How does the process work?Asset 1

Commissioning your own one of a kind pet portrait is easy!

You select a size and finishing options, then answer a few questions about your pet. You upload 1-5 of your favourite photos of your pet, and proceed to checkout. Enter your billing and shipping information and place your order.

Then, in 2-4 weeks, using the answers you’ve given and the photos you’ve sent, a professional artist prepares a new panel and paints a custom portrait, by hand, just for you. When it’s finished, the painting is hand labeled and stamped for authenticity before being wrapped up for delivery.

Before you know it, your new portrait arrives, ready to be hung and enjoyed for years to come!

What sizes are available?Asset 1

Our portraits are painted on square wooden panels. All panels measure 2 and 5/8 inches deep, offered in four sizes:

12″ x 12″

16″ x 16″

20″ x 20″

24″ x 24″

The square format is a signature element of our portraits but we do accept custom commissions. If you have an idea for a custom piece, email us: [email protected]

How much do the portraits cost?Asset 1

Our gallery quality portraits are hand painted by a professional artist, custom made just for you. They are an enduring symbol of the love you have for your pet, capturing their life and personality in a one of a kind work of art.

We use professional quality materials and prepare every panel for maximum archival life. Your portrait will never dull, fade or deteriorate. Optional edge finishing and framing are available for additional cost. Prices listed do not include applicable taxes or shipping.

Pacific Pet Portrait Prices

12″ x 12″ – $250
16″ x 16″- $350
20″ x 20″- $450
24″ x 24″ – $550

How long does it take to paint my pet's portrait?Asset 1

It normally takes between 2 and 4 weeks to complete your portrait, depending on how many other orders we have. Rush orders are available for an additional fee under certain circumstances. Please email us at [email protected] for more information.

What makes a good reference photo?Asset 1

Our portraits are painted using the photographs you send us as reference, which means the better your photo is, the better your painting will be.

So what makes a good reference photo for a portrait? There’s a few things that are important:

FACE – Make sure you send us a photo that focuses on your pet’s facial features. An image where you can see their eyes and they have a familiar expression.

LIGHT – A nice balance of light and shadow make for more interesting portraits. An image that is too dark or too light will be missing important details.

DETAIL – Focus and clarity are important. The more information there is in the photo, the more the artist has to work with. If a photo is too blurry or unclear, we will not be able to use it.

Here are a few examples of good reference photos.

With all that in mind, don’t worry too much, your photos do not have to be perfect. If you’re not sure if your photos will work, just email them to us. We’ll take a look and let you know if they’ll work for a portrait. [email protected]

Can I bring my dog to the studio to sit for a portrait?Asset 1

Sorry, but no. We love animals and love to have them around, but they are not usually very good at holding a pose 🙂

We only paint portraits using the photographic reference you send us.

What kind of paints and mediums do you use?Asset 1

We use Golden® artist quality colours, mediums, gesso, and UV protective varnish. Top quality supplies ensure your portrait never dulls, fades or deteriorates. For more information about Golden® supplies, visit goldenpaints.com

What are the portraits painted on?Asset 1

We use wooden panels as the support for our paintings.

Designed and built in Canada, the panel is constructed by mounting eighth inch thick birch plywood on to a two and a half inch deep basswood cradle.

Each panel is carefully prepared, primed and finished for maximum archival life.

Should I frame my portrait? What kind of frames do you have?Asset 1

We offer solid wood frames that are made in Canada, and feature a smooth satin finish in either black or white.

The unique front-loading design of our frames encase the painting without covering anything, displayed it edge to edge.

Properly framed, your portrait is not only protected from environmental factors, it is visually enhanced. The frame sets the painting off from the wall, creating a distinct visual space for the portrait to stand out. Match your edge finish to your frame for an even more dramatic effect.

Framing Prices*

12″ x 12″ – $50
16″ x 16″ – $65
20″ x 20″ – $80
24″ x 24″ – $95

* Frames are the same price for either black or white

Can I hang my portrait without a frame?Asset 1

Yes, you can.

Our portraits are painted on extra deep panels. The added depth gives the panels presence on the wall, making them suitable for hanging without a frame.

Every portrait comes installed with picture hanging wire, ready to put on your wall right away. We even include the hook and nail!

Will my portrait be ready to hang as soon as I get it?Asset 1

Yes, it will arrive ready to hang.

Hand labeled and stamped for authenticity, our portraits arrive ready to hang, pre-wired with brass eyelets, hook and nail.

Clear, non-slip, vinyl pads are attached to the rear facing four corners of the finished panel or frame. The pads set the painting off from the wall, protecting it from scuffs and help to keep the painting level.

Do you deliver? How much is shipping?Asset 1

We are located in Coquitlam B.C. and will happily deliver your new portrait anywhere in the Lower Mainland, no charge! You can also arrange to pick up your painting at our studio, just let us know.

Shipping within Canada is provided via Canada Post, with tracking number, insurance and signature release included. Here are the regular service (2-10 days) rates for shipping within Canada:

Shipping Rates

12″ x 12″ – $45
16″ x 16″ – $50
20″ x 20″ – $55
24″ x 24″ – $60

If you live outside of Canada,  not to worry. We can ship to the US and Internationally, please contact us at [email protected] for a shipping quote to your location.

How is the portrait prepared for delivery?Asset 1

When then painting is complete and ready to deliver, we place a dense foam panel over the face of the painting and wrap it in heavyweight paper. If the painting is being shipped via Canada Post, the wrapped painting is then sealed in a plastic wrap and protected by corner blocking and bubble wrap inside a robust shipping carton.

Can I have coloured edges on my portrait?Asset 1

Yes! Selecting an edge colour is a nice option if you do not plan to frame your portrait.

Natural wood is the default finish, but for an additional $20 we offer the option to colour your edges either black or white. The colours finish the wood while allowing the natural grain to show through.

Can I request a custom size or shape?Asset 1

You sure can!

We can make a portrait that is just the right size for you. Send an email to [email protected] with your idea and we will put together an estimate for you. While we would love to be able to please everyone and accommodate every request, we reserve the right to decline any request at the artist’s discretion.

Can you include my pet's favourite toy? What about specific colours?Asset 1

We are happy to listen to special requests such as specific colours or including a special blanket or toy. While we would love to be able to please everyone and accommodate every request, we reserve the right to decline any request at the artist’s discretion.

Are these paintings real, original artwork or were they made by a computer somehow?Asset 1

Pacific Pet Portraits are real, original pieces of art, hand painted by a professional artist. No digital or printing processes are used in their creation. Every panel is prepped, primed, painted, finished and framed by hand with love, just for you.

Who paints the portraits?Asset 1

Our portraits are hand made by a professionally trained artist with over 20 years of experience working out of the studio in Coquitlam BC.