WELCOME!
I'm so glad you are here. I simply adore all kinds of pets and I would be thrilled to paint yours!
Please fill out the form below to get on my commission list.
****As of April 2025, wait time for portraits is June 2025
HELLO
I'm Lisa Denner, an acrylic painter specializing in Pet Portraits. I've been an artist pretty much my entire life.
Even at a young age, I clearly remember having the strong urge to create and to make something beautiful. At the age of five, I won an Easter coloring contest, and thus my art career began~ in my mind at least!
I went to college thinking I would major in Art, but during my first few classes, it became clear that my art professors didn't care much for lovely things and seemed to like dark and confrontational work. It was very sad and discouraging to me because I loved creating things that show off the beauty of God's creation. I knew I needed to change direction.
With a degree in Interior Design, it would allow me to take art classes that celebrated beauty. It allowed me to take several years of drawing, sculpture, computer design, art history, color theory, and two years of ceramics. I loved it!
And now, many years and several art focused careers later, I'm thrilled that I paint pet portraits! My love for animals is as big as my love for art. I feel honored and blessed that I get to paint the uniqueness of these little creatures.
I hope your pet's portrait will be a lasting memory of your special
relationship with your pet. Thank you for entrusting me to capture their memory.
PET PORTRAIT PRICE
$199
Additional $34 for any dog breeds that are Doodle mixes
10"x10" Acrylic Painting on a beautiful Birchwood cradled canvas. The portraits are of the face and neck and not full body. Each portrait is sealed with a soft gloss varnish. Portraits are signed and dated on the back and come with a saw tooth hanger. Shipping additional depending on location.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR PORTRAIT
I'm so excited that you would like to commission me to paint your pet's portrait!
Please fill out the 'How to Book Your Portrait' form and tell me what kind of pet you have, their breed, name, age and any additional information or questions.
At the time of booking, I will let you know the approximate time frame that your portrait will be finished.
I will contact you about a month in advance and let you know a more accurate date. We will work together in choosing a photo to paint and throughout the entire painting process.
In order to start your commission, there will be a 50% deposit needed. The balance is due upon completion of your portrait and before mailing. The deposit is non-refundable unless there is an unlikely event that prevents me from painting your portrait. Venmo, Paypal, and cashiers check accepted.
Please read the FAQs and 'How to take a photo' for more information.
HOW TO BOOK MY PORTRAIT
Fill out the form below to start the process of booking your pet's portrait, or to contact me to learn more.
** You can send your photos to denner1109@gmail.com or messenger on Instagram www.instagram.com/lisadennerfineart
***You will not be officially booked until we've communicated with more details via email or messenger.
HOW TO TAKE or FIND A GOOD PHOTOS OF YOUR PET
TIP 1
You might already have the perfect photo on your phone. Did you know that you can open your photos and type in 'dog' or 'cat' in the search box and all of those photos you've taken will come up!
If taking a new photo, get down on their eye level. Have them sit up (rather than laying down) on either on the ground, a chair, or the bed. You want to be able to see their neck and chest area.
Send as many photos as you'd like! The more to choose from the better. Once we agree on which photo will work best for your portrait, I will paint using that exact photo.
TIP 2
Take the photo during daylight hours and turn your pet to face a window or door. (Your back will be toward the light source) This gives expression to their eyes and a good light reflection in their eyes. Your back is toward the light source.
If you take the photo outside, watch for strong sunlight not to give harsh shadows. Open areas of shade are a great place to take photos. But inside the house during daylight hours usually works just as well, if not better.
If your sweet pet has already passed away, please search for as many photos that meet these tips and we will choose the best one.
TIP 3
Try to get your pet in a relaxed and happy state. If they ears are low or they feel stressed, it will show in their eyes. You can take a photo with their tongue out or mouth closed, they both make great portraits!
Some ways to get them happy and relaxed.
1- Take the photos after you have a good play time.
2- Hold their favorite treat right above your camera/phone so they will be looking at you.
3- Say their favorite thing to do, like 'ball' or 'treat'
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
QUESTION
How long will it take for my portrait to be complete?
Once your portrait begins, it usually will take 7-10 days from start to finish. Then add 2-5 days for the shipped portrait to arrive to you.
QUESTION
Do you ship Internationally?
Not generally, but each location will be considered. Please ask when you fill out the contact section. Extra shipping will apply.
QUESTION
Can you paint double portraits on one canvas? (two pets in one canvas)
At this time I am exclusively painting one pet per canvas. I use high-quality Birchwood canvases that are 10x10" square. It is the perfect size to show off your pet's adorable features and personality.
QUESTION
Can you paint a full-body view of my pet or do you only paint their face and chest?
I love to focus on your pet's soulful eyes, their boop-able nose, and precious smile, so as of right now my portraits are only of the chest up, in a sitting up pose.
If your pet has already passed, we will use the best photo from what you can send me.
QUESTION
Do you paint any other color for the background? Or can you paint them on a couch, bed, or with other scenery, in the portraits?
I want all of the focus to be on your pet's sweet face and personality, so at this time, I am only painting a soft blended background color of either cremes, grays, and blues. Whichever compliments your pet's fur colors the best.
If you would like a different color background, please let me know on the 'How to Book a Portrait' form. (solid colors only)
QUESTION
Do you paint pets other than dogs and cats?
Yes! I can also paint birds, rabbits, hamsters, and the like.
Please ask in the Contact section to ask about other animals.
QUESTION
What company do you use to ship and can I have it overnighted or 2-day shipped? (In the US only)
Portraits are protected with bubble wrap and packaged with the highest of care. All shipping is through United States Post Office (USPS) and mailed priority mail, which is typically 2-3 days for arrival, but can take up to 5-7.
If you would like to have your portrait shipped through U.P.S. or another carrier so it will arrive sooner, extra shipping will apply before the mailing of the portrait.
If your portrait is damaged during transit, please take pictures of the packaging to document the damage and contact me as soon as possible. All packages are insured.
QUESTION
Will my portrait have a hanger on the back?
Yes! Your portrait will come signed, dated, and with a saw tooth hanger.
The sides of the birchwood canvas are painted the background color so you can hang it directly on the wall without framing.
QUESTION
What is your return policy?
Your approval is very important to me. I will send you several photos of the portrait in different stages and will always ask for your final approval before varnishing. I take the utmost care in making sure that your pet's portrait melts your heart. For these reasons, all sales are final.
QUESTION
Since you are painting on wood, will I see any wood grain on the completed painting?
I use flat, quality wood and there is rarely any grain lines showing through. Wood naturally has some slight grain lines, but after I sand, paint, and varnish, it is very rare to still appear. If you have further questions, please contact me.
QUESTION
How is my portrait sealed for longevity?
I use Liquitex professional artist grade gloss varnish to protect your portrait for years to come. It has a beautiful soft gloss finish.
QUESTION
Is my personal information kept private?
Rest assured that I do not share any of your personal information with anyone without your approval.
Your pet's portrait image and first name will be used on my media accounts and/or hard copy items for marketing. Your name, location and information will not be shared without your permission.
Credit card information is collected via an encrypted and secure payment processing service such as PayPal, or Venmo and Lisa Denner Fine Art has no access to this information.
QUESTION
How do I start the process to have my pet's portrait painted?
Please read the section on "How to Book Your Portrait"