Want to create an original work of art of your beloved fur-baby (or scaly or feathery baby)? Join us for one of our Paint Your Pet events where our artist entertainers will guide you step-by-step to create a custom portrait of your pet!
Paint Your Pet: Photo Guide
We highly recommend only one pet per canvas. The artist will sketch your pet onto your canvas, from the image you send us. No background images will be included, so don’t worry about what’s behind your pet in the photo (you will choose your own background color when you start your painting). The ideal pet photo is high resolution (not blurry), close-up, with a clear image of your pet’s face. It does not have to be a professional photo though! Phone pics are usually just fine, if they are in focus. The quality of your reference image directly impacts our abilities to draw the details for you, so get in close!
When we draw the portraits, we may make changes to the composition to make it a more effective painting subject. This usually means zooming in to the chest/neck/head area, and we might exclude some other details or a portion of the animal if we feel it would detract from the impact of your artwork. Please make note in your email of any important details you want excluded (i.e. “leave out the leash”) or included (i.e. “make sure you keep the bow tie”).
The image will be sketched from the photo (we are not able to alter poses, etc). If your pet is dark in color, a photo in a well lit area helps to show the highlights and shadows! A black cat isn’t just a black cat – there are so many shades and textures! We will guide you every step of the way
SAMPLES OF GOOD (and NOT SO GOOD) PHOTOS
Frequently Asked Questions:
- When can I send in my photo?Where do I send it? Once you are registered, send your .jpeg photo(s) to [email protected], and include in your subject line: “Name of Registered Person, Paint Pet Photo” (example: John Jingleheimer, Paint Pet Photo). No need to contact us if you haven’t received the request for your photo. Please feel free to send as soon as you can!
- Are there any pets you can’t accept for a portrait? We can draw absolutely any kind of animal! Aquatic, bovine, reptilian, equines…you name it! We can do it
- How many pets can I paint on one canvas?We highly recommend only one pet, but a maximum of two. If you are sending two separate photos to be added to one canvas, be sure each pet has been photographed at the same angle and in the same general lighting.
- Are children allowed to paint?Each of our paintings are taught so that anyone can paint along, though we highly recommend ages 12 and up only for this event due to its involved process/instruction. We encourage you to decide if your child will be able to enjoy and participate in the 3+ hours of instruction.
In this guide, you’ll learn .
Reference photos: Learn the exactly steps to take a fantastic reference photo to paint from. We cover what makes a great image and show lighting, composition, and perspective do’s and don’ts with examples.
Paint selection: I reveal the 6 paint colors I use on ALL of my pet portraits and show you how to easily combine them to make ANY color you need quickly and easily for your own pet portrait.
Thumbnail sketch: Discover the fast and simple way to check colors and composition BEFORE you start painting so that you don’t waste time and can guarantee that your pet portrait turns out.
PLUS!
We’re not stopping at theory either. No! In this guide, I demonstrate selecting colors for 12 different dog breeds AND show you the exact color mixing “recipe” for each!
I have gained so much knowledge just in the few tutorials I’ve done. Even better, I’m gaining confidence in myself as an artist.
~Marcy
Without Watercolor Mastery I would not have the confidence to paint my own subjects. Their teaching technique are by far my favorite!
~Jessica
Not only is Watercolor Mastery getting me out of my comfort zone, but before last fall, I hadn’t picked up a brush in 33 years. This is exactly what I needed!”
~Erica
You’re too dedicated (and too short on time) to stay stuck in watercolor trial-and-error.
Nothing is more frustrating than spending tons of time working on a painting… only to have it not turn out.
If you’re going to put in the work, you want to see results!
Well, after 10 years of building my own watercolor skillset and doing hundreds of paintings, I won’t start a single watercolor pet portrait without using these techniques!
Download the free guide and then prepare for a LOT more paintings you adore, admiring compliments on your work, and people asking YOU how to get similar results.
How Does Paint Your Pet Work?
It’s simple! Once you sign up for one of our Paint Your Pet events, we’ll ask you to send in a photo of your furry friend. Our talented artists will sketch your pet on a canvas before you arrive so you’re all set and ready to go! We’ll help you every step of the way to make sure your pet is perfectly captured on canvas (or any other surface you choose!)
No! And that’s the beauty of it. Whether you’re a regular Picasso or haven’t picked up a paintbrush since Kindergarten, you can create an amazing custom portrait of your pet. Grab a friend or family member and join us for this one-of-a-kind experience.
Pet Portraits Make the Perfect Gift
Looking for the perfect gift idea for your significant other, parent or bestie? This is it! There is no surer way to someone’s heart than gifting them a custom pet portrait painted by you! We promise it’s the gift they will cherish for a lifetime. After all, pets ARE family!
Think they’d love the opportunity to paint their own pet? Give them a gift card to come paint their pet with you! It’s a great bonding event and they’ll leave with their very own brag-worthy pet portrait!
Sign Up for a Paint Your Pet Event
Our Paint Your Pet events are some of our most popular events so be sure to book your seat at our next available event! Check out upcoming Paint Your Pet events below to plan your next date night or girls’ night out!
Fur or feathers, your pet deserves a space on your home or office wall!
*Call your local studio to learn about their alcohol policy.
