How to Commission a Watercolor Portrait by

Janet L. Wissmann

The Medium of Transparent Watercolor

Transparent watercolor is a beautiful, clean, vibrant medium in which the pure white watercolor paper is actually visible through all but the final layers of paint. There is no white paint! The multiple layering of transparent watercolor pigments is a slow and tedious process, but the result of that patient work is an exceptional depth and clarity that beautifully shows the soft textures of fur and feathers.

Prices for a single head study with white background start at
$1900 $2100	10x12 16x20
Sizes are approximate. There are extra charges for backgrounds or full bodies. All paintings and photographs are copyrighted by the artist. If you wish to use your painting or photographs for advertising, please obtain written permission from me first. All other reproduction rights are reserved.

Thank you for your interest in my watercolor portraits! My extra attention to fine detail and commitment to providing the finest quality animal portraits have been the hallmarks of my art business since 1983.

The Philosophy of Fine Portraiture

I believe that a portrait must show the unique expression and personality of the individual, and not be merely a representation of the breed. With my brush and watercolors I will bring out the very essence that makes your pet different from all other beings on earth.

Painting from Photographs

I paint in my studio in southwestern Wisconsin, working from photographs that you provide or that I take when I meet your pet. Please choose photos that are clear and close-up. Photos taken with a 35-mm camera and telephoto lens are best. If you send show photos, send those which are detailed and personable. If you don't have any photos yet, you can read my pet photo tips for some advice.

To Place an Order

Before I take photographs, a 50% deposit is required. If you send your own photos, I will first determine whether they will yield a good result, and I will then request a 50% deposit to start your painting.

Times until completion will vary widely. Please allow considerable time for deadlines such as Christmas or birthdays. When your painting is nearly completed, a bill for the balance due will be sent. After payment is received, the painting will be shipped via UPS unless another method is requested. Shipping is included.

Additional Services

Watercolor prices do not include matting or framing. If you would like your painting matted and/or framed, we can discuss color choices, sizes, and charges at any time during the painting process. Most framed paintings are not shipped with glass since broken glass in transit could severely damage the painting itself. Learn about matting and framing here.

Notecards, prints, buttons, and business cards of your painting can be ordered after completion. Feel free to request information on these items.

I will strive to give you the finest portrait and the most personal service possible.

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COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Paintings by Janet L. Wissmann © 1983-2008 All rights reserved Copyright shall at all times remain vested in the Artist. No part of the work may be used, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, printing, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the Artist's express written consent.


	Transparent Watercolour Paintings	Extra Attention to Fine Detail