CUSTOM ANIMAL PORTRAIT COMMISSIONS
UNIQUE HAND-DRAWN ARTWORKS
An animal portrait artist trained in academic drawing, Lysa Karell has been practising portraiture for more than twenty-five years. Every species has its own anatomy, texture and character, from a beloved pet to a bird with delicate plumage, and on to wildlife. The work begins with a careful study of your photographs, then the drawing is built slowly until a faithful likeness emerges.
This artwork can celebrate a cherished companion, honour the memory of an animal who has passed, or become an exceptional gift. Worldwide shipping.
Mediums and Supports
DRAWING ON FINE ART PAPER
Drawing on paper is created in pastel, graphite or black chalk, on an art paper chosen for each medium. Pastel brings colour and the vibrancy of light. Graphite and black chalk offer a black and white rendering of timeless elegance.
This support suits every subject, from the feathers of a bird to the short or silky coat of a mammal. An animal portrait on paper is delivered as a sheet and is preserved under glass.
Artwork on Canvas
OIL PAINTING PORTRAIT
Oil painting gives an animal portrait the depth of a true painting. On professional-grade canvas, the colours gain intensity and the light gains richness, for a rendering of remarkable presence.
The painting hangs directly on the wall, without glass. It lends itself to large formats as well as compositions bringing several animals together.
THE ART OF PET PORTRAITURE
REFERENCE PHOTOGRAPH
The portrait follows the framing and pose of the photograph provided. No photo montage is created. The image must therefore be sharp, high quality, taken in natural light and at the animal’s eye level. The eyes and the true colour of the coat should be clearly visible. For a pet who has passed, all available photographs may be submitted.
THE ART OF DETAIL
The likeness of an animal portrait lies in its details: the light in the iris, the texture of the nose, the direction of each hair. Each of these elements requires patient observation and meticulous work.
These close-ups of a pastel husky portrait show the precision sought in every artwork.
THE PROCESS
You send your request with your photographs. Each project is reviewed, then a place is reserved for you in the studio schedule. The portrait is created entirely by hand, then carefully protected for shipping. Timelines, framing and pastel care are explained in the Collector’s Guide.
Terms
PRICING INFORMATION
Pet portraits on paper are available in pastel, graphite or black chalk, starting at $585 CAD. Oil paintings on canvas start at $1,850 CAD. Prices include one animal on a plain background. Additional animals or a detailed background are quoted individually.