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Pet Portraits and Wildlife Art
by Rhonda Crane

Work in Progress

Completed Portrait

Completed Artwork


Welcome to my website!

About Me

As a neurodivergent artist, my work is a deeply personal exploration of the natural world, driven by a childhood spent surrounded by a variety of pets and rescued wildlife. This early exposure and an intense love of art making, naturally led to a strong desire to create realistic drawings of the animal kingdom. Today, my innate ability to hyperfocus and pay attention to the smallest of details, allows me to perceive and capture the distinct character of my animal subjects.Recently, my practice has taken on a profound new depth following the passing of my beloved dog, Brutus. This personal grief transformed my understanding of the unspoken, unbreakable bonds we share with our animal companions, a gift that feels truly sacred. The emotional weight of this loss has refocused my artistic vision, motivating me to create illustrations that explore the deep psychological and profoundly emotional connection between humans and their pets.Working in multiple art mediums, I combine precise line work, fluid washes, and rich colour to create inspirational images of healing, memory, and love. By bringing the vibrant energy and individual characteristics of my subjects to life, I hope to offer comfort to fellow pet lovers while raising awareness for the protection of animal habitats. Ultimately, my art invites viewers to pause, appreciate the wonder of creation, and advocate for the health of our planet.


Feedback from past clients!

Client Reviews

Rhonda was able to take an idea for our baby's nursery and turn it into a beautiful work of art. It's absolutely perfect! One of our favorite things in his room.
~Britney
I just wanted to thank you for the portrait you did of Rambo, a birthday gift for my sister-in-law. We both cannot believe how realistic and beautiful the portrait turned out. You are an amazing artist.
~Rita
I’ve known Rhonda for years; I always knew she had an artistic talent. When my beloved dog suddenly passed away, Rhonda knew I was heartbroken. A few weeks passed and Rhonda gifted me with a truly lifelike drawing of my Kora. I will never forget that day. The detail in her drawing is amazing. This woman deserves to be doing what she loves to do, and has been gifted to do. She’s an amazing talent.
~Tisa
The picture Rhonda made for me of my sweet puppy is perfect. The time she puts into her art and the detail is incredible. You will not be disappointed!
~Trisha
Rhonda did an amazing dolphin art piece for me. I absolutely love it! I have yet to frame it, but it is going to look beautiful on my wall. Her passion and skill for drawing is clearly visible in her work. I've looked at many of her pieces and I'm amazed at them all. Absolutely beautiful. You won't be disappointed! Thank you again Rhonda for my amazing dolphin picture.
~Kim

The art piece turned out beautiful and well beyond my expectations! I would definitely recommend Rhonda to anyone! Thank you, thank you! So happy!
~Tennille
She did an amazing job on my Christmas present from my mom. The care and detail she put into it was phenomenal. She is extremely talented and I would recommend her to anyone that asks! You most certainly won't be disappointed at all. Thank you so much Rhonda for the beautiful picture of my dogs!!
~Jen
I cannot begin to thank you enough for the stunningly beautiful portrait you did of Loki. Your love of animals certainly shines through in your work. You are so incredibly talented.
~Lynn
Rhonda did a portrait of our 13 year old Shih Tzu / Bichon Frise mix. I was blown away at the perfect likeness of our dog. She captured our dog perfectly. We will cherish her portrait forever. Amazingly talented lady. Thank you Rhonda!
~Anna
For Christmas this year, Rhonda drew a portrait of my family's cat, which I gave to my sister. It was excellently done, and it was certainly the highlight of the holidays. I definitely recommend Rhonda, as she puts so much time and effort into her art. You will not be disappointed!
~Josh
I can't believe she captured Paco so well. She is so talented!
~Diane


Happy to hear from you!

Contact Me



Complete the form to order!

Order a Portrait

Please note:
~ Currently accepting Canadian orders only.
~ Shipping is free to any Canadian address.
~ 1st 50% payment: required to start portrait.
~ 2nd 50% payment: required to ship portrait.
~ Payments accepted by Interac eTransfer.
~ Payments are non-refundable (final sale).

My custom pet portraits are handmade using professional art supplies and archival materials. I invite you to view past commissions in my Portrait Portfolio, to determine if you like my realistic style and the look of the various art mediums I work in, before you place your order.There are just 3 easy steps involved in ordering a custom pet portrait. These steps are explained in detail in the Ordering Process section. It can take me a month or two to complete a portrait, depending on my availability. To order a custom pet portrait, please fill out the form below.Custom pet portraits are available in several sizes and designed to fit inside standard, store-bought picture frames. Prices are listed in Canadian dollars. Shipping is free to any Canadian address (I do not ship outside of Canada). Please visit the Portrait Prices section to view my price list.I require at least one detailed reference photo to create a realistic portrait. Suitable reference photos are in focus, not too dark, and provide accurate eye/coat colour and fur/hair texture. Please read my Pet Photography Tips for helpful advice on taking suitable photos of your pet.If this is your first order with me, I recommend that you read my Client Reviews to see what past clients have to say about working with me. If you have any questions, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section. If your question is not answered there, please Contact Me.

Order Form


View past commissions!

Portrait Portfolio


Free shipping in Canada!

Portrait Prices

Pen and Ink

(Example)

small

5" x 7"

one pet per portrait
head and shoulders pose
white background

$125 (cad)

medium

8" x 10"

one pet per portrait
head and shoulders pose
white background

$200 (cad)

large

9" x 12"

one pet per portrait
head and shoulders pose
white background

$250 (cad)

Coloured Pencil

(Example)

small

5" x 7"

one pet per portrait
head and shoulders pose
white background

$175 (cad)

medium

8" x 10"

one pet per portrait
head and shoulders pose
white background

$250 (cad)

large

9" x 12"

one pet per portrait
head and shoulders pose
white background

$300 (cad)


Happy to answer your questions!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete a portrait?
It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to complete a portrait, but if I have a waiting list, it can take longer. For this reason, please give me as much notice as possible, especially if you want to receive the portrait by a certain date.
Do you offer free shipping?
I offer free shipping within Canada.
What contries to do ship to?
Currently, I only ship to Canada.
How will it take to ship the package?
Shipping can take up to 15 business days, depending on your location. I am not responsible for shipping delays that are out of my control (ie: postal strikes or pandemics).
What should I do if the package doesn't arrive?
If your portrait does not arrive within 15 business days, contact me immediately. I will need to contact the shipping company to confirm the portrait has been lost, before a replacement can be granted. I reserve the right to refuse a replacement, if you fail to contact me within 2 business days of the expected delivery date, and/or the shipping company can provide proof of delivery.
What should I do if the package is damaged?
Before opening the damaged package, take detailed photos of the front and back. Then, carefully open it, and remove the portrait. If the portrait is damaged, take detailed photos of the front and back, and contact me immediately. I will need to review your photos, before a replacement can be granted. I reserve the right to refuse a replacement, if you fail to send me photos within 24 hours of delivery, and/or the shipping company can provide proof the delivery arrived undamaged.

What methods of payment do you accept?
I accept Interac e-Transfers (online) and cash (in person).
How are payments divided?
The portrait price is divided in half, and paid in two, non-refundable payments (ie: a $200 portrait is paid for in two $100 payments).
When are payments due?
You will receive an invoice when payments are due. The first payment is due before I start your portrait. The second payment is due before I ship your portrait.
Can I cancel the order?
Orders can be cancelled, but I will keep any payments you have made, to cover my material costs and labour.
Do you offer refunds?
I do not offer refunds on custom art commissions, as they are made to order, and designed to suit the unique taste and requirements of a specific buyer (ie: feature a client's pet or their favourite wildlife).
How should I frame the artwork?
The artwork should be framed using acid-free materials only, to avoid discolouration. Hold it by the edges, so you don't transfer oils from your skin onto the drawing or smudge it. Hang it out of direct sunlight and away from humid environments to prevent fading or warping.
Can I use the artwork for commercial purposes?
My artwork is sold to you for your personal use only and can not be used for commercial purposes (for profit) without my written permission. As the artist, I retain full copyright to any and all artwork, images and photos, and reserve the right to use them for any and all purposes.


Tips for reference photos!

Pet Photography Tips

1) Take lots of pictures. The more you take, the better your chances of getting the perfect shot! For best results, I prefer to work from several reference photos. This allows me to accurately replicate your pet's unique facial features, eye colour, markings and coat texture.2) Use a tripod and turn off the flash. Photos taken outside with a tripod and no flash are best for pet portraits. The tripod will steady your shots and the natural light will provide an accurate colour reference. Shooting on slightly overcast days, or in the shade on a sunny day, will give you the best results. Have your pet face the sun to avoid having dark shadows on their face.3) Get down to their eye level. Shooting your pet at their eye level, by crouching down or having them sit on a chair, allows you to capture accurate facial features and body proportions.4) Try different camera angles. Take pictures of your pet from different perspectives to so you don't miss important details. Shoot them facing you straight on and from the right and left side. This will allow me to see the colour of both eyes, the shape of the nose and the direction of the fur.5) Choose your location carefully. Find a quiet spot with few distractions that is familiar to your pet, so they will feel comfortable and at ease.

Brutus_1

Get Down to Their Eye Level

6) Get their attention and make it fun. Hold treats or toys above your head to help them stay focused on you. Reward them often with treats and short breaks to play with their toys.7) Tire them out. If your pet tends to be too excited and impatient to cooperate with you, give them some exercise beforehand, so they will be calm and relaxed during the shoot.8) Get in close. Capture as many fine details as possible. Photos that are in focus, with lots of detail make the best reference photos. Zoom in to get shots of their eyes, nose and any unique markings.9) Ask for help. Get a friend or family member to assist with posing your pet. Ask them to hold your pet still or handle the leash, so you can focus on getting the best picture you can.10) Capture their unique personality. Does your pet have a facial expression or head tilt that you feel is unique to them? Something they do that makes your heart melt every time you see it? Photos that capture a pet's unique personality are perfect for pet portraits!

Brutus_2

Capture Their Unique Personality




Easy 3-step ordering process!

Ordering Process

Step 1

Step 1:
To begin the ordering process, please fill out the order form located in the Order a Portrait section and upload your reference photo (max file size: 16MB).
Please read my Pet Photography Tips for helpful advice on taking pictures of your pet before you submit your order.

Step 2

Step 2:
When I receive your order, I will send you an e-mail to let you know if your reference photo is suitable.
a) If it is suitable, I will send you an invoice for the non-refundable 50% down payment. After payment, I will book your portrait in my calendar, send you an estimated delivery date, and begin work on your portrait.b) If your photo is not suitable or the file size was too large to be submitted using the order form, I will request another photo.

Step 5

Step 3:
When the portrait is completed to your satisfaction, I will send you a second invoice for the remaining non-refundable 50% payment. After payment, I will ship your portrait and send you a tracking number.
If your portrait does not arrive within 15 business days or arrives in damaged packaging, please contact me immediately for assistance.