I had a previous customer call me to arrange a visit with his parents who wanted a memorial portrait done of their Bichon, Fifi. As a surprise to them, he was going to cover all costs so I had to play along as if they were going to pay for the portrait. The photos the couple had of their beloved little Fifi were very small and certainly did not show her off to her best. Most of the photos were little candid shots where Fifi definitely was having a "bad hair day".
The picture they selected as their favorite was taken with a flash indoors. Flash pictures really do not work well for portraits as they wipe out all the shadows that give form to the subject and gives them "green-eye" (instead of red-eye). However, a great deal of my work comes in the form of memorial portraits where the pet is no longer around to take new photos; and the main reason for the portrait is BECAUSE the client doesn't have a good photo. So it is a challenge that puts my skills to the test to create a painting that can put together the best from their photos and re-create their beloved pet the way they remember them.
It's kind of fun in this case. After receiving payment, I'm to call the couple to come and pick the portrait up. When they get here, expecting to make payment in full (I didn't accept any down payment...it secretly came from their son), instead they'll get a card from their son along with the portrait explaining that he paid for it for them as their Christmas gift.
So many portraits I do are given as surprise gifts. It is a real plus for me seeing the anticipation in my clients' faces as they envision the recipient's reaction when they open their present and find it is a portrait of their beloved pet. I feel such a part of the joy that the giving involves.
