Pet & Animal Portraits by Kari Koleva
Custom animal portraiture by Kari Koleva — pricing, the process, and how to order.
Please read all the information below before commissioning. If you have questions after reading, feel free to get in touch using the form.
How to order your pet portrait
Request your commission
Fill in the contact form with all the photos you'd like me to consider. I'll get in touch to discuss details: confirm the best photo for the painting, the price, and the expected timeframe.
Need help picking the right photo? Check the Photo Tips guide below.
If your portrait is for a birthday or special occasion, please let me know in advance so I can do my best to meet your timeline.
Painting process
When it's time to start your commission, I'll contact you with the expected start and completion dates. I will begin your painting and you'll receive a photo for approval once it's finished. Adjustments can be made at this stage if needed.
The full process can take weeks to months to complete.
Once we agree, a non-refundable deposit of $40 secures your spot on my commission list.
Final payment & shipping
After the final payment, I will carefully pack your painting for its new home. Shipping is free, and you'll receive track & trace details so you know exactly when it's on its way.
If you're located in the greater Seattle area, please let me know — I'd be happy to arrange a meeting location or offer free delivery.
Pricing
Price List
April 2026
5" × 7"
- 1 Subject$200
- Detailed Background / Accessories+$30
- Frame+$15
8" × 10"
- 1 Subject$300
- 2 Subjects$390
- Detailed Background / Accessories+$70
- Frame+$20
13" × 19"
- 1 Subject$450
- 2 Subjects$580
- 3 Subjects$650
- Detailed Background / Accessories+$100
- Frame+$40
Other sizes available on request.
What You Get
Customization Options
Your portrait comes with
- Plain color background of your choosing
- Free US shipping
Adjustments
Small adjustments can be included in your commission at no extra cost, as long as they are visible in the reference photo. Let me know in the commission form if you'd like any of these applied.
Appearance adjustments
Remove small scratches, wounds, or marks, and make eyes more visible if fur covers them.
Objects & accessories
Remove collars, harnesses, or objects that cover your pet, such as toys, pillows, or blankets.
Special requests
Have something specific in mind? Many adjustments are possible. If something involves extra work or costs, I'll always discuss this with you first.
Frame options
Frame options and pricing are coming soon. Please inquire when placing your order.
Background options
Each portrait includes a plain background color of your choice to keep the focus on your pet. If you'd like to add accessories or a more detailed background — such as a landscape or specific setting — this can be included for an additional cost.
Plain background
Detailed background
Reference Photos
Photo Tips
I always ask for multiple photos. This helps me get a better overall impression of your pet. If certain details aren't clearly visible in the main reference photo, or if the coat colors look different due to lighting, I can compare them with other images to get a more accurate result.
Once you send your photos, I'll look at them and explain which ones work best and why. I'll point out things like expression, lighting, angles, and visibility of details — and I'll give you honest advice.
In the end, the final choice is always yours. My role is simply to help you figure out which photos will work best for the painting!
Do’s
- Show your pet's face clearly
- Make eyes visible, unless pet is sleeping
- Send multiple photos
- Include interesting poses or expressions
- Give your camera lens a clean!
- Sharp image (not blurry)
- Natural lighting works best
Photo examples coming soon.
Don’ts
- Blurry photos
- Face or important details covered (face, paws, etc.)
- Very dark or overly edited photos
- Strong flash reflections
- Extreme high angles
Photo examples coming soon.