C O M M I S S I O N I N G a n O R I G I N A L P A I N T I N G
Every dog has a personality, an expression, and a story that deserves to be remembered. Whether your companion is a beloved family member or the welcoming face of a favorite business, my goal is to create an oil portrait that captures not only a likeness, but also the spirit that makes your dog unforgettable.
Every portrait begins by getting to know your dog. We talk about the personality you'd most like to capture, then I spend time photographing, sketching, and designing the painting before a brush ever touches the canvas. If travel isn't practical—or if we're creating a portrait in memory of a beloved dog—I can often work from your own photographs. The key is having excellent reference images, especially clear close-ups, and enough information to understand your dog's personality and expressions.
Each portrait is painted by hand in oils in my studio using museum-quality archival materials, including handmade Vasari paints on Claessens Belgian linen, ensuring your painting can be enjoyed for generations.
Portrait Options
Head Study
A classic portrait focusing on expression and personality.
Beginning at $2,500.
Three-Quarter Portrait
More of the dog's posture and character, with a simple setting.
Beginning at $3,500.
Full Figure Portrait
The whole body with a more developed setting or environment.
Beginning at $5,000.
Dogs and People Together
Portraits of dogs with their people are among my favorite commissions. Because every family is different, pricing is determined after consultation.
Final pricing depends on the number of subjects, complexity of the background, and canvas size. Larger dogs often require larger canvases for the portrait to have the proper visual impact. And in a full-figure portrait, the canvas must be large enough to give the face the presence needed to capture your dog's expression.
I do not include framing in my portrait prices because there is an endless supply of molding choices and prices. I believe that a frame should be chosen by the owners of the portrait to be in harmony with their taste and the setting where the portrait will hang. But I'm always happy to help with framing selections.
Commission prices are for the original oil painting. Copyright and reproduction rights remain with the artist and The Watermark Studio unless other arrangements are made in writing.
The Process
Consultation — We talk about your dog, your ideas, and where the portrait will live.
Photography & Design — After one or two photography sessions, I plan the composition in collaboration with you.
Studio Painting — The portrait is painted entirely by hand in oils.
Final Approval — I like to present my portraits in person for the first reveal because photographs on a screen never do them justice. If impractical travel prevents this, I will send a photo before shipping.
See a Portrait Come to Life
Curious about how a portrait evolves from photographs to finished painting?
Watch my slideshow, Painting Duffy Morris, for a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.
https://watermarkstudio.com/d-slideshow
(If you're viewing on a phone, you may need to switch to landscape mode to read the captions.)
Thank you for your interest in my work. It would be a privilege to create a portrait that celebrates your dog's unique personality and preserves those memories for years to come.
If you're considering a portrait—or simply have questions about the process—I'd love to hear from you —
Karen Killian
The Watermark Studio
PO Box 111
Tryon, North Carolina 28782
860 . 460 . 5787
kk@watermarkstudio.com