The Pet Portrait Process
Contact the Artist, Lauren
There are a few ways to get in touch! You can either purchase your portrait directly on the website or if you have questions with regards to what size will be the best for you or your recipient, I am more than happy to answer them via phone or email. Please note that gift certificates are also available.
Reference Images
Once payment is received you will need to send a reference image (or images) to make the magic happen. If you have purchased your artwork through the website, I will reach out to you! This is where we talk about the details you would like to see come through in your portrait.
Send reference images to info.saltwatercolor@gmail.com
If you need help taking an image, see the guide to reference images below.
Lauren Paints
The painting process takes roughly 4 weeks. If you follow the 'Gram or Facebook, you might see your pup in progress- so be sure to follow @salt.water.color
Shipping
When your portrait is complete I will pack your artwork safely and ship to you or your recipients. Please note that shipping costs are included in the price of the artwork.
How to Take a Good Reference Image
Getting a good reference image is critical to the quality of the finished piece as I work directly from it to create your likeness! If there are multiple images of the subjects, I can splice them together, but the most important parts are:
Perspective
Try to make sure your pet doesn't have his or her nose in the camera. Take the image from roughly eye level and from a distance that doesn't warp the proportions, unless that is what makes your pet's character shine through, in which case, show me that nose you love to BOOP! Likewise, it helps if the subject is not looking directly at the camera- a slight degree of nose tilt does wonders; work those angles, baby! For an extra bit of expression in that sweet face, get your pet's attention with a treat as you click away.
Lighting
Be sure I can see the facial features and other defining traits clearly. Eyes need to be well lit, visible, and ideally, we won't have to overcome shadows across the face or body. The eyes really sell the final product- if I can see them well, it will convey nicely!
Clarity
These days, most phone cameras can capture the subject with enough clarity. While I don't need to make out every individual hair, the clearer the image the better! Blurry images simply will not render enough detail in the final piece.
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