GUIDE TO PORTRAIT COMMISSIONS

Reference photos:
I prefer to take my own photos wherever possible, though location can prove sometime impossible. In this case, I will accept photos taken by the client or professional photos (if the client owns the copyright or has written permission from the copyright owner for the use of the photos for the creation of a portrait). Photos should be taken outside if possible, preferably in moderate sunlight and without flash.
Photos can either be prints sent by post, digital images via email or digital images on a CD sent by post. It is useful for me to see a number of photos of the subject if possible. Digital images should be high resolution and all photographs need to be in focus and fairly close up, or a reasonable size.

Equine portraits - reference photos of horses:
Make sure that the photos you send are a correct representation of your animal and decide how you would like the horse to be painted: Should it be wearing his bridle or a smart headcollar or with no tack at all?
Photographs should be clear, in focus and close up. They should be taken without using flash in natural sunlight. This way the true color of the horse can be captured best, plus highlights and shadows. Flash washes out features and makes it very difficult to achieve a good likeness. Please don´t send computer print outs on a regular computer photo paper, use photo paper instead and a high resolution.

Canine portraits - Reference photos of dogs:
Dog photos should be taken from the dogs eye level or slightly below. This may mean lying down on the floor in the case of small dogs! Alternatively, if you have steps in your garden, try having them stand or sit on the top step with you a few steps below.
With regards to time-scale an oil painting (depending upon the size and complexity) can take from between 3 to 5 months to complete so if you are planning a special gift please contact me as soon as you can.

Payment:
Generally I ask for 50% of the cost as a deposit and then the rest upon completion.
Once we have agreed on the composition of your painting or drawing, payment is made very simply online. The payment of 50% is required upon ordering your portrait to secure your place in the list.
I will email you a direct link to my shopping cart facilities. PayPal guarantees that credit card transactions are 100% secure.

Here I have listed some of my frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not covered here dont hesitate to contact me.

Q: How do I commission a custom painted portrait / original?

1.) Contact the artist:
Please contact me and tell me what you have in mind.
2.) Discussing the details:
To discuss the details of your one-of-a-kind original artwork, whe can either meet in person or you send me photos of your horse or dog and - if required- photos for the background ( if there is a special background you want me to paint). I also have to get an insight into your pet´s personality to capture the soul of your furry friend in a pet-portrait.
Now I can supply you with a quote for the price of your unique equine or canine artwork.
3.) Down payment of 50%:
If you decide to choose me to paint a pet-portrait for you to remember, a down payment of 50% of the commission price will be required. This is possible via PayPal or check.
4.) Images of layout sketches via email:
Painting-commssions: After receiving a down payment, I will create a simple layout sketch of the subject. Images of it will be sent to you for approval through email. (This is also possible via mail)
5.) Creating your painting or drawing:
The painting process of your horse or dog portrait will begin after the sketch is approved.
6.) Photo for approval via email:
After completing the painting or drawing,you will be emailed a photo for approval.
If you wish modifications to be made, it will be taken care of and another photoof your painting will be sent to you. When you are completely sadisfied, the oilpainting is allowed to dry up to 4 months. Acrylics are dry after one week.
I´m proud to say that - since I create commissioned artwork - very seldom did of my clients request any changes in the work.
7.) Balance and shipping of your original equine or canine artwork:
The balance will be due upon completion of the work, or once it is dry enough to ship. If you wish to make 2 payments after the 50% deposit, rather than 50% after its completion, that will be fine, too.
Payment is possible via PayPal or check.
As an artist with a long experience in painting and drawing commissioned artwork I guarantee your complete satisfaction throughout the entire process and a piece of art for your everyday´s pleasure!

Q: Wow long does it take to complete a painting or drawing?

That depends upon my current workload, please allow up to 3-4 months for completion of an oilpainting.
Afterwards, an oil painting will need enough time to dry properly before it can be shipped.
Drawings need up to 4 weeks to be completed, after completion they can be shipped immediately to customers worldwide.

Q: Do you need to see my dog/horse in person?

Altough I dont need to see the dogs or horses to paint/draw pet portraits I gladly meet with you and take photographs and make charocoal/graphit studies if required.

Q: How many photos shall I send?

If you are sending photographs I like to see a variety. I always work from one or two main photos, and like to have others for reference while I am working.

If I have two pets, do I need to photograph them together?

No, it is best to take single photos of each pet. This way I can see the detail. Please send one or two photos of the pets together so I can see the size relationship between the animals. I will use all of the photos as reference for the pet portrait.

Will my photos be returned to me?

Yes - All photos will be returned with the portrait.

How do I pay for my portrait?

Payment can be made online through PayPal or cheque made payable to Helga Jaunegg. Payment details will be sent to you after commissioning an artwork.

Please contact me for any questions you might have about commissioning an original!
Thank you for your interest in a commissioned work of art!