HomeAbout meRestorationPaintingPhotographyPet PortraitsBuy PaintingBuy Photo CertificatesContactLinks

Portrait Example Turn your favorite photo into a digital work of art

Pets change our lives forever and teach us every day who we are.  They touch our lives in a way no human can and give us the gift of unconditional love.  

Commission a unique work of art that captures this essence, a moment in time preserved to enjoy for years to come! Give someone you care about the thoughtful gift of custom artwork, featuring their cherished pet, by purchasing a Pet Portrait Gift Certificate.

Portrait Example Canvas Painting - Includes 11" X 14"  or 8" X 10" painting on canvas, stretched and gallery wrapped for display with or without frame. Commissioned paintings are also available on high quality matte or textured watercolor paper in sizes up to 13" X 19".

All artwork is created with loving care and attention to detail.  I use various techniques to create my digital paintings and because this is a very personal piece of art, I use the technique best suited to your pet.  Once completed, I print the painting on your choice of canvas, matte, or watercolor paper using archival quality pigment ink, and treat the painting with a UV protective coating to increase the life of your artwork.

Additionally, products featuring your pet's painting will be available from an online shop, establish when the painting is finished. To view a sample of  an online shop   Come visit my store on CafePress!  Products can have your pet's name added to the painting or a short label of your choice. !  I Also, offer  Cuff-a-Doodles designer collar covers, to decorate your pet's plain or faded collar with a work of art.

Several examples of portraits I've painted and their original photos are Elfie and Murphy .  

Additional pet portrait examples can be viewed on the Portrait Examples Page.

 

  Frequently Asked Questions

What is digital art / photo painting?

Do you guarantee satisfaction?

What are the requirements for the picture I send to you?

Can two or more photos be used to create the painting?

What is the best way to send you my photo?

How much time will it take to complete my order?

Will I see a proof of the painting before you finalize it?

Do you matte and frame the artwork you create? What are your prices?

How do I place an order?

How do I pay for my order?

 

Pet Portrait Photo Tips

(For Those Who Don't Already Have a Favorite Photo)

  • Make sure your focus point is on your pet's face and the eyes in particular
  • If possible, use natural light from outside or room with windows
  • The light should be coming from behind or beside you, as it shines on your pet
  • Take photo at your pet's level (not looking down at pet)
  • Fill lens with pet (get as close as possible so that there is less background, etc.)... use a zoom if necessary to get close-up
  • Take head shots, body shots and shots from all angles (have fun with it!)
  • If you want to have a photo of your pet smiling, exercise or play with pet right before taking the photo (this usually causes the pet to pant which gives the illusion of smiling)
  • Use noises such as squeak toys and use "key words" such as "treat" to get pet's attention
  • Take photos of your pet in a natural setting (playing with favorite toy, sleeping in favorite place, etc.)
  • Make sure there are no objects obstructing view of pet, unless it is a toy or other object that you want in the picture
  • For portrait purposes, it is nice to have the background a contrasting color so your pet's fur, feathers, etc. stand out.......however, don't worry too much about the background (I can paint a new background)
  • Don't stress your pet...if he/she gets tired or doesn't want to cooperate, do yourself and your pet a favor and do it at another time

 

 Contact me either by email at ty@tymichelfelder.com or call me at my studio (770.614.6576) or on my cell (770.856.3871). 

 

What is Digital Art / Photo Painting?

    Digital Art is any artwork created on a computer.  Photo Painting is digital art based upon a digital photo.  The first step in my process is to retouch the photo for contrast, saturation, etc.  Next, I import the photo into a software program that allows me to choose from over 400 standard brushes as well as make my own custom brushes.  With these brushes I can simulate any style of painting I like.  This software detects the strength and direction of my stroke, so it truly reflects my style.  I open the retouched photo file and also create a new blank canvas in the painting software program.  Then I start painting on the blank canvas, alternating between sampling colors from the photo file and choosing colors from a color palette, as well as using clone brushes for detail work in areas such as the eyes.  I use a stylist pen as my brush and a drawing tablet attached to the computer to create the painting, brushstroke by brushstroke, building layers of color until I have the finished work of art - a unique original.

What are your prices?

Size

Stretched Canvas

 (1 subject)

High Quality Matte Paper

 (1 subject)

Watercolor Paper

1 subject)

Each Additional

 Subject

13 X 19

11 X 14

  8 X 10

  5 X 7

 

$185.00

$165.00

$160.00

$145.00

$125.00

$   95.00

$150.00

$135.00

$115.00

$   85.00

$60.00

$55.00

$50.00

$40.00

    Additional charges will be applied for shipping and handling based upon medium choosen.

    If you are a Georgia Resident tax will be added to the purchase price.

    How do I pay for my order?

    Official PayPal Seal I accept checks or credit cards .  Credit card payments are managed through PayPal, a secure online credit card processing service.  You do NOT have to have a PayPal account to use this service.  After you have contacted me with your order. I will initiate the payment process by emailing you an invoice for the payment amount.  The email will contain a button you click on that will take you to the PayPal web site, where you will fill out your credit card information and complete the payment process.

     If you prefer to pay by check, please make your check out to Ty Michelfelder and send it to:

     

    Ty Michelfelder

    5575 Dusty Ridge Trail

    Buford, GA 30518

    Do you guarantee satisfaction?

    Absolutely!  I offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  I will download a proof of the painting to a private viewing site on the Internet when it is complete.  I will work with you to make any changes you like, for a reasonable number of revisions. After each revision I will update the private viewing web site.   If you are still not happy with the artwork, I will issue a full refund.  

     

    Also, If you are not satisfied, after you receive the completed artwork, you have 14 days to return the work in it's original packaging. Upon receiving the artwork, I will issue a full refund.

    What are the requirements for the picture I send to you?

     Since I use a photo as the basis for the digital painting, I require either a good quality picture that I can scan into the computer or a digital photo.  The photo should be focused, with the main parts of the photo sharp and clear.  The more detail I can see in the eyes, nose and mouth area of a subject  the better.  There should not be anything blocking the major parts of the subject.  However, I can do some retouching if necessary.  I do retouching of red eye, etc.  If your photo requires extensive retouching before I can use it as a digital template, I will charge additional for the service.  If you have a favorite photo that you would like to use, even though it will need the extra retouching please send it to me and I will give you an estimate for the retouching 

     

    I always enjoy knowing a little about my subjects so it is nice to know their name and a little bit about him/her, but it is not a requirement.

    Can two or more photos be used to create the painting?

     Yes, as long as the photos are similar in focus and lighting.  It is also helpful if the main subjects of the pictures are the same distance from the camera.  Of course the same general requirements apply as the individual photos (see requirements above).

    What is the best way to send you my photo?

    There are two ways to send your photo.  You can either send your photo by regular mail or by email.

     

    1.  Regular Mail - Send your photo in an envelope and include something to support it and mail it to:

     

    Ty Michelfelder

    5575 Dusty Ridge Trail

    Buford, GA  30518

     

    2. Email Attachment - An email attachment is faster and you will not risk damaging your photo.  The digital photo should have a resolution of 150 ppi or higher and should be no greater than 2.5 mb.  If you have a printed photo and wish to send it by email you will need to scan it to a digital file using at least 150 dpi before attaching it to your email.

Digital photos can be emailed to me at ty@tymichelfelder.com. 

    Will I see a proof of the painting before you finalize it?

    Once the painting is completed, I will download your artwork to a private site and I will send you an email with the URL to the site.  You can then click on the URL at your convenience and view your artwork. Once you view the painting, you can either email me your approval or suggest changes.  After receiving your approval, I will ship your artwork to you within the following week

    Do you matte and frame the artwork you create?

    I do not generally matte or frame my artwork.  However, I can have it done for you by special request.  The price of matting and framing will be added to the painting price, as well as shipping and handling charges.

    How do I place an order?

    Contact me in one of several ways.

    1.  Email me at ty@tymichelfelder.com

    2.  Call the studio at 770 - 614- 6576

    3.  Call my cell at 770 - 856- 3871  (Verizon Wireless In Calling)

     

    T o place an order let me know the size and medium (canvas, matte paper, watercolor paper) you would like for your painting.  I would also like to know your pet's name and something about their personality.

     

    Feel free to contact me if you have questions or want further information.