Carolina Pet and Human Portrait Samples

Samples : Portraits in Pastel

Pastel Portraits

In the interest of completing your own unique portrait more quickly, we currently create most new projects in fine-art pastels. Pastels permit the fine detail available in oil paintings but can be finished in a fraction of the time, as no drying is needed. As always, we employ the finest light-fast pastel products.

Our pastel paintings start at $349 for a fully-framed, detailed 9 x 12 inch portrait featuring single animals, with basic background, and range up to $3,000 for our largest portraits with an animal and a human companion, or multiples of either (we can create portraits of any kind of animal as well as people) .

See below for sample images, and consult our PRICING page for more details concerning costs. Our portraits, with proper care (displayed away from direct sunlight for prolonged periods), will retain their vibrant colors for generations to come.

"My son was over the moon when he saw your portrait of Bella, his beautiful dog."

-Ann Winkle, Irmo, SC

Soft Pastels allow for a wide-range of color combinations, built up in layers, which permit exacting detail in the finished piece. Artists have rendered life-like images in Pastels (a combination of natural color pigment and dry binding medium) for well over 400 years. Pastels use the same color elements found in oil, watercolor, and acrylic paints, but do not contain liquid, so no drying time is required for the finished art.

"I love it, and Tommy loved [our granddaughter's portrait]. Merry Christmas!"

-Sonya Shealy, Batesburg-Leesville, SC

Larger Animal Portrait

with basic background

12 x 16 inches,

$429

Please note that the prices listed on large samples do not include the extra portrait frame and matting cost. The cost of framing is included in smaller (Standard) portraits. Portraits are hand-delivered regionally.

Because of their dry particle nature, Pastels should be framed immediately. We ship smaller pieces in protective sleeves, or already framed, to outlying areas. The choice is yours.

As noted elsewhere on our site, we normally work from good quality print or digital photographs; the more detailed your photo, the more accurate your portrait will be.

Please remember, a non-refundable 25% deposit is required on all portraits, once your order has been placed.

While we specialize in ANIMAL portraits, you can also commission a portrait of yourself with your pet, or a portrait of a person alone. You'll find some samples below. See our PRICING page for details.