Shawneen Finnegan's
Custom Pet Portraits
Immortalize your best friend
from your favorite photo
Ordering info
Before & After
Blog
Blog
Why?
PAINTED PORTRAITS ENDURE
PERMANENT TRIBUTE
WORK OF ART
WONDERFUL GIFT
About me
I am an artist with a deep love of animals and wild birds. My informal training began at home as both parents were gifted professional artists. I loved sketching and painting as a youngster and by high school I was selling horse portraits and winning painting awards.
My artistic subject matter evolved from horses to people, and after becoming an accomplished
birder, I spent decades illustrating birds for books, magazines, journals and for commission.
My treasured dog friend, Rozi, came into my life in 2004, and after losing her 14 years later, the focus of my artwork returned to companion animals. Her loss intensified the desire to return to my roots.
I love painting portraits of beloved animals as a reminder of the love and friendship we share with them. People have special relationships with all manner of animals, from more traditional pets such as cats, dogs and horses to others such as birds, reptiles, and guinea pigs. Relationships also form with non-pet wildlife, such as my friend’s favorite box turtle that roams her southern New Jersey yard every summer.
How to order
1. Select what size painting, how many animals, and what color background you prefer.
2. If you would like a custom background there will be an additional charge.
3. Email the photo(s) you would like used as reference. Tips on how to best photograph your pet can be found here.
4. A draft will be emailed for any corrections needed, or if acceptable as is, with approval to proceed.
5. Upon completion another email version will be sent to you for final approval.
6. Upon receipt of full payment (check, credit card, or Pay Pal) painting will be professionally packaged and shipped.
7. Turnaround time depends on size, complexity and time of the year. Holiday orders need to be made well in advance.
8. Payment is non-refundable.
9. Need it framed? Let's discuss!
10. Shipping not included.
Before & After
George
Molly
Zola
Murphy
1. Select which size, how many animals, and custom background you prefer.
2. eMail the photo(s) you would like used. Tips on how to best photograph your pet can be found below.
3. A draft will be emailed for any corrections needed or, if acceptable as is, with approval to proceed.
4. Upon completion another email version will be sent to you for final approval.
5. Upon receipt of final payment (check, credit card, or Pay Pal) painting will be shipped.
6. Painting will be professionally packaged.
7. Turnaround time depends on size, complexity and time of year. Holiday orders need to be made well in advance.
Pricing
Photo Tips
A great painted portrait begins with excellent and sharp reference photos. Here are some tips:
1. Taking wonderful photographs takes patience and a bit of luck.
2. Natural light is best, particularly side light. Early morning or late in the day when the sun angle is low makes for more dramatic lighting. Midday overhead sun is too harsh unless it is a cloudy day. Taking photos next to a window also works well.
3. If your pet won’t hold still or look at you, call a friend! Have them stand behind you with a squeaky toy or treat.
4. If you are alone and your dog won't hold still try attaching their leash to a piece of furniture.
5. Rather than standing above your pet to take their photo get down to their level. Sit on the floor next to them if they are on a piece of furniture. Or lie down if they are on the floor.
6. Focus on the eyes! Eyes are the window to the soul and that goes for animals, too.
7. DON'T use a flash. Like midday overhead sun the light will be too harsh and the lighting uneven. If you are using a point-and-shoot camera many have a lag time between depressing the shutter and the photo actually being taken. By then the animal has moved. Instead try using the burst mode to compensate for this lag.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Susie
All I can say is WOW! What an exceptional portrayal of Kevin, Katie will love it so much!
YOU DID IT! Made her cry! Good job and thank you!
Donna
Thank you, again, for a great portrait of Sam. “Sam” is home, and looks gorgeous.
Dale
This wild box turtle graces my yard and Shawneen captured his beauty in pastel. What a treat seeing him all year round on my kitchen wall.
Allison
It perfectly captures her spirit and I'm grateful to have this to remember her by.
Get in touch
I look forward to hearing from you:
12150 SW Trail Place
Beaverton, Oregon 97008
