FAQ

When I open my commission orders, slots are filled on a first come, first serve basis.

You made it on the list — yay! What’s next?

1. Complete the Custom Order Form
   Select your preferred size, upload your Primary Photo + Supporting Photos, and share details about your pet.

2. Preview (for select orders)
   If you’re ordering a Double Portrait (2 pets on one) or a painting that’s 16×20” or larger, I’ll send you a preview mockup to approve before I begin painting.

3. Confirmation & Payment
   I’ll send you an invoice link — payment in full is due upfront to secure your spot. Once your primary photo is approved and payment is received, your order will be added to my queue.

4. Painting & Review
   When your portrait is complete, I’ll share a photo preview for you to review before it’s shipped.

5. Shipping
   I carefully package your portrait and get it ready to ship straight to you!

Commissions open just a few times a year (3–4 rounds). Subscribe to my email list to receive updates and announcements! And follow along on social media @ELPaintings.

Turnaround time varies depending on the season, but I’m typically booked about 3 months in advance. If you’re ordering a custom painting as a gift with a deadline, I’ll always do my best to accommodate your date.

Right now, I am only shipping within the U.S.

Please provide clear, well-lit photos that show your pet’s natural coloring and personality. I prefer a straight-on angle rather than a top-down view, but side profiles also work well!

You’ll upload one Primary Photo and a few Supporting Photos in your order form.

I understand how meaningful these portraits can be, especially when new photos aren’t possible. If your photo is primarily straight on, there’s a good chance I’ll be able to work from it. However, there may be a slight chance I’ll need to decline the request if the photo is blurry, or taken from far away or from above. BUT if I feel the photos are sufficient, I’ll work closely with you to ensure your pet’s photo and spirit is captured how you remember it to be.

I can paint the same pet twice for Custom Ornaments only. If you’re ordering a larger portrait—let’s say you want to gift an 8×10” paper portrait but also want one for yourself of the same dog—I recommend just adding a high-quality photo replica to your order. That way, you’ll have the digital photo and can print or display it however you like, without needing a second original painting of that pet.

I can provide a high-quality PNG photo of your original artwork for an additional fee of $15. The photo can be used however you want - print it on a wedding bar sign, koozies, your phone background. This option can be selected as an “add-on” when you fill out the Custom Order Form.

Yes, I can ship your order directly to your recipient. Please add the actual delivery address as a note in your order, so I know where to send it!

Yes, I can! Depending on the complexity of the bandana or collar, I may need to charge an additional fee ranging from $10–$30. Reference photos of the bandana or collar are very helpful, but if there is a pattern, incorporating it is at the artist’s discretion.

All reference photos will need to be submitted to me, showing the angle of the building, venue, house, or date spot that you want—whether angled or straight-on. I recommend exploring the location on Google Earth; you may be able to “walk” the street and grab a screenshot. If it’s a business, you can also check their website, social media feed, or tagged photos for good references.

For even more customized commissions outside of my standard sizes and offerings, feel free to reach out to me here with your idea, and I’ll let you know what’s possible!

Keep it out of direct sunlight, dust gently, and avoid high humidity. The varnish helps protect the surface.