Fine Art Portraits of your pet by Fiona Purdy

Fiona is a wonderful artist that has recently partnered with A Dog’s Life to offer you exquisite custom paintings of your pets. She specializes in horses but she also paints other animals. Here is an example of a portrait that Fiona recently created from a photo taken by A Dog’s Life Photo…

The original photo:

Here is the amazing final painting. Trust me on this… the photo of the painting does not do it justice. When I saw this work of art in person, I was in complete awe! The amount of detail and the rich colors are absolutely remarkable. Fiona is one incredibly talented lady.

Please read the following interview with Fiona to lean more about her and her incredible work:

How did you get started with animal portraits and how long have you been doing them?

I’ve been painting animal portraits for 20 years.   I originally started painting my friends and family’s pets and horses on river rocks.  Using river rocks I was able to create a three dimensional portrait (I could paint the rock to look like the entire animal).  Word got around and before I knew it I was painting portraits for many pet owners.   I stopped painting on river rocks about 12 years ago, I now paint exclusively on canvas.

I have painted well over 200 portraits for many satisfied clients. I have painted dogs and cats, many horses and some unusual pets, such as a ferret!

Portrait commissions now make up approximately 50% of the paintings I create, the other 50% consists of my own original paintings, I specialize in painting horses.

Why do you paint pet portraits?

 I really enjoy creating one-of-a kind original paintings featuring people’s beloved pets.  There is a special magic to having those special creatures in our lives immortalized on canvas.

I get a huge amount of pleasure capturing not only the pet’s likeness, but also its unique personality.

But  more important that that, I believe I’ve been given this talent not for me, but to bring joy to other people’s lives.  The buzz I get when the client experiences that joy when they see the finished painting is an amazing experience!   I cannot tell you how humbled I am when an owner is overcome with emotion when they see the portrait of their treasured pet.  Even more so when the animal has passed on.   I feel incredibly blessed to be able to do such good with this gift I have been given. 

Where is your work on display?

I am primarily a self-representing artist, my website is my on-line gallery.

I participate in many art shows, a couple being Hidden in the Hills held every November in Carefree, Arizona and the Celebration of Fine Art show held here in Scottsdale in Jan/Feb/March every year.

Studio West Gallery in Anthem, Arizona recently started representing me, they currently have many of my original paintings on display.

What medium do you use for your art?

I paint in acrylics on canvas.  I use acrylics for their fast drying time.   My portraits are very detailed; if I used oils the long drying time would mean that it would take me far too long to finish a painting.

How long does a typical commissioned portrait take?

My portraits are very detailed, therefore are very time consuming.  The size, style and number of animals in the portrait determines how long it takes me to complete one.   A simple, small portrait (4”x4”) will take me 2 or 3 days, whereas a large (24”x 36”) commission including one of my hand painted borders or a detailed background can take 8 weeks or more.  The typical portrait size is 11”x14” or a 16”x20”, these will usually take me 3 to 6 weeks.

What is the average size and cost of a commissioned portrait?

My portrait prices range from $350 to $10,000 dollars. Price depends on the size, style of portrait and number of subjects.  Most of my portraits I am commissioned to create are in the $800 – $3,500 price range.  Sizes range from 4”x4” to 30”x40”. 

To many people that sounds like a lot of money.  However you have to understand that this is a one-of-a kind piece of original fine art, featuring your beloved pet or horse. It takes tremendous skill, talent and time to capture their likeness and personality. The portrait gives joy every time it is looked at.  It is also an heirloom; it can be handed down to the next generation.

When you view it that way, I think you would agree it is worth every penny!

How does the process work to have a portrait done?

I work from photographs, provided by the owner.

If the client is in the Phoenix area I like to personally discuss with them the details of the portrait and also meet the animal.  This way I get to know the pet.  However, if this is not possible, the details can be discussed via telephone or email.

I require a 50% deposit before starting the portrait.  Once received, I create a sketch which l email to the client for approval before starting to paint.  When I’ve finished the portrait I will personally deliver it, or ship it to the client.

I offer a money back guarantee, I stand behind my work 100%.  If for any reason the portrait is not to the client’s liking, they are under no obligation to purchase it.

But, I’d just like to say that not one of my clients have ever been unhappy with the final portrait.

Are you currently offering any specials?

I want everyone to be able to afford to have a portrait created of that special animal that shares his or her life.  To that end, I am now offering a budget friendly portrait. 

I am now offering a 4”x4” portrait of any pet or animal.  The price is only $350. The canvas I use is a gallery wrap (this means that all 4 of the canvasses 1 1/2” wide sides are painted) and comes framed in a 6”x6” bamboo shadow box frame, which allows the painted sides to be visible.

The portrait is also available without a frame (it can be hung without a frame because all sides are painted). The unframed price is $300.

I have to tell you this is a real bargain!  For such a small amount, you can have your pets immortalized in an original painting.  How cool is that? At this price it also makes a really great gift for that pet or animal lover you know.

Here is a sample of a framed 4×4 painting:

 What is your website/contact info?

Any one interested in seeing some of the portraits I have painted can visit my portrait gallery on my website:

http://fionapurdyart.com/collections/20597

If they are interested in having me paint an amazing portrait of their dog, cat, horse (or any animal)  I can can be contacted via my website, email: fionapurdy@cox.net or give by phone: Studio: 480-563-8399 or Cell: 602-770-0529.

I would be honored to create a beautiful portrait of their pet that they will treasure forever!

To bring you exquisite custom portrait paintings of your canine family members.

Fiona’s passion for animals shines through in her paintings and her attention to every minute detail brings them to life. She uses acrylic on canvas to capture your dog’s personality in a manner that you will cherish for many years to come. Fiona specializes in painting Arabian horses but has also been painting pets for many years.

All great portraits start with a great photo. If you have a photo that was previously done by A Dog’s Life Photo, a digital file will be provided to Fiona at no cost to you. If you have been contemplating scheduling a time for a photo session, now is the time to do it! for a limited time, if you make a deposit on a portrait painting from Fiona, you will receive a 10% discount on your Dog’s Life photo session.

Here’s how it works:

• Contact Susan at A Dog’s Life Photo to schedule your photo session appointment or to request a digital copy of a photo that I have already done for you.
• Contact Fiona to discuss what type of portrait you want, such as; style, size, color etc. She will also talk to you a little about your animal so she can get a feel for his/her personality.
• She will email you a jpeg of a rough pencil sketch of the portrait.
• You approve the sketch. If you want changes, you guys discuss, she revises the sketch and emails you another jpeg. This will go on until you are happy.
• When you give the go-ahead, you send Fiona a 50% down payment to get going.
• Fiona paints a work of fine art featuring your beautiful animal.
• She emails you a jpeg of the final painting.
• You approve, send her the balance of the payment and shipping costs.
• She sends you the portrait.
• You open the package, gasp with delight, and with a big smile on your face, you hang the portrait in a prominent spot, where it gives you joy every time you see it.

It’s that easy! But wait, it gets better!

If you purchase a 16″x 20″ portrait or larger she will include, at no extra charge, your choice of one of the following:

10 – 5”x 7” prints of the portrait -or-

30 – 5 1/2” x 7 3/8” note cards printed with the portrait (and with envelopes of course!)

This is a $ 100 value – Free!

If you are considering giving a portrait as a holiday gift, you must do it now!! Click here to visit Fiona’s website to check out her amazing work and to find out more details about her services and prices.