Heather Ward Wildlife Art

I accept commissions for wildlife or pet portraits and occasionally unique subjects. View past commissions to get an idea of what I have done.

I do not ask for payment until the commissioned work is complete and you have approved it. If you do not like it, I will keep the drawing as part of my portfolio and you owe nothing. I accept checks, money orders and PayPal. The length of time varies with the size and medium, but averages 2-4 weeks. I try to get urns done within a few days of receipt of the urn.

For all portraits, I will need at least one (preferrably more) high-quality photo, either emailed to me or sent via postal mail. Good photos have the following qualities:

in focus
good lighting, but not washed out (avoid the flash)
taken from the subject's level (i.e. not looking down on them from above)
the subject is easily distinguished from the background
shows the subject's personality well

These are important for an accurate drawing. If you live in the Los Alamos/White Rock (New Mexico) area, I am willing to take photos for no extra charge. I cannot use photos taken by others, such as professional photographers, unless you get permission in writing from the photographer.

Here is a quick run-down of prices (shipping and framing, if applicable, are extra, New Mexico residents please add 7.0625%):

child portrait commission

Charcoal/Graphite*

9"x12"	$200
11"x14"	$250
14"x17"	$350
18"x24"	$450

*All pencil portraits must be framed with a mat to prevent smudging. I can have them framed before shipping at my cost, or ship them unframed. Please allow up to four additional weeks for custom frames.

Pyrography*

8"x10"	$200
9"x12"	$250
11"x14"	$300
Pet urns sizes vary	starting at $50 plus cost of urn
Specialty items sizes vary	prices vary

*Sizes are approximate. Shapes include oval, oval with bark, rectangle, rectangle with French corners, and plank with bark on two sides (roughly rectangular), subject to availability.

Pyrography is a unique medium. I can burn essentially anything made of unfinished wood, be it a simple rectangular piece of plywood or oval plaque, or something more complicated like a box, urn or breadboard. I can recommend Boxes N Such for many unique items and The Old Pine Box for pet urns, or supply your own unfinished wood item. Please feel free to email me for more information.