Dave Drew
FINE ART DOG PORTRAITS
FAQ
Everything you need to know.
From choosing a portrait and arranging a Private Commission to framing, delivery and caring for your finished artwork, you'll find answers to the most common questions below.
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My portraits are photographic artworks created in a classic, painterly style inspired by the Old Masters.
Each portrait begins with photography, using natural light and a carefully controlled backdrop, before being individually developed to create the rich tones, depth and character that define my finished work.
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The Collection is a carefully curated selection of finished dog portraits available to purchase as professionally produced and framed artwork.
Each portrait is available in a choice of sizes and selected framing options, allowing you to choose the presentation that best suits your home.
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Yes. Private Commissions are available for anyone who would like a fine art portrait created specifically of their own dog.
Private Commissions start from £595, including the portrait sitting and your finished framed artwork.
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We begin with a conversation about your dog and the portrait you would like to create. You'll choose the size and presentation of your finished artwork and the final price will be agreed before the sitting.
A 50% payment secures your portrait sitting.
After the sitting, you'll choose the photograph you would like me to develop into your finished fine art portrait. Once the finished portrait has been created and you are happy with it, the remaining balance is paid and the artwork is sent for professional production and framing.
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Portrait sittings normally take place in or around Warminster, Wiltshire.
Although the finished portraits have a studio-like appearance, I photograph outdoors using natural daylight and a carefully positioned backdrop.
Depending on your location and circumstances, it may also be possible for me to bring the necessary equipment to you. We can discuss this when arranging your commission.
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No. Your dog doesn't need to be perfectly trained.
Being able to sit or stand comfortably for a short period certainly helps, but I allow plenty of time and work at your dog's pace. The aim is to create a relaxed experience rather than force a particular pose.
If there is anything I should know about your dog's behaviour or temperament, just let me know beforehand.
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Because I work with natural light outdoors, the weather plays an important part in creating the portrait.
Overcast conditions are often ideal, but rain or unsuitable conditions may mean that we need to rearrange the sitting.
If I decide that the conditions aren't suitable for creating the quality of portrait I'm looking for, we'll simply arrange another date at no additional charge.
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Yes.
Following your portrait sitting, you'll be shown a selection of suitable photographs from which you can choose the image you would like me to develop into your finished fine art portrait.
I then create the finished painterly artwork from your chosen photograph and present it to you for approval before it goes into production.
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I've selected a small range of frames and presentation styles that I believe work particularly well with my portraits, ranging from traditional walnut and bronze finishes to contemporary tray frames.
You can see these on the Framing & Presentation page.
If you have something different in mind, alternative frames and presentation styles may also be available on request.
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Yes.
Where appropriate, I can show your finished portrait with different framing options to help you decide which presentation works best before the artwork is ordered.
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Yes.
Private Commission clients receive a digital copy of their finished portrait for personal, non-commercial use.
The professionally produced and framed artwork remains the centrepiece of the commission, but the digital copy gives you something you can also enjoy and share personally.
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Each portrait is individually created and the finished artwork is professionally produced and framed, so this isn't an instant process.
Timescales can vary depending on the portrait, framing choice and production workload. I'll keep you informed throughout the process and let you know when your finished artwork is ready.
Every finished piece is delivered to me first so that I can inspect it personally before it reaches you.
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Yes. Standard delivery within the stated delivery area is included in the advertised price of your finished artwork, so there is no additional standard delivery charge added at checkout.
Where practical, I may personally deliver finished artwork locally by arrangement, and collection can also be arranged.
Full details are available in the Delivery Policy.
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Please contact me as soon as possible if your artwork arrives damaged or there appears to be a problem with it.
I may ask you to provide photographs of the artwork and its packaging and to retain the original packaging while the issue is resolved.
Full details are available in the Refund & Returns Policy.
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Yes, although it will depend on the dogs and the portrait you would like to create.
In some cases, photographing dogs individually may produce the strongest finished artwork; in others, a portrait featuring more than one dog may work beautifully.
If you have several dogs, tell me about them when you enquire and we can discuss what would work best.
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Yes.
Although much of my Collection features medium and larger breeds, Private Commissions are not restricted to particular breeds or sizes.
The important thing is creating a portrait that captures the character and presence of your dog.
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I may use commissioned portraits as examples of my work on the Dave Drew Fine Art website, social media and other promotional material.
A portrait that I feel particularly suits the wider body of my work may also be offered as part of the Dave Drew Fine Art Collection.
Copyright in the photographs and finished artwork remains with Dave Drew Fine Art. Further details are set out in the Terms & Conditions.