Commission a painting

To commission a realistic animal portrait that captures the true essence and character of your pet, please follow the simple steps below.

I specialise in contemporary head portraits of dogs and horses and I also welcome commissions for cats and cattle. My paintings are mixed media combining oils for the animal and acrylic paint for the background. I feel that this combination of the rich coloured oil paint and chalky matte earthy acrylics are very effective. A background colour can be selected that complements the animal and your home decor.

Initial Consultation & Quote

The process begins with a conversation about your vision. Please contact me at info@joannearmstrong.com to discuss what you are looking for. I will then provide a tailored quotation based on the portrait size you require. You can also have a look at my price list of my standard sizes to give you an idea of cost.

Providing your Reference Photos

The foundation of a great painting is a high quality photo.

Quality: Photos should be high resolution, clear and in focus.

Composition: I require a close-up of the animal's head

Lighting: Natural, soft light is best to ensure every detail of their features and personality is visible.

Local Photography Service: If you do not have high quality photos and live in Northern Ireland, I may be able to visit and take the reference photos for you.

Securing your Booking

Once we have agreed on the reference photo and size your order is secured with a £50.00 deposit. This confirms your place in my studio schedule. My current turnaround is 6-8 weeks from the date your deposit is received. If you have a specific date in mind such as birthday or anniversary I would be very happy to accommodate you so please let me know as soon as possible so I can check my schedule.

Approval, Payment & Delivery

Once your painting is complete, I will email you a high resolution photo of the finished artwork for your final approval.

Your portrait will be delivered once you are completely happy with the results. All paintings are shipped unframed. Delivery within Northern Ireland is included in the price. Postage costs for all other destinations are as follows:

Mainland UK
Small (10×10 to 16×16 in) — £8–£12
Medium (18×18 to 24×24 in) — £12–£18
Large (26×26 to 30×30 in) — £18–£25

Republic of Ireland
Small — £15–£20
Medium — £20–£28
Large — £28–£38

Europe (EU)
Small — £20–£30
Medium — £30–£45
Large — £45–£65
Please note that EU orders may be subject to local import duties or VAT upon arrival, which are the responsibility of the buyer.

Rest of World
Small — £30–£50
Medium — £50–£75
Large — £75–£110

Payment is due before delivery (if posted) or on delivery if delivered in person. I accept BACS transfer, Paypal or card machine payments.