About the pet portraits
The paintings are approximately 7”x 9” on archival, 100% cotton paper. I use a combination of watercolor and gouache paint, which is a thicker & more pigmented medium, very similar to watercolor, to paint the portraits.
The artwork takes approximately 2 weeks to complete. If you need the painting quickly, we can discuss the possibility of a faster turn around.
Upon completion, the paintings are sprayed with varnish to preserve the colors and framed before shipping. Domestic shipping and frame are included in my pricing.
PHOTO DESCRIPTION: My first commissioned portrait of Gracie before framing.
PRICING & STEPS TO Completing a COMMISSION
1 Pet Portrait Painting
Domestic shipping included: $350.00*
2 Pet Portrait Painting
Domestic shipping included: $575.00*
Details*
Framing is not included. If you would like your portrait framed, an additional cost of $45.00 will be added to the pricing
Rush fees apply for portraits that need to be completed before 2 weeks
sTEPS TO COMPLETING A PET PORTRAIT COMMISSION
To begin working, I will need a photo reference that fits my requirements (see section ‘PHOTO REFERENCE REQUIREMENTS’ below).
Once we agree upon a reference, I require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Before I begin painting, I will create a drawing of your pet for review and will proceed to start the painting upon approval.
When the painted portrait is complete, I send a second photo of the painting for approval. The process takes approximately 2 weeks.
Upon final approval, I ship the painting upon receipt of the remaining cost.
If you are interested in a portrait, or have any questions, please contact me at alexis.marino@gmail.com
Photo Reference requirements
To create a true likeness of your pet, I require a clear photo reference. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts on taking a good reference.
DO use natural light like outdoors or with your pet facing the light from a window. Facing the light is important because I’ll be able to see all the tiny details that makes their face special. I’ve included some of my favorite pet portraits in this section alongside their references (Eigg, Mikey & Edith). As you can see, the better the reference, the better the portrait!
DON’T take a photo of your pet with the light source is comg from behind their face (back-lighting).
DON’T use warm indoor lighting or extreme lighting from one side as it will create extreme shadows, throw off colors or 'blow out' important details.
DO have your pet face the camera as close as possible without cropping any part of their face like the very tips of their ears and whiskers.
DON’T take a photo from far away or with a blur. If I cannot see the direction of the fur, scales or feathers of your pet, I will be unable to capture your pet’s character.
DO use your cell phone with the HD selection turned on. Fortunately, most cell phones are equipped to take high quality images.
DO provide plenty of options! Ultimately, we won’t proceed until we’re both happy with the reference.
EIGG PAINTING WITH REFERENCE
MIKEY PAINTING WITH REFERENCE
EDITH PAINTING WITH REFERENCE
Origin of the Pet Portrait Project
Native Americans believe ‘Ghost Eyes’ or having two different color eyes, grant the ability to see heaven and earth. During the 2020 pandemic, I painted a portrait of a cat with heterochromatic eyes as a way to cope with the uncertainty of our future and the anxiety induced by quarantine.
After the tragic murder of George Floyd and witnessing the response to the overwhelming racial inequities in our country, I wanted to help. I conducted a silent auction on social media of my painting of the ghost-eyed cat, Justice, and the portrait was purchased. 100% of the funds were donated equally to the Pfund Foundation and the Headwaters Foundation for Justice, two community serving foundations in Minneapolis.
After seeing my portrait of Justice, my friend sent me a message, asking if she could commission a portrait of her senior Bengal cat, Gracie. I happily accepted the commission. When she received the portrait, she took a picture of Gracie admiring her own portrait. When I shared the cute photo to my social media, many of my friends reached out to commission a portrait of their beloved pets..and so the Pet Portrait Project was born.
PHOTO DESCRIPTION: Portrait of Justice
PHOTO DESCRIPTION: Portrait of Justice in their owner’s home
PHOTO DESCRIPTION: The photo that started it all! Gracie’s portrait was my first commission in 2020. When Gracie’s owner received the portrait, she sent this cute photo. When I shared it on social media, people starting requesting portraits of their beloved pets.
reviews of pet portraits
FREDDIE
“I asked Alexis to do a commission portrait of my daughter’s beloved dog, Freddie, whom she recently had to put down. Alexis laid out clearly how the process would work, what the cost would be and how long it would take. She delivered on all counts as promised…and more ! She presented a sketch for approval which we approved and shortly thereafter the finished product was finalized. She perfectly captured Freddie’s spunky nature in a wonderful rendering. The portrait was professionally finished, framed and sent carefully and protectively wrapped. It was great surprise gift for my daughter.
Alexis is a true professional and her work is top notch. What a great gift!
Totally recommend her and her work.”
John Kirkland, September 2020
WILLOW
“I did two pet portraits with Alexis and I loved both very much! Very professional, and honest. She captured both of my cats perfectly. She captured the true essence of my current cat Willow. I sent her some pictures of Willow and together we picked out which would be best. You can tell it was a labor of love. The attention to detail was impeccable. Not to mention the ease of everything. The price includes the framing and shipping which makes things so much easier! I have also gifted portraits to friends. It makes for such a delightful, unique and personal gift for a loved one.”
Saba Nakhai, November 2020
MIKEY
“We commissioned Alexis to do a portrait of my mother in law’s dog, Mikey, as a gift. We ended up doing our three cats, Smokey, Snowy and Butters, as well. Alexis’ work is beautiful and all the portraits arrived perfectly framed at our doorstep. She is very talented and extremely professional. The portraits are a great gift idea!”
Fabiola Bertoli, June 2020
EDITH
“I lost my pug, Edith, recently. A friend gifted me with a portrait of her by Alexis. I loved it so much that I commissioned another to go with it! The likeness is perfect and I will treasure them forever.”
Tim Hill, March 2021
PHOTO DESCRIPTION: Photo from client of Eigg, and his portrait.
EIGG
“Alexis did a portrait of my cat, Eigg, as a joint endeavor we tried during the beginning of quarantine. It’s perfect. It really looks like Eigg and captures his... quirkiness. Alexis moves quickly and with such delicacy. Her mastery of her chosen medium is commendable and her attention to detail (both technical and subjective) is what makes all these portraits come to life. My Eigg portrait is hanging on my dining room wall. It was a worthwhile commission and I’ll likely request more from Alexis in the future :)”