Thank you for checking out this section! Creating Dog Portraits is one of my main interest at work.
If you are looking for a special and unique way to celebrate your own dog then a sculpture portrait is a great, very exclusive, option!
So, what is a PORTRAIT? Basically is a representation of a subject capturing its unique qualities. The most common form to portray a person or animal is by painting but I create a tridimensional experience by shaping the clay into your very own dog.
How is it done? I help myself from photos that you send to me and also by details you can provide of your dog in order to create a portrait which display some live by including your dogs most common expression.
Why would you want a portrait of your dog? The reasons can be endless, but mainly YOU LOVE YOUR DOG! I have created custom sculptures to remember a dog who has passed away, a Memorial portrait sculpture of a dog seems to be a very sensitive way to remember out dear friends. Unlike a painting, the sculpture give you the possibility to hold the piece in your hands can connect you with him/her in a very special way.
But I also get commissioned to create pieces of alive subjects! The most common occasions include a milestone celebration such as anniversary, birthday, etc, of both the owner OR the dog! And another very popular reason comes along when a dog has accomplished an important achievement such a winning a Champion title or similar awards.
The list of reasons can be endless and experience tells me is one of the best gifts given amongst friends. It is a very common thing to surprise someone with a Dog Sculpture, so if you are thinking what to give your ‘dog friend’, this can be a great option!
I am always happy to hear from you! So contact me if you wish to commission one of my sculptures of your own dog!
email me at applerainart@gmail.com with photos of your dog and your wishes. I will soon get back with a quote and availability of date to start your work!
Useful Information! (ready below)
- The sculptures are made in clay which is fired at least two times and the result is a unique CERAMIC piece.
- The dog portraits are fully customised, created from the photos that you send to me.
- The working time is around 8 weeks. The ceramic process is slow.
Steps of my working process
- I study the photos you send me.
- I start the sculpting process. Depending on the size and complexity of the design it can take from a couple of days to a couple of weeks.
- The clay sculpture MUST dry completely
- The dry clay must go into the kiln for the first time, it will fire at about 980Celsius. Color can be applied both after and before the first firing.
- Coloring process will continue. Details with slips or applying glaze will take place on a bisque ceramic piece.
- The sculpture will go into the kiln again, this time at 1280Celsius.
- In most cases the sculpture will be ready to go home! If the color is too delicate it will need an extra firing.
*The drying process takes from 2 to 4 weeks depending on the size of the piece.
*The firing process takes 48 hours each time.
*The colouring process can be split in stages between firings.
*The entire work will be ready in about 8 weeks.
*Shipping time does count as part of the process, delivery is entirely up to post services of each country and will normally take from 1 to 3 weeks.
Pricing
A portrait sculpture is made out of YOUR needs, therefore each project is different. But I still can give you a guideline of price.
Standard Basic: This is a sculpture of about 15 cm at it’s largest. The posture of the dog can be sitting down, laying down, or standing (most typical for show dogs).
In such size of sculpture I am able to capture the dogs most typical posture and mood.
Displays better on shelfs and glass showcases amongst other pieces.
PRICE: €350
Standard Extra: This is a sculpture of about 18 cm at it’s largest. The posture of the dog can be sitting down, laying down, or standing (most typical for show dogs).
In such size of sculpture I am able to capture the dogs most typical posture and mood. The extra size allows to capture some extra face detail.
Displays better on shelfs and glass showcases amongst other pieces.
PRICE: €400
Standard Large: This is a sculpture of about 20 cm at it’s largest. The posture of the dog can be sitting down, laying down, or standing (most typical for show dogs).
In such size of sculpture I am able to capture the dogs most typical posture and mood. The extra size allows to capture some extra face and body details.
This size will display better on a place for its own. I can be better appreciated from the distance and will standout in any shelf or amongst other collections.
PRICE: €500
Large: This is a Sculpture of more that 25 cm. This style will increase in volume and will have a most realistic look. Leaving place to show great amount of details in bones, muzzles and different factions all over the body.
This size will display perfect on it’s own. It is to make a real tribute to a special dog. It will be part of your home and will be admired by anyone who enters the room.
The price of this size must be discussed after your requirements.
The starting price is €800. Get in touch for a quote.
Other poses and extras: Other poses as dogs in movement, playing, jumping, etc or extra accessories as stands or extra items will incur in an extra pricing. It will depend on each specific item or pose. For the standard options you may think an additional €50-100 to the start price. For large sculptures it must be discussed for the quote.
Payment:
I accept payment via PayPal (worldwide) and Bank transfer (only EU clients).
How to Proceed:
– In order to commission a piece I request a deposit to secure a spot in my book.
The deposit must be paid to confirm the work. The amount is €100 for Standard sizes.
For Large sculptures it will be a %50 of the bespoken total.
– I will tell you a starting date and you will be able to follow the entire process online (by joining my Facebook group, where I share videos of my work in progress)
– When the sculpture is ready you will pay the balance + shipping and I will ship the piece to you!
Shipping: 99% of my work is shipped WORLDWIDE.
Shipping cost depends on the parcel size/weight. It ranges from €30 to €120.
Tracking number is optional for small pieces.
Contact me NOW if you have questions or if you want to ORDER!
I will be very happy to help you!
Send email to applerainart@gmail.com (send photos here!)
Or fill in contact form below!
I look forward to hearing from you,
Barbara.
Fill in the form if you have questions or you wish to commission your own dog sculpture!
