Tails Of Love
Tails of Love was born from my profound Love for animals and a desire to capture their unique spirits through art. This passion led me to specialize in painting pet portraits using oil paints, a medium known for its richness and depth. Each portrait is an emotional journey, capturing the essence of a beloved pet in a way that resonates with the heart of the owner.
The significance of these portraits for pet owners, are timeless keepsakes. They serve as beautiful and lasting reminders of the bond they shared, allowing the memories of these cherished companions to be treasured for a lifetime.
Methods And Techniques
Capturing the unique personality of a pet in a portrait starts with understanding the pet's personality. I often request pet owners to share stories, behaviors, and quirks that define their pet's personality. This helps me gain insight into the animal's spirit and disposition.The next step is visual observation. The quality of the photograph is paramount. I study photographs of the pet, focusing on expressions, posture, and distinctive features. Particular attention is paid to the eyes, as they are often windows to their soul.
The technique in oil painting plays a crucial role. I use various brushstrokes and colors to reflect the pet's nature. For instance, the choice of colours also helps in highlighting personality; warmer tones can denote a vibrant, lively nature, while cooler tones might suggest a serene, composed demeanor.
Lastly, I pay attention to the setting or background of the portrait. I recommend a simplified background - see examples of the portraits shown. In essence, it's about connecting with the pet's spirit and translating it onto the canvas, making each portrait a deeply personal and one-of-a-kind represeentation of the animal.
Best Photographs To Provide
- Clarity and Detail: The photograph needs to be clear and high-resolution - at least 300 DPI. This allows me to capture the fine details of the pet’s features, such as the texture of the fur, the shine in their eyes, and other distinctive markings.
- Lighting: Good lighting is essential. Natural light is preferable as it brings out the true colors and depth, allowing the pet's personality to shine through. Overly shadowed or overly bright photos can obscure important details.
- Pose and Expression: The pet's pose and expression in the photograph should reflect their personality. Whether it’s a playful stance, a relaxed pose, or an alert expression, the photo should capture the essence of the pet’s character.
- Eye Contact: Photos where the pet is making eye contact with the camera are often more engaging. The eyes are expressive and captivate the viewer.
- Owner’s Connection: Sometimes, the best photograph is the one with which the pet owner has an emotional connection. It might not be technically perfect, but it captures a moment or aspect of their pet that they love dearly.
- Confirmation and Proceeding: Once the photograph is selected, I confirm all details with the client and then proceed with the portrait creation, keeping them updated during the progress.
How to Order
Ordering your portrait: Please email me to enquire or order your pet portrait.
If you would like to chat, please advise your mobile number when you email me and I will contact you as soon as possible
Deposit: A 50% deposit is required once you confirm the order.
Delivery Time: Please allow 4-6 weeks from the date the deposit is paid, to receive your beautiful keepsake in the mail.
Shipping: Free shipping available for Australian and International orders.
Framing: Optional. I will provide a quote from my framer. He uses raw Tasmanian oak. The cost of framing is extra and is added onto the price of the portrait.
Canvas Sizes: Please refer to the size chart below for canvas sizes which have been scaled to indicate the approximate sizing when hung on a wall,
Additional Information: This painting is produced using high quality materials, ready to hang and is signed on the front.
Pricing
The pricing for your portrait is tiered according to the size of the painting. These sizes are for an unframed painting. Pricing is in Australian dollars.
Framing: allow an additional $60 - $100 for framing, dependent on the size. A quote can be arranged.
Small Paintings
Inches Centimetres Price
8 x 10" 20 x 25 cm $300
10 x 12" 25 x 30 cm $300
11 x 14" 28 x 35 cm $350
12 x 16" 30 x 40 cm $350
16 x 20" 40 x 50 cm $400
Larger sized Paintings: Please enquire for custom size and pricing.
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Prudence - Mistress of her own Destiny
Pru's story: "Mistress of her destiny" Originally abandoned as a kitten, her first owner found her bedraggled on the street and decided to take her home. After a few years, Pru decided it was time to move on, when her owner brought home another cat. Not happy Jan! She befriended a neighbour for awhile until their health failed which changed Pru's status to being a "rescue cat". Her current owner reached out via social media during the Covid lockdown to arrange transport from northern New South Wales to Mount Dandenong in Victoria. A series of kind and generous people transported Pru in relays to her forever home. Prudence is truly a cat that has had few lives and she loves to tell you about them.
Custom order: Framed
11 x 14" or 28cm x 35cm
Oils on board
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Rosie - a gorgeous girl
Rosie is a gentle natured, loving chocolate labrador. She is one of the most amazing and loyal companions anyone could have and is just happy to be in the company of people and other dogs, according to her owner.
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Guinness The Legend
Guinness "The Legend" has had an extraordinary life with many adventuress. He is a FIFO dog and swings from urban life to farm life. On the farm he spends time with his 2nd family, explores the farm, and watches over the animals in his protection. Then he switches mode to urban life where he frequents the cafes, visits the park and swims at the beach - what more could a dog ask for. He is completely loved and adored by his owner and his farm family.
11 x 14" or 28cm x 35cm
Oils on stretched canvas
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Bowie
Bowie is a Bull Arab x rescue dog who landed with a foster carer and never left because of their close bond. Bowie is a beautiful girl who loves nothing more than lounging on the couch or dog bed all day long giving everyone her judgemental side eye. Bowie is the queen of the house and likes to make sure she keeps everything in order. She would happily stay at home all day but regularly gets taken out for adventures and loves exploring the outdoors and swimming with her brother. Bowie is also a certified therapy dog and regularly works with youth assisting them with her calm and relaxed nature.
Oils on board
8 x 10" or 20 x 25 cm
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Millie - Forever Loved
Millie passed away in 2023 and her owners Brett and Jenny were heart broken so they commissioned a painting.
Millie was a true companion, totally loyal and went everywhere with Brett. She loved every excursion, especially when they went fishing - she had her designated spot on the boat.
She was and is greatly loved and now they can see her every day.
Custom order: framed
10 x 12" or 25 x 30cm
Oils on canvas board
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Gypsy - Playful Puppy
Gypsy is the new family member and playful fur baby for Jenny & Brett to help heal their broken hearts.
Gypsy is only 3 months old when I painted her and she has already become an integral part of their family.
Gypsy has so much to look forward to with her new family who will provide a wonderful home and adventures through out her life.
Custom Order: framed
10 x 12" or 25 x 30cm
Oils on board
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Nino
Nino is a cavoodle with a lot of personality. He is very loud for a small dog and makes his presence well known at home but is the quietest and best behaved boy when outside. He is obsessed with balls and loves nothing more than playing fetch at the river. Because of his small and adorable nature he regularly gets mistaken as a girl.
10 x 12" or 25 x 30cm
Oils on board
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Bruce the Ram
Bruce is a proud Merino ram who iare valued for their fleece. His owners wanted a portrait to grace their farmhouse walls so they commissioned me.
They loaned me a complete fleece, a rams skull intact with horns and photos of Bruce. I felt as though I was in Bruce's presence, under his watchful eye while painting him.
Painting the horns was easy compared to the fleece. I spent hours looking and "seeing" the qualities of the wool strands. Painting in many layers to achieve the end result.
Bruce's owners were so thrilled with his portrait, and I must admit so was I.
Commissioned: large painting
100cm W x 120cm H
39" W x 47" H
oils on board.
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Bella
Bella is a Cavelier King Charles cross and we are glad she is a part of our family. She adores our children and they love her in return. She is a gentle, sweet girl who loves the beach and going for walks.
10 x 12" or 25 x 30cm
Oils on board
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Arlo
Arlo is a mixed staffy x rescue dog. He is an extremely loyal family dog and has a very close relationship with his owner who rescued him as a 4 month old pup. Arlo loves to go on adventures and even rides in the kayak out on the water but particularly loves going to the river or beach to dig giant holes in the sand. He is also an agility dog and loves attending training every week. One of his favourite things to do is roll around on the ground or fall and roll on his humans.
Custom order - set of three
6 x 8" or 15 x 20cm
Oils on board
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Arlo three ways