Before You Commission
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High-quality photos with soft, neutral lighting work best. The light shouldn’t be too bright or too dark—I need to see the full range of values to paint an accurate portrait.
Please also avoid scaling down the files. Large files are completely fine—send the original if possible.For the best result, try to choose photos taken at your pet’s eye level. Shots taken from above tend to distort proportions and usually lead to a less natural likeness.
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Yes. If you don’t have many photos, please send whatever you have and I’ll honestly tell you what is possible.
I also create memorial portraits—it’s a meaningful way to remember a family member who is no longer with us. -
Absolutely. If you want more than one pet in the same painting—but they won’t stay still together—just send separate photos.
I’ll create a composition and show you the drawing before I start painting so you can see how they’ll appear together. -
For smaller formats (usually one pet), I work on Gessobord panels from 6×6” (20×20 cm) up to 16×20” (40×50 cm).
For larger pieces, I work on linen canvas, from 50×50 cm (19.5×19.5”) up to 100×100 cm (39×39”). -
Yes, a 50% deposit is required to secure your place in the commissions queue.
If you already know the size you want, you can purchase it directly through my website. You’ll be added to the queue instantly, and I’ll contact you within one business day with your estimated start date. -
From sketch to final varnish, the process usually takes 2–3 weeks, including drying time.
Afterwards, the painting is carefully packaged and shipped to you with tracking. -
If there’s a queue, I’ll update the website so you know before booking.
Most of the time I can begin a new commission within 1 to 1.5 weeks.
During the Process
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As soon as your turn arrives, I’ll start sketching the portrait onto the Gessobord or canvas (depending on the size).
Once the drawing is transferred, I’ll send you a photo for approval. After that, I begin painting and share progress updates along the way. -
Yes. You’ll receive a photo of the transferred drawing for approval before I begin painting.
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Yes. I send regular updates directly to you.
You’ll also often see parts of the process on my Instagram Stories, as I enjoy sharing how each painting develops. -
Once the painting is finished, I’ll send you a final photo for approval.
If you’d like small adjustments, I’m happy to make them—I want you to be fully happy with the result. -
All materials are archival, professional quality, chosen to ensure your painting lasts for generations.
Oil paints: Mainly Michael Harding (my favorite), with some Vasari, Zecchi, and Old Holland.
Brushes: Mostly Jackson’s Black Hog, plus synthetic brushes for finer details.
Surfaces: Gessobord panels for small-to-medium works, and stretched linen for larger pieces.
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Oil paint dries slowly—sometimes very slowly, especially in cold weather.
A painting may feel dry to the touch after several days, but the underlying layers can still be curing. This slow drying time is part of what gives oil paintings their depth and durability.
After the Painting Is Finished
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Your painting is protected in several layers:
A first layer of protective paper
Bubble wrap
Corner protection
Two layers of cardboard for rigidity
A final outer box
Accidents can always happen, but since I began shipping worldwide in 2014, I haven’t had a single damaged painting.
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Yes—worldwide, from Spain.
For clients in the USA: original artworks have a 0% tariff, so even if your package is checked by customs, you should not be charged import duties.
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Yes. You’ll receive a tracking number as soon as your painting is shipped.
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Yes. I can arrange framing through my local framer before shipping.
If you're interested, please contact me for available options. -
Your portrait comes with a light protective varnish.
I recommend framing it and hanging it in a spot you love—preferably out of direct sunlight.
And if you remember, I’d love to see a photo of the painting in its new home.