Commissions

I love portraits of people and have learned a great deal from studying their history in many cultures. Unfortunately, as a former art historian, I know too much about the potential strains that can develop between patron and artist to attempt portrait commissions of fellow humans myself.

Pet Commissions

I do, however, accept and enjoy commissions for animal portraits. Since most animals are unlikely to hold still long enough for me to paint their likenesses in watercolor or acrylic, it's best that I work from photographs of the intended model. If you live within New York City, I can come to your home to shoot my own source photos; otherwise, I prefer to have several views of the model, so that I can get a better idea of his or her structure, coloring and characteristic ways of moving

Portraits of Gardens

In the summer season, Annie can often be found outdoors, using plein air painting to capture the plants, colors and light of summer. If you would like your own garden painted, please reach out in the in form below.

Commission Gift Certificates

My commissions start at $500, but a specific price will depend on the medium and size you would like. I am happy to provide a certificate, if you are looking to give the gift of a pet or garden portrait to someone in your life.

Hank in Sepia: Behind the Scenes of a Pet Portrait

Armando

This testimonial is from Fred Lanzetta, who commissioned a portrait of his delightful bulldog Armando as a surprise present. The original commission was for the front view, but I was so entranced by the rear view of the model -- what a neighbor described as his "Louis XIV derriere" -- that I did that as well.

— Annie Shaver-Crandell