Pet Portraits By Cy:  Acrylic Paintings & Charcoal Drawings: The Process Explained

The Inquiry:

You have decided to look into a fine art Painting or Drawing to honor and immortalize your special animal. You have heard about my work, seen me on Facebook , Instagram, or LinkedIn, or through other means have ended up on my website.  Now you have questions, and have contacted me.  This  initial meeting is an important information gathering opportunity for both of us;  You need to know what I am all about, and what I can do for you, and I need to know exactly what you want, and expect, so as to provide the best possible solution for your need.

The Deposit

Once we have decided to proceed together with a Pet Portrait project, I will ask for the first half of the commission cost, which once paid, will reserve you a spot on my schedule.  I take payments securely through Venmo, PayPal, Credit Card through PayPal, Check or Cash.

After your deposit has been made, you will be added to my schedule, and I can then let you know the approximate times of both the starting, and finishing of your portrait. 

I will also, at this time, need 3 – 6 photos of our subject with one photo being earmarked as “The One” I will portray. The photos below were used for the “Zoe” Portrait above. (You can probably tell…)

The Start, and The Progress Report

The day I start work you will be notified.

I will then be in contact with you via Email weekly, from the start until the completion of your piece. Every Friday you will receive a detailed email from me which will include pictures of the progress of your portrait while it is on my easel. 

Upon the finish, The Viewing and Approval

When I have finished work on your portrait, and I am happy with every detail, I will photograph the Painting, or will Scan the Charcoal, and will Email you Jpeg images of the Portrait, to view and approve. Below are Zoe’s approval Jpeg files.

I will ask that you contact me as soon as you have had time to view the artwork.  Most of the time everyone Is thrilled with the finished product, but on the rare occasion that an adjustment needs to be made, then this would be the time to bring it up.

Once you have approved the Portrait, for a Charcoal, I will spray a protective fixative on the piece, or for an Acrylic Painting, I will paint a clear Isolation coat on the Canvas followed by a final protective varnish. These steps will seal and protect the artwork for generations to come and once applied cannot be undone. Charcoal Portraits will be mounted on Foam core backing and placed in a clear protective art sleeve. All Charcoal pieces will need to be properly framed with a mat, glass and frame. I can give information on the framing, or can be hired to frame the portrait for you.

Acrylic paintings will arrive ready to hang for display.

The Final Invoice and Delivery

After your approval, and protection is applied, and any framing (if necessary) is completed, I will then safely and securely package your Portrait.  I will Insure your piece and will have it sent through FedEx, or the United States Postal Service.  At the moment I send your package, I will text or email you with the approximate date of arrival, and tracking information. Also any opening instructions. Your package will need to be signed for, so I suggest the package is sent to a place where it can be received and taken care of safely.

At this point, Final payment will be due.

I will give you a final invoice, for the second half of the commission via Email.  Any packaging, shipping, insurance and framing costs will be added on. You will receive pictures of all receipts plus any added time costs incurred through my labor.

If yours is a local order, I will hand deliver your Portrait, and payment can be made at that time.

The Continued Support

As a Cy Hundley Pet Portrait owner, you will always be able to count on me for advice any time on display, cleaning and care for your fine art investment. You also will be a member of my Preferred Client Club and will receive a discount on future projects.

I hope this post has satisfactorily explained the whole Pet Portraits process for you. Now, please send me an inquiry!

Cy Hundley, Boulder Colorado

  509.415.2496  

Contact Cy