Animal portraiture is the most wonderful way to capture a lasting memory of a beloved pet. However, be it animal or human, for a really successful portrait the artist must try to capture the character of the subject, not just produce a realistic depiction. Commissions have their own particular pressure.
The basics
• Decide on a price, size and timescale with the client. This sounds simple, but you must clarify all three before beginning work.
• Get it in writing. I ask all clients to sign a contract, which sets out the above, and ask them to pay a 30-per cent non-refundable deposit. At the very least, get the agreement in an email. In part I do this because I take on a lot of commissioned work and cannot remember the specifics of each portrait. I will confess that once,
