may sound unusual, but it is a feeling I have learned to trust. I strive to deliver a portrait where their soul is looking right back at you. Because I feel them while I paint them.
What type of pet portraits do you offer? My portraits are fine art commissions. I take my time to work on every single one of them and focus on one commission at a time. Every piece is hand-drawn or hand-painted by me using professional-grade materials. If you are looking for a polished, museum-quality keepsake rather than a quick turnaround product, you are in the right place. Here there is no room for AI generated images, no digital shortcuts, no reproductions, ever. Traditional, slowly made.
What type of materials do you use? For my watercolors, I work on 100% cotton, mould-made paper that is gelatin-sized to the core. I use extra-fine paints made from natural minerals and earth pigments. For my drawings, I work on acid-free, 114 gsm paper for graphite and a heavier 160 gsm paper for white pencil on black. These materials are selected for their professional texture and the way they physically hold the depth of the pigment.
How does booking a pet portrait work? My process is designed to be straightforward and transparent from start to finish.
- You browse the available techniques and sizes on the Pet Portrait Commission page, select your options, and complete your booking directly on this website. Shop Pay installments are available if you prefer to spread the cost.
- You complete your booking with payment.
- Once payment is confirmed, you will receive an email with a link to a form submit your pet's photos and commission details. This is a compulsory step to ensure I have all the information I need and your reference photos to start work on your pet portrait. It also confirms the commission agreement details. I will be in touch within 1-2 business days to confirm we are aligned on every detail before work begins.
- I create and send you a sketch and color palette for your approval before any painting begins.
- After your approval, I begin the final portrait. I send you progress photos along the way (or not, if you want to be surprised with the result!)
- Once complete, I send you detailed photographs of the finished work for your final approval. You have 5 business days to approve or reject in writing.
- If you are satisfied, your portrait ships with a signed Certificate of Authenticity. If you are not, you receive a full refund minus a 50% non-refundable fee to cover my time and material used. The artwork stays with me and I retain the right to display or sell it.
- If you do not respond within 5 business days, the portrait is considered approved and will ship. No refund will be processed after the item has been shipped to you.
How do I secure my commission?
Full payment is made directly through the listings on this website. Shop Pay installments are available if you prefer to spread the cost.
- Once payment is confirmed, your spot is secured.
- You will then receive a link by email to submit your pet's photos and commission details.
- No work begins before your form is submitted and your reference photos are confirmed as suitable.
Why do you need high-quality reference photos for my pet's portrait? High-quality photos are the foundation of my work. They allow me to observe the fine details: the light in their eyes, the texture of their fur, and the specific expressions that make them unique. Together, we will select the best reference to ensure your portrait is a true reflection of the pet you know best.
What do you mean by “high-quality reference photos”? You don’t need an expensive camera, a good mobile phone will do! Photos should be:
- Well-lit and contrasted: good balance between highlights and shadows. Natural light is preferable but flash works great for white pencil on black paper portraits.
- Eyes visible & in focus: because that's where their unique spark lives.
- No pixelation/blurriness: facial features must be clearly visible.
- Unobstructed: no filters or objects blocking your pet.
Check the photo guide page for visual guidance.
Why these guidelines? My realistic work style relies on precise observation; when a photo is clear, I can find the small, familiar details that make a portrait recognizable. High-quality references ensure that my time and your investment result in a piece that truly looks like them.
What if I don’t have good photos and my pet has sadly passed?
For pets who have passed, I understand that your photos are precious and sometimes limited. I will never turn you away simply because a photo isn’t perfect; however, please understand that the "brilliance" and level of detail in the final portrait will depend on the quality of the reference you provide.
Pricing & Progress
How much does a portrait cost?
- GRAPHITE (gray pencil, white paper) 9"x12": $150 | 10"x14": $170 | 12"x16": $200
- WHITE PENCIL (on black paper) 9"x12": $185 | 10"x14": $210 | 12"x16": $245
- WATERCOLOR (multi color) 9"x12": $200 | 10"x14": $225 | 12"x16": $260
Personalization options:
- Additional pets: +$20 per extra animal
- Full body instead of face & shoulders: +$15
- Detailed background: +$35
Full payment is made at booking. If the finished portrait does not meet your expectations within the 5-day review window, you receive a complete refund, minus a 50% non-refundable fee to cover my time and material used. The artwork stays with me.
How is pricing determined? Some techniques require more time and materials to complete, increasing the cost.
If you are unsure what fits your budget, get in touch before booking - I am happy to help you choose the right option.
How will I know how the portrait is coming along? I’ll send progress photos along the way. You can decide how often along the way you want to get updates. Just email me and I'll be happy to keep you up to speed.
What if I am not happy with the finished portrait? My goal is a portrait you will
want to live with. Once complete, I will send you detailed photographs of the finished work for approval. You have 5 business days to approve or reject in writing. If the portrait does not meet your expectations, I will refund your payment in full minus a 50% non-refundable fee to cover my time and material used. The artwork stays with me and I retain the right to display or sell it. If you do not respond within 5 business days, the portrait is considered approved and will ship. No refund will be processed after the item has been shipped to you. For full details see my Refund Policy.
Care & Preservation
How do I protect the artwork? To preserve the vibrancy of the pigments and the integrity of the paper, it is essential to display your piece away from direct sunlight and intense heat sources. UV rays and temperature shifts can cause pigments to shift or paper to age prematurely. For maximum protection, I recommend using UV-protective glass when framing.
Do you provide a Certificate of Authenticity? Yes. Every original commission is accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity. This document confirms the work originates from my studio and details the materials used, such as the 100% cotton, mould-made paper or the extra-fine mineral pigments. This certificate serves as a record of your pet's portrait as a unique piece of original artwork.
Timeline & Policies
How soon will you start working? I begin as soon as we agree on the pet photos to use as a reference. From January to September, I recommend reaching out at least a month in advance. During busier seasons like October–December, two months ahead is best.
How do you select pet portrait projects? Strictly on a first come, first served basis to ensure equal treatment.
How long does completion take? Turnaround time is between 2 and 4 business weeks, depending on size, style, and complexity. The clock starts ticking once I send you the Project Start confirmation email.
Can I request changes? One round of minor revisions is included. Major changes afterward require a new agreement. This is because the art techniques (watercolor, graphite pencil, white pencil) I use don’t allow erasing without compromising the finished piece.
Can I share the portrait on social media? Yes! Please credit me by tagging or mentioning my name or website. You are asked not to share the work-in-progress photos I'll be sending you, as doing so will result in termination of the project and no possibility to get any refund.
Can I return the portrait?
Each portrait is custom-made for you and your pet. However, if the finished work does not meet your expectations and you communicate it to me within the 5-day review window after you receive photos of complete work, you are entitled to a full refund minus a 50% non-refundable fee to cover my time and material used. The artwork stays with me. No refund will be processed after the item has been approved by you or shipped to you.
Gifting & Shipping
Can I give the portrait as a gift? Absolutely! You can add the recipient's details at checkout and confirm them on the form (the addresses must be a perfect match, please, no changes in the form).
Keep in mind that turnaround is 2-4 business weeks, so plan accordingly if you have a specific date in mind. Reaching out early is always a good idea.
Will you gift-wrap it? While I don't offer external 'gift wrap,' the unboxing experience is curated to be impeccable.
What if I need the portrait done very quickly? I don’t accept rush orders, as I believe quality requires time. If you need faster service, I may not be the right fit.
What if I want expedited shipping? My portraits ship free with standard or express shipping (depending on your due date). If you need next-day delivery, please contact me. Shipping fees for next day delivery will apply.
Do you ship internationally? At the moment I ship to the U.S. only.
What if my portrait arrives damaged? I package every piece carefully to protect it in transit. If your portrait arrives damaged, photograph both the packaging and the artwork immediately and contact me - I will work with you to find a resolution. For more information, see my Return & Refund Policy.
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Visit the Pet Portrait Main Page to view the pet gallery, pricing, choose your technique and size, and place your order.
Ready to dive right in? Choose your pet portrait options.
Have questions first? Get in touch.
Please, read the Legal Notice for Pet Portrait commissions to ensure you have all the information you need about the process.