Susan Convery Foltz

Custom Watercolor Portraits
Home Page
Watercolor Portraits
People Portraits
Pet Portraits
Pop Art Portraits
Taking Helpful Photos
Pricing
Commission a Portrait
Enlarged for Detail
>
        Pet Portraits

I will work from your photographs to create a completely personalized, highly detailed, hand painted watercolor on museum quality paper using only the finest juicy watercolors. Your portrait will be a cherished heirloom or a precious gift to your loved ones and it will appreciate in value over the years.

Unlike a photograph, all details in your portrait can be personalized for you.  I can change the colors to match your décor or combine several photographs to get the best expression on each subject or change the background to one that has significance for you.


My paintings go through many stages before the final painting is even started.

a.     I work closely with you to personalize the subject and add details that will have meaning to you. 

b.     Then, I begin the drawing process by combining the photos you have given me into a drawing that will contain all the elements. 

c.      Next, I work out a value arrangement that will draw the viewer’s eye first to the face you most want to see and then carefully guide the viewer on a tour of the painting. 

d.     After that, I start to work out a color arrangement, much the way a songwriter works with melodious musical chords, I work out a harmonious color chord and apply it to the sketch as a first draft. 

e.      Once I have the whole painting planned out in this way I begin to work on the final painting.  The final painting has hundreds of carefully applied layers of watercolor and relies on my 30 years as a watercolor artist to bring out the expression and personality of my subject.

Hold onto those joyous moments with your animal  companion.  Our animals are with us for such a brief time, yet we hold onto the memories forever.  Let me describe the personality of your animal in a work of art to be treasured forever.  Every detail will be personalized for you... the colors will match your house, your pet will be shown in his or her favorite spot or activity.  The details are up to you. Each piece you see on my website is now putting a smile in the heart of its owner.  You can share the love as well, I also offer giclee prints, note cards and other items imprinted with your personal portrait.

All I require from you are a few good quality photos and some stories about your pet.  What does your pet think of as the greatest fun ?  Where does your pet prefer to sleep ?  Does your pet have a favorite "safe" spot ? How about a favorite toy ?  Does your pet have a particular expression that makes you laugh ?  If you can capture a few of those moments or expressions, then we have the material to make a completely personal portrait that will describe that personality and sense of fun that will make you say "that's my dog,(or cat or horse)".

The process of commissioning a portrait is very simple.  Read through my Pricing Page and the Commission a Portrait Page, then Contact Me with your photos.  It takes about 6 to 8 weeks to complete a portrait, but I will try to accomodate special events such as birthdays or holidays.  I will e-mail you a scan of my progress for your approval and input as the portrait develops and I will return your photos when the portrait is finished.


 


German Shephard, Dog with Frisbee, German Shepherd Portrait, Frisbee DogShadow


What Dogs Teach Us

o       When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

o       Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

o       Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

o       Take naps.

o       Stretch before rising.

o       Run, romp, and play daily.

o       Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

o       Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

o       On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

o       On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

o       When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

o       Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

o       Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

o       Be loyal.

o       Never pretend to be something you're not.

o       If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

o       When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

o       Being always grateful for each new day and for the blessings you have.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
-Anonymous

Deneen & MaggiePug, Pug Portrait, Girl and Pug Portrait, Pug PaintingJack Russell Terrier, Jack Russell Portrait, Jack Russell Painting

      dachshund portrait, dachshund painting, watercolor painting dachshund, custom portrait dachsund Max & Heidi
I asked Susan to do a portrait of my 2 dogs for my husband's birthday, but in truth it was for me.  She handled everything so professionally, from coming over to meet our dogs, to showing a preliminary sketch and even assisting in framing ideas.  The portrait turned out perfect!  We will treasure it for years.
Deb Glynn FL
                              Black Labrador Retriever, Black Lab Portrait, Black Lab Painting, Labrador Retriever Portrait




                                                            Rasta
 My Mother in Law loved the portrait of Rasta.  She has it hanging in her living room and it looks great !  Thanks so much.  
F. Gladding FL
                                             
                                                                                  

Black Springer Spaniel, Black Springer Spaniel Portrait, Springer Spaniel Portrait, Springer SpanielBlack Springer Spaniel, Black Springer Spaniel Portrait, Springer Spaniel Portrait, Springer SpanielWinston & Cassie                       Abbey

Susan did portraits of my dog Abbey and my parent's dogs, Winston and Cassie.  She replicated their physical beauty perfectly and captured their personalities as well.  My expectations were exceeded, especially with the portrait of Winston and Cassie, who Susan did not have the pleasure of meeting; their portrait was created using only one picture of the dogs and one of my parents' yard.  I know my parents will be thrilled when I surprise them with the painting.
                                         -K. Bayer , FL 
                    

Golden Labrador Retriever, Golden Lab Portrait, Golden Lab Painting, Labrador Portrait Allison  
The portrait of Allison arrived safely today and I love it!  I really can't wait to give it to Ty (my brother) because I know how much he will love it.  You really captured her spirit and her playfulness.  She looks like she is ready to chase her ball.  Thanks so much for the art work and the wonderful memory of a beloved dog.  
               - E. Bonney VA  



Lysander & PollyHorse Portrait, Horse Painting, Standardbred Portrait, Girl and Horse Painting

 I am so touched and honored that you put your talent and your time into the GORGEOUS painting you did for me !  I'm very grateful.
  - P. Bassett MA
       
Tabby Cat Portrait, Cat and Mouse Painting, Yellow Cat Portrait   Lesley Birman Cat Portrait, Birman Cat Painting, Birman Cat and Blue Flower Painting
                                    Orixa & Ozymandias
Black Dog Portrait, Blue Dog Portrait, Blue Dog Painting, Blue Dog and Flowers Pearlie
I look at her picture every morning as I wake up and it never fails to give me great pleasure.  I know that her days here with us are numbered, but I'll always have that perfect portrait to remember her.  You really captured her happy demeanor and the background is one of her favorite places to be.
M. Simonds N.C.
Copyright 2008 Juicy Universe.  All photographs and artwork contained in this website are copyrighted.  Reproduction, copying or distribution are strictly forbidden.  All rights reserved.