COMMISSION PROCESS + PRICING

For Pet Portraits, read below and click “Contact” at the bottom of this page. To inquire about other artwork or event installations click PatriceDonnellArt@gmail.com

YOUR SCULPTURE COMMISSION PROCESS

I am dedicated to capturing the distinct, beloved image of your animal and their unmistakable spirit.

Once you contact me, we’ll talk about your cherished pet, and the size + pose for their sculpture. I’ll send you an estimate, and following your deposit, create a sketch of your sculpture (inspired by your photos, videos and stories) for approval. My commitment to excellence means each sculpted portrait takes up to 200 hours to create. I build the armature with aluminum and steel, and model it with professional polymer clay. Along the way, I update you with photos to ensure happiness with your final piece. After your piece is baked, I paint it with acrylics and seal it with a protective glaze. Finally, it will be sent to you with the utmost care, and your beloved pet’s portrait will be yours to treasure for all time.

Above you can see the start of Bumpy’s sculpture. After building the armature, I mold the head before completing the body. My sculpting and painting process is meticulous and takes up to 200 hours over a span of two to four months - but rush portraits are possible. Below, Bumpy’s sculpture is finished, and I’m applying the final protective varnish. You can see that I’ve captured every detail. His human, who runs a dog rescue in Westport, MA is absolutely delighted with Bumpy’s portrait.

PRICING

Full body sculptures measure 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. Smaller and larger sizes are possible in every category.

10” Full Color Reclining Poses (Zeke seen above) are $1300 and up. 12” Full Color Reclining Poses are $1800 and up. 8” Full Color Reclining Poses are $1000 and up. 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, are $2200 and up. 12” Full Color Seated Poses are $2500 and up. 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 will 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 three to four 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