There’s a lot of heady conversation these days about what distinction we should make (if any) between artwork that’s tactile and created by hand, and genuine artworks created using digital mediums.
But that’s not what I’m going to talk about in this post.
I believe that digital art has its own rightful place in the art world, and that digital mediums are just as valid as any other.
I do want to discuss the distinction between a custom, hand-painted pet portrait and a Photoshopped image printed onto canvas. There’s a world of difference between the two, and plenty of customers arrive at my website confused about what they’ve seen online.
Today, I’ll dispel a few myths and clarify a few points so that you can make an informed buying decision and decide which type of pet portrait is right for you.
Know what you want
Sadly, many websites out there traffic in deception. They imply that you will receive a hand-painted finished product, or even an original artwork created in a digital medium.
But in fact, what you receive is essentially a print of the photo you provided to them—with a filter applied, plus a few tweaks here and there. It’s the work of just a few minutes and can be mass-produced.
That’s not to say that it’s bad. You might want an arty-looking print of a photo you provide. Or maybe your budget is your chief concern. That’s all okay! The point is, it’s much different than a customized, original piece of art.
Make sure to vet your vendor well, and be absolutely clear about what you are buying. Any customized piece of art, whether hand-painted or digital, costs more than a photoshopped image. Hours of time, energy, and love go into creating an original work.
Start the buying process by knowing exactly what you want, and what it is you are purchasing.
The benefits of hand-painted portraits vs. digital prints
As I mentioned above, commissioning a hand-painted pet portrait guarantees that you will receive a piece of art that is entirely unique, painted with care and attention just for you and your pet. You’ll get an original work that can’t be reproduced.
Hand-painted portraits can also be highly personalized. Suppose you mostly like your reference photo, but want a few changes (like special backgrounds, the addition of meaningful clothing or accessories, matching a certain artistic style, etc.). A real-life human artist can do this for you. Photoshop often can’t get there—and the companies who churn out pieces en masse don’t have the time for that, anyway.
Another benefit of buying a hand-painted pet portrait is the quality. Ink printed on canvas is vulnerable to degradation from UV light. The colors will fade over time, because prints simply don’t last as long. Original art—especially art that’s painted in acrylics—will last a lifetime. It’s UV-resistant and created to be a treasured work of art.
Finally, I’d be silly not to mention that hand-painted art just looks fantastic on your wall. There’s no better way to say it! With a hand-painted portrait, you can see and feel the brush strokes. It’s the difference between original works of art you see in a gallery, and prints you can buy on glossy paper.
If you are searching for the most authentic, highest-quality dog portrait (or cat portrait) you can buy, I strongly encourage you to support the artistic community and purchase a custom, hand-painted pet portrait. Whether you’re memorializing a deceased friend or purchasing a special gift for a loved one, the result will be something to treasure for life.
Think you might want to get started, or still have questions? Talk to me!
Im interested in a hand painted portrait for my dog that is deceased.