Commissioned Paintings

Xanthe Wyse specialises in painting with artist-grade acrylics, usually on canvas. She especially enjoys painting pets and wild birds in nature.

She occasionally accepts a commission request.

Pet Portraits

Offering custom bird/animal/pet portraits (face and shoulders or whole body).  All species welcome.

Customers within New Zealand only.

Prices start at NZ $200 for approximately  A4 size for 1 pet/animal.

Smallest sizes:
8x10" (203x254mm)  - bit shorter than A4
9x12" (229x305mm) - similar size to A4
10x10" (254x254mm)

Add $15 for packaging/courier or collect from Taupo.
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50% non-refundable deposit is required (bank transfer on invoice or PayPal).

Other sizes or extra pets or very detailed backgrounds will need a quote. Please use contact form for enquiries.
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Doggo

In the Garden

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What should I supply for a commission?

Ideally, more than one good photo is needed. A 'good' photo will have variation in lights and darks (ie not 'flat');  range of colours; good definition of features (especially eyes, nose, ears, mouth, paws/feet). Preferably also some highlights and shadows on the fur/feathers.

Xanthe aims to capture your pet's personality.

Photo tips:

• Don't get too close to your pet with the camera, as it may distort features.
• Get down to your pet's eye level (to avoid foreshortening).
• Take lots of photos, preferably in natural light.
• Engage with your pet during the photoshoot - capture your bond (treats and toys may help).
• Use a camera at at 50-100 mm if possible (to avoid distortion).  'Auto' everything else is generally fine.
• A phone pic may be adequate (depending on lighting & enough detail of features).

Is anything else required for a commission?

For two pets in one portrait, similar lighting and light source direction will have best results. Xanthe can combine two different photo references, if they are compatible. Details of any extra subjects (pets/birds) take extra time to paint.

A quote will be needed for more than two pets (will likely also need a larger canvas size).

Xanthe will need to view your reference pics before accepting a commission. She can make recommendations for a pleasing composition. Email up to half a dozen pics, preferably unedited (JPEG file type) to: [email protected]

More tips on taking better photos of your pet.
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Is the painting framed?

Frames are not supplied but a floating/tray frame would suit best. The sides of the painting will be painted, so it's tidy to display without a frame. The stretched canvas is 1.5" (38mm) deep.

Fine art prints

You may order fine art prints of your pet portraits for friends and family.

Selected art prints are available for purchase.