What medium is used for your custom portraits?

My typical pet or person portrait is done in soft pastel, pan pastel, and pastel pencil. However, I also do portraits in watercolor, acrylic, charcoal, or mixed media. Pricing will differ. I use only the highest quality professional materials to ensure custom pieces that last.

How should I frame a pastel portrait?

Like nearly all pastel artists, I do not use a fixative on my pastels. Fixatives tend to dull colors and details. Due to this, your artwork should be framed behind glass to protect the pastel from smudging. Best practice is to use a professional framer. Please let them know your piece is an unfixed pastel and should be framed using a gutter mount. This technique utilizes spacers and/or mat(s) to not only prevent the pastel from touching the glass, but also provides a gap for specs of pastel to fall should any come loose.

What is the process for a custom portrait?

First things first, you’ll contact me here or message me through my Facebook or Instagram pages for a quote. Next, you’ll send your favorite and best quality reference photos via email in the largest size possible. We’ll discuss portrait size and other specifics surrounding the project including whether you would like a simple or detailed background for your portrait. We can work as loosely or closely as you prefer. It is fine art, so liberties are often made when creating a background, but I’m happy to accommodate requests in advance. Before the project commences, an official quote will be provided and a 25% downpayment will be collected to book your spot.

Once the project is complete, I will email/text a digital copy for your approval. Once approved, I will collect final payment and shipping/insurance/tax when applicable and mail it securely to your preferred address.

Typically, the lead time for a project is three weeks from the scheduled start date to placing it in the mail.

How should I choose my reference photos for a portrait?

Please refer to my Photo Reference Guide here for helpful tips.

What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept Venmo, Zelle, cash, or check for my portraits. I can also accept credit cards as requested, but a small processing fee will apply.

Do you offer Gift Certificates for your custom portraits?

Absolutely! You can purchase Gift Certificates in any amount to be redeemed toward a custom portrait. These same certificates can be used toward any item or service available through Silver Girl Art. Contact me here to get yours.

What is the lead time for custom portraits?

I will always estimate a start and delivery date at the time of booking. Most custom projects are mailed out three weeks from the start date, but will sometimes vary depending on the size of the job.

In the event you need a rush job, please reach out and I will do my best to try and accommodate.