Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about commissioning a hand-painted watercolor portrait of your pet. If your question isn't answered here, feel free to reach out via our contact form — Lei reads every message personally.

Ordering & process

  • Click "Order a portrait" on any page, fill in the order form, and follow the check out. Lei will confirm receipt and ask for your photos. She will review your photos and if ok, begin painting. You'll receive your finished portrait within 2–3 weeks.

  • You place your order and Lei will contact you to send the photos. Lei paints your portrait entirely by hand using professional watercolours on 100% cotton fine art paper. When it's finished, she photographs it and sends you a preview before shipping. Your original painting is then carefully packed and sent to your door.

  • Yes — Lei paints dogs, cats, and other animals. Every breed is welcome. If you don't see a dedicated page for your breed, that simply means the page hasn't been built yet. Lei paints them all.

  • Yes. Lei works from photos you provide. The better the photo, the better the portrait — but she's experienced at working with imperfect shots too.

  • Lei paints one subject per portrait. If you have two dogs or a dog and a cat, each would be a separate painting. Many clients order both and display them as a pair — it works beautifully.

  • Lei shares a photo of the finished painting before shipping. If there's something specific you'd like adjusted, she'll discuss it with you. Her goal is a portrait you love.

Photos

  • Send three to five photos in good natural light. A clear, straight-on face shot is essential. Additional photos showing personality — your pet mid-play, resting, or doing something characteristic — help Lei go beyond a likeness and capture who they really are.

  • Sharp focus, good natural lighting, and a clear view of the face and eyes. Avoid heavy shadows, flash photos, and extreme angles. Outdoor photos in daylight tend to work best.

  • Lei can work with imperfect photos, but the quality of the portrait is directly related to the quality of the reference. If you only have one photo of a pet who has passed away, send it — she will do her best with what's available.

  • Lei will be in touch after ordering and you can then simply reply the email and send them to her. JPG or PNG files work fine.

  • No special preparation needed. Simply send them by replying Lei’s email after you place your order. iPhone photos taken in good daylight are perfectly sufficient — you don't need a professional camera.

Pricing & sizes

  • Portraits are available in two sizes. A4 (21 × 29.7 cm) is €80, plus €10 shipping within Europe or €20 worldwide. A3 (29.7 × 42 cm) is €150, plus €15 shipping within Europe or €25 worldwide. Each portrait is an original, hand-painted artwork on fine art paper.

  • A4 is a classic size — detailed, personal, and well suited to gifting or displaying on a desk or shelf. A3 is larger and makes a stronger statement on the wall. For breeds with strong physical presence — Dobermans, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Maine Coons — many clients choose A3.

  • No. Portraits are shipped unframed, which keeps shipping costs down and allows you to choose a frame that suits your home. Standard A4 and A3 frames are widely available.

  • Yes — digital gift vouchers are available in the store. The recipient receives a code by email and can use it to place their own order at a time that suits them. A gift voucher is a great option when you want to give a portrait but don't have photos of the recipient's pet.

Delivery

  • Yes — Lei ships to any country. Europe: €10 (A4) or €15 (A3). Rest of the world: €20 (A4) or €25 (A3).

  • The portrait takes 2–3 weeks to paint. Shipping within Europe typically takes 3–5 business days. International shipping varies by destination.

  • Each painting is carefully packed to arrive flat and undamaged — protected against moisture and bending. Originals on fine art paper are fragile, and Lei takes packing seriously.

The painting

  • Professional-grade watercolours on 300gsm 100% cotton fine art paper. The paper is acid-free and archival quality — it won't yellow or fade over time. The pigments are lightfast, meaning the colours will remain true for decades.

  • Every portrait is painted entirely by hand — real watercolour on real paper. No digital filters, no AI, no printing. What you receive is a one-of-a-kind original artwork.

  • A photograph captures a moment. A watercolour portrait captures a feeling — the personality, the warmth, the specific way your pet holds themselves. The medium has a softness and depth that digital art and photography can't replicate. It's also a physical object — something you can frame and keep for a lifetime.

Gifting

  • It's one of the most personal gifts you can give to a pet owner. A hand-painted portrait of someone's specific animal — not a generic dog or cat, but theirs — is something they'll keep for life. It works as a birthday gift, Christmas gift, anniversary gift, or memorial.

  • Yes — many commissions are surprise gifts. You just need access to a few good photos of the pet. Lei will send the preview photo directly to you before shipping.

  • Yes — digital gift vouchers are available in the store. Perfect when you want to give a portrait but don't have access to photos of the recipient's pet.

Memorial portraits

  • Yes. Lei paints memorial portraits from photos, and handles these commissions with particular care. As long as you have at least one clear photo of your pet's face, she can paint them. It's some of the most meaningful work she does.

  • Send it. Lei will assess the photo honestly and let you know what's possible. A memorial portrait from a single photo is better than no portrait at all, and she has experience making the most of limited references.