Which pets can I paint?
Cats, dogs, pet reptiles, hamsters, and other pets can be discussed. The standard options are 7-inch and 11-inch formats. Other sizes can be considered according to the number of pets, their poses, and their relationship in the picture.
A watercolor portrait does more than copy a photograph onto paper. What we really need to identify is the look, gesture, or habit that makes you instantly think, "That's my pet." If your pet has died, photographs from different times can help us put together reliable visual references.
Two directions for a commission
Conventional pet watercolor portrait
The pet is the main subject, with its expression, markings, and characteristic gestures preserved against a relatively simple background. This suits someone who wants a faithful record, a remembrance of companionship, or a gift. The price mainly depends on the size, number of pets, background complexity, and framing.
Stylized narrative portrait
Your pet remains recognizable, while its character, costume, era, setting, or composition is designed anew. This is not choosing a filter from a fixed template. The picture is developed around the photographs, personality, and story.
These works require additional concept development, visual research, sketch approval, and more complex painting. They are therefore outside standard portrait pricing and need a separate quote and schedule.
What photographs should you provide?
- Start with 2 to 5 clear photographs, including front and side views and images that show everyday expressions.
- Keep the natural coat colors as clear as possible. Avoid strong filters, very dark or badly blurred images, and photographs where the face is obscured.
- If you want to include a favorite toy, clothing, flowers, or a particular setting, explain its connection with your pet.
- For a stylized narrative portrait, you can add details about personality, habits, nicknames, and the kind of character you would like your pet to become.
- For complex scenes, AI may help preview a composition. That preview is only for discussing the image and is not presented as the final hand-painted work.
The commission process
- Send pet photographs, the preferred size, number of pets, and intended use.
- Confirm the composition, scope of delivery, and quote. Payment can be made through a Taobao service link or a WeChat transfer.
- Painting begins after the delivery date and relevant details are agreed.
- At about 90% completion, I provide a preview so we can discuss reasonable adjustments promptly.
- After approval, the work is framed, packed, and shipped. Standard quotes include delivery within China.
If you need a digital file, mention it in advance. Its specific use and usage rights must be agreed separately when commissioning; this page makes no broad license promise.
Standard portrait prices
- 7-inch format, CNY 200: approximately 13 × 18 cm, suitable for one pet's head and part of the chest.
- 11-inch format, CNY 350: approximately 21 × 30 cm, suitable for a full-body portrait, two pets, or multiple heads.
- Both include an IKEA frame and SF Express delivery within China.
These match the standard, non-themed watercolor portrait options in the Ask Tee Sang mini program. The composition of multiple pets, complex settings, artist-inspired themes, and stylized narrative work are discussed separately according to the photographs and painting time; standard prices do not automatically apply.
Send photographs first. Pay after the size, composition, schedule, and fee are confirmed. Special delivery, rush work, and revisions beyond the agreed scope are discussed before starting.
From a photograph to a watercolor
Six selected pairs show the starting image beside the watercolor. These are hand-painted studies, with each comparison kept intact.
Sanmu 001
Sanmu 003
Sanmu 005
Sanmu 013
Sanmu 017
Sanmu 019
Watch part of the painting process
The video below, Dogs and Flowers, is a pet watercolor teaching record from 2016, condensing about 38 minutes of painting into roughly 5 minutes. It is not a fixed template for current commissions, but shows the watercolor developing from first washes to modeled form.
Watch the full painting video on Bilibili
You can also read I Want to Paint Watercolors for Cats and Dogs Who Have Died to learn more about the relationship between pet portraits and remembrance.
Common questions
Are you still accepting pet watercolor commissions?
Yes. Earlier personal articles or reflections on creative work do not mean I have stopped taking commissions. This page describes the current scope, process, and timing.
Can you paint a pet who has died?
Yes. Please provide photographs from different angles and times where possible. You can also describe characteristic expressions, gestures, and stories from your life together.
Can one painting include more than one pet?
Yes. We need to agree on the number of pets, their relationship in the composition, and the picture size. A larger format is often appropriate.
Can the painting be changed once it is finished?
A preview is provided at about 90% completion, when reasonable adjustments can be discussed. Major changes to the composition, replacing a subject, or adding complex elements fall outside standard revisions and require a separate conversation.
Why does a stylized narrative portrait need a separate quote?
A conventional portrait mainly focuses on an accurate likeness and expression. A stylized narrative also requires redesigning the character's identity, clothing, setting, colors, and composition, with the concept approved before painting. The additional work is thought and design, rather than simply a few more background elements.
Can you work from photographs that are not very clear?
I need to see them first. A little age or image noise does not necessarily prevent a reliable judgment. But a badly blurred face, unrecognizable coat colors, or important features consistently hidden from view increases the risk of painting them incorrectly. I would rather ask for more angles than guess from unreliable information.
Are framing and delivery included?
Standard quotes include framing, packing, and delivery within China. Special frames, remote locations, and other unusual delivery requirements are confirmed before quoting.