Ordering a custom portrait
Studio: 412-656-1114
Email: alisonzapata@gmail.com
Pet Portraits by Alison Zapata was featured as a top ten Holiday gift for your (other) true love by Pittsburgh Magazine, 2005.
On September 8th 2006, Alison’s pet portraits were featured at the Pup-culture event at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh. This event featured an exhibit of 20 works focused on dogs. Benefited Animal Friends of Pittsburgh.
In business since 2003, Zapata Studios specializes in glamorous portraits of pets and the people who own them.
Custom Portraits from Photos:
Each commissioned portrait order includes:
* One subject painted unless otherwise specified
* A color field background unless otherwise specified
* An emailed proof of the commissioned work, details below
* Museum archive quality stretched canvas
* Complete professional attention and detail
* A turn over time of 6-8 weeks depending on complexity,
* Guaranteed one-week dry time before shipping
Ordering on-line made easy:
1. Send me an inquiry email stating that you are interested in commissioning a portrait.
2. I will send you a “commissioning a pet or people portrait order form along with a price list.
3. Fill out the email “commissioning a pet portrait” order form/contract with descriptive information.
4. Email Alison at alisonzapata@gmail.com high-resolution jpeg images of your people or pet(s).
5. Mail Alison the completed and signed “commissioning a pet or people portrait contract and the deposit of ½ of the artist fee
6. Alison will work on the portrait. Within 6-8 weeks, Alison will e-mail an on-line proof before shipping, once approved; the painting will be shipped to the requested location within 3-4 business days.
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I accept on-line credit card payments using Pay Pal.
The client is responsible for the additional costs of shipping and handling.
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Tips for photographing your people and pets
I can also work from available photographs of beloved deceased people and pets.
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Capturing Your Pet’s Eyes:
It is true that the eyes are the windows to the soul. When photographing your pet, be sure to capture a clear and detailed view of your pet’s eye. The better the coloring and clarity of your pet’s eyes is captured in a photograph, the more accurately I will be able portray your pet’s true essence through their eyes in the portrait. Capturing the pet’s eye is what gives the painting its soulful quality. You will know it is unmistakably your pet when you see their eyes in their portrait.
Lighting is everything:
Your pey’s natural coloring is as important as their personality! Try to take the picture in a well-lit area, such as the outdoors, especially on a bright overcast day, or in a sunlit room. Keep the sun behind your back and watch out for shadows (especially your own)! Make sure your person or pet is comfortable in the environment. If they are calm, it will be much easier to capture the expression you want.
Positioning Your Subject:
Get in as many angles as possible that please your eyes. If you want to have your subject looking up, take the picture from above. If your subject is lying down and you want to be exactly on that level, lie down in front of them. Get creative! The photo is your own and you can add as much variety as you wish! This is a great bonding experience so have fun!!!
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About Your proof:
A preview of the painting in process will be sent via email as well as a final proof of the painting upon completion of the work. This proof gives the client a good idea of what your final painting will look like. Your painting will contain more detail than can possibly be shown on the web. It should also be noted that all computer monitors are not calibrated the same. Very slight differences in color may occur due to the wide range of monitors that our clients will be using. The vast majority of clients are more than satisfied with their web proof’s accuracy.
Feel free to share your on-line proof with your friends by forwarding the e-mail sent to you.
If for any reason you are not happy with your proof feel free to call Alison to discuss a revision. Alison will rework your work of art one time free of charge; additional requested revisions are charged a design fee of $75 per hour.
Zapata Studios is dedicated to doing the very best work possible for each client. All revisions will add up to 3 weeks to your final delivery time, unless a rush fee is applied to the order.
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