Options & Policies
Options & Policies
Paint Surface
All pet portraits are painted on premium wood panels. This is the standard option unless otherwise specified.
Most durable option
Edges painted to match the portrait's contents
Refined appearance ready for immediate display with no framing necessary
Compatible with a "floating frame" if desired (I can recommend a supplier)
Smooth painting surface that accommodates fine details and allows brush strokes to “pop”
Wired in the back and ready to hang
Background Options
To bring visual attention to your pet, I paint a blurred background featuring one solid color or a gentle gradient that features two to three colors or tones. If you desire your pet to be portrayed laying or sitting on a pillow or soft object, this can be included in the painting. I will paint this in a loose, general style to draw more attention to your pet.
You may select a desired background color (or colors), or you may ask me to select one that would bring out your pet’s natural coloring. You can specify if you would like bright, saturated colors or more muted, subtle colors for the background. I often find that selecting background colors that are opposite on the color wheel to your pet’s general coloring (also known as complementary colors) is a great way to make your pet stand out! For example, if your pet’s fur is orange, a blue background would be a fantastic choice.
Size Options
Square:
10" x 10" ($300)
12" x 12" ($400)
16" x 16" ($500)
Rectangular:
9" x 12" ($350)
11" x 14" ($425)
16" x 20" ($600)
Reference Photos:
In order for me to capture your pet’s unique features, I will need high-quality reference images with the following qualities:
Clear, sharp edges and visible texture
Your pet should be the main subject of the photo (not just a tiny feature in the background or covered up by other subjects)
Focus should be on your pet’s face and upper chest, but whole body photos are great too
Image should not be highly processed with editing software or social media filters
Soft and natural lighting that allows me to see your pet's facial features clearly
Image should be in color
Please send me multiple photos of your pet so that I can have a better idea of their general appearance. In your email, please indicate which photo in particular you would prefer me to paint. I will then crop your photo to fit your future artwork’s proportions and ask for confirmation to proceed in my painting.
Media
I begin my portraits using thin washes of acrylic paint to sketch out proportions and determine shadows and highlights. After producing the underpainting, I apply oil paint to bring your portrait to life! By working in this manner, I am able to eliminate all solvents in my painting process.
Turnaround Time
12-16 week turnaround time
After agreeing on your portrait composition, selecting the key reference photo (along with any additional photos), and receiving a 50% deposit, I will begin work on your portrait.
Shipping, Local Delivery, and Studio Pickup
Pick up from Schwend Studio:
Free of charge
Arrange a pickup time and date with Meg Schwend in advance
Local Delivery:
KC metro area, within 15 miles of studio
$20
Local delivery is not included in the price of the painting
Shipping:
Contact Meg Schwend (megschwend@gmail.com) to discuss shipping options.
Shipping cost is not included in the price of the painting.
Payment
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to begin the drawing and painting process of your pet portrait. The remaining 50% plus shipping or delivery fee (if applicable) is required upon completion of your artwork before delivery or pickup. I will send you a digital image of your painting for your approval before you send me the remaining payment.
In the event if you do not want the finished painting or can no longer pay the remaining 50%, I will retain the painting and the deposit, and you will not have to pay the remaining balance.
Payment can be made using the following methods:
Cash
Venmo (@megschwend)
Check (payable to Meghan Schwend)