Welcome to
Starpawzz Pet Portraits
Fine Art by Deborah Harvey
You have come to the right place
Gallery
There is no bigger joy than the love for and of our four-legged friends
- "It makes me happy every time I look at it" – Janet A, Mill Valley, California
- "Oh! it's our dear 'ol Mutley for sure! You've really captured him!" – Martyn S, Barbados
- "Oh my God! It's Stewie! I love it!" – Marta G. Sarasota Florida
Every animal I meet I want to paint. I love their faces, I love their spirits. I love the way they’re made. Every person I meet adores their pet no matter the breed or species. It’s a real joy to live with a beloved animal and witness both the raw nature spirit and the sweetness they bring to all the lives they touch.
About
My name is Deborah Harvey. I’m based in Marin County, CA in the San Francisco Bay Area. I graduated Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa in Fine Arts at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Nature has always been my lifelong guide, a passion that informs all I do. I sense the life in all things and am especially delighted by animals and interacting with them. I can do many mediums but for animal portraits, pastel is my favorite. I hope it is yours too.
Pastel animal portraits of your beloved pet.
Prices & Sizes
Size (inches) – Price
Custom sizes – TBD
8×10 – $425
9×12 – $495 (recommended)
12×15 – $550
Larger – To be determined
Glow background – Free
Complex background – $75-$200
Additional pet(s) – 50-100% additional
These prices and sizes are to get you to thinking about what you’d love to have in your home.
Together we will work to design something you can cherish for years to come.
To order and start the process of creating your custom work of art email me at
info@starpawzzpetportraits.com
or fill out the Contact Form
FAQ
Sizing
Larger and custom sizes are available upon request. If you require a size that is not listed above please don’t hesitate to contact me for a quote
Backgrounds
Tonal ‘mottled’ or glow backgrounds are free for pastel portraits.
Framing
Your local framer will be able to professionally frame your pet portrait to your taste and budget.
Standard size pastel portraits can come hinge mounted to a standard mat at an additional charge so that they are ready to be framed behind glass. Custom sized portraits should be professionally matted & mounted by your framer. Pricing of your portrait depends on the size of the it. The mat and frame price will be determined by your framer.
Sizing information
When doing portraits of head/shoulders I try to fill the entire canvas with the subject. There is usually a 1-2 inch gap from the subject to the edge of the canvas or paper. This creates a balanced portrait and ensures that if you choose to have it framed there is no loss of background or subject.
Can I have a custom size?
Yes. If there isn’t a size listed on my website please don’t hesitate to contact me for a custom quote.
I am unsure as to what size portrait I would like.
That’s no problem. Once I have seen the photographs there may be elements, textures that would look better in certain sizes. This can depend on a few factors ranging from where you would like the finished portrait hung, allowing the space for framing, the number of subjects on the portrait and budget. We’ll work all of this out together before your final approval on the work to be done.
How long do portraits take?
I work on a waiting list, first come first served basis. A 50% non-refundable deposit secures you a place on the list. I am often booked in advance so if you have a specific date in mind, please let me know.
Do you work from photographs?
Yes. It is the main way I work. I love seeing your photographs of your adored pet. I require good quality photographs to work from which will enable me to create a realistic and highly detailed portrait capturing your pet’s special character. These can be emailed to info@starpawzzpetportraits.com.
Can I see what my portrait will look like?
Once we look at your favorite photo of your animal we will decide together about the final image, background etc. Things can be easily tweaked and I welcome any suggestions you may have so together we can agree on creating something you can cherish.
When do I pay the balance?
If you wish I can send you a photograph update throughout the process so you can watch the portrait develop. Once you have received the final scan/photograph of your portrait and you are happy with the end result the balance can be paid. Once I have received the balance payment, I will contact you for local pick up or shipping.
Can I pay in installments?
Preferably not. Once the 50% non-refundable deposit is paid further advance payments on the balance may be made at any time. Let’s always keep in touch so there’s no confusion. A receipt will be forwarded to you to acknowledge your deposit and final payment. Portrait can then be picked up or shipped once the entire amount is paid.
Photography Tips
- Take as many photographs as you can. This will ensure you have a greater chance of 2-3 suitable images.
- Try to stand away from the subject approximately 3-6 feet. You will need to zoom in to ensure the subject fills the picture.
- Ensure you get the desired stance photographed. Ears forward, mouth closed, slight tilted head?
- Get close shots of the nose and eyes. Having detail of these features makes all the difference to the final portrait.
- Lighting is important. Ideally take your photographs outdoors on a bright day. If this isn’t possible, positioning your pet near a window or door where lots of natural light floods in.
- It’s best to keep the flash off when photographing your subject indoors. Flashes often create an over exposure of fur and red eye. Capturing your pet’s spirit and likeness is a result from clearly seeing the nose and eyes, both very important points to remember.
Contact Deb