Pet Portrait Information Page

 

Miniature Watercolour Pet Portrait Commissions

I create highly detailed miniature watercolour portraits of beloved pets, each measuring no more than 3cm. Every portrait is painted by hand using traditional watercolour techniques and finished with great care. ♡ Due to the scale and level of detail involved, commissions are limited and completed on a request basis.

Each tiny painting is beautifully packaged and prepared as keepsake pieces, making them ideal for meaningful gifts or personal collections.

PRICING (Updated rates for 2026)

South Africa

• Single portrait - R800.00 each
• Double portrait (two pets on one page) - R1550.00 each

International (USD)

• Single portrait - USD $100
• Double portrait (two pets on one page) - USD $195

*Prices are subject to change and do not include delivery and customs.

 

FRAMING

Your miniature pet portrait can be finished with a beautiful custom walnut frame, designed to perfectly complement the delicate charm of the painting.

Each frame is handcrafted in collaboration with the skilled team at The Frame Room and features softly rounded corners and a warm walnut finish that adds depth and elegance to the piece. The portrait is carefully mounted within the frame behind non-reflective museum glass so that it becomes a complete, ready-to-hang artwork.

This option transforms your miniature painting into a timeless keepsake, thoughtfully presented and ready to display or gift.

• Framed single miniature portrait - R1750.00 each
• Framed double miniature portrait - R2500.00 each

Please note that the lead time for framing can take up to three weeks and is only available for South African orders.

 

 

SHIPPING

• South African orders are shipped locally.

Nationwide Delivery within South Africa - R120

*Paintings are typically sent out for delivery on Wednesdays.

Collection is in Vredehoek, Cape Town.

• International Shipping is quoted separately and depends on destination.

International orders are shipped via FedEx Express.

All portraits are securely packaged and sent with tracking to ensure they arrive safely.

All international shipments are automatically insured for your peace of mind and added security.

Please note that international shipments may be subject to import duties, taxes, customs fees, or processing charges applied by the destination country or courier. These charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost and are the responsibility of the customer. U.S. customers typically pay $30 - $80 in import fees.

Unfortunately, I do not have control over these charges and cannot estimate them in advance.

 

SIZE GUIDE

Portraits are painted on 95 x 95mm square paper with rounded corners.

I’m happy to work on custom sized paper at an additional cost depending on the size.

All paintings come with a little certificate which includes the pets name, the date it was painted, and the artist name.

 

 

 

HOW TO COMMISSION A PORTRAIT

Miniature pet portraits are commissioned by enquiry only and are not available for direct purchase through the website.

To request a commission, please contact me via:

Email - dreefinch@gmail.com

Instagram - @lavender_jam_

Please include the following information:

• Your location (South Africa or International)
  
• How many portraits you'd like and if they need to be single or double portraits.
• Would you like it framed or unframed?
• Would you like straight corners or rounded corners?
• Email address for invoicing.
• Clear, high-quality photos of the pets to be painted along with their names.
• Any relevant deadlines or notes.

I will respond with availability, any clarifying questions, and next steps.

 

LEAD TIME

Portraits are usually completed in the same week of ordering.

If you'd like custom framing, you can expect to wait an additional two weeks.

My busiest months are October - December so it's best to order well in advance to ensure you receive your portraits in time for your festive celebrations.

 

PET PHOTO GUIDELINES

The quality of the photos you provide is extremely important. Clear, high-quality images allow me to capture your pet accurately and create the best possible painting.

For best results, please ensure your photos have:

 

• Natural lighting (bright but not in direct sunlight)
• No blur or portrait mode effects
• No obstructions, and no parts of your pet cut off
  (I aim to avoid improvising wherever possible)

I paint your pet as they are, not the photo itself, so detailed backgrounds are not included.

Please note that any additional elements—such as toys, clothing, blankets, or colour-block backgrounds—will incur an extra cost. This will always be discussed with you when placing your order.

For double portraits, both pets should either appear in the same photograph, or their individual photos must be taken from a similar angle and lighting.

EXAMPLE

 

Please include your pet’s name(s) when sending your reference photos. This helps me become familiar with each pet and allows me to complete the certificate that accompanies your portrait.

Not every photo translates well into a painting. If you’re unsure whether your image will work, I’m always happy to advise and help you choose the best option.

I prefer to work from a single reference photo rather than combining multiple images. Switching between photos can be distracting and time-consuming, and a single clear reference helps ensure the most accurate and cohesive result.

 

PHOTO vs PAINTING

 

 

Once you are ready to proceed with your booking, please get in direct contact with me via:

Email - dreefinch@gmail.com

Instagram - @lavender_jam_

WhatsApp - I will share my number via the above platforms.