Pastel Pet Portrait & Wildlife Artist
pet portraits
wildlife art
commissions
Kerry Mann is a pet portrait and wildlife artist based in Howick, South Africa. Working in pastel, I enjoy the challenge of creating realistic paintings to portray the life, personality and expression of each animal. Each art commission is an opportunity for me to get to know the subject intimately and my goal is that the observer appreciates the beauty of the animal through my expression. I strive to create art that speaks. My commissions are done with PanPastels and top quality pastel pencils on archival paper or Pastelmat board .
Born in Salisbury, Rhodesia in 1973. I have always been captivated by animals and nature. I grew up riding horses and have been fortunate to have always had animals in my life. I was an equine stud manager and graphic designer for a horse feed mill for several years, however my career as a professional artist is just beginning. I support the #bred4thewild Bearded vulture conservation breeding program in South Africa and I love to hike and rock climb.
Pet Portrait Commissions
To initiate your pet portrait commission please click the link to my contact page or press the link to “START A PROJECT” below. Once we have agreed upon a suitable image and portrait size you will book your spot on my waiting list by paying the 50% booking fee. Payments are made painlessly through a Payfast link that I will provide. This deposit is non-refundable unless an unlikely event prevents me from doing your piece. Once I have begun your pet portrait I will send you a rough draft of the composition for your approval BEFORE I start applying the colour, and I will await your final ‘go-ahead’. When your artwork is complete I will show you the final result and confirm that you are 100% satisfied. It will be carefully packaged and shipped/couriered to you. Full payment must be paid prior to shipping. Once shipped I will provide the tracking details.
I retain the right to use the image for advertising artistic services through printed adverts and digital media (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, website, etc.)
Photo Requirements
To commission your own pet portrait, you will need a really good quality headshot photograph of your pet. It is particularly important to capture the character of our pet through their position or facial expression. Natural lighting, by a window, or preferably outdoors with no direct sunlight, would be the best way to achieve the perfect photograph of your pet. I need to be able to see your pet’s eyes clearly. The better the photograph, the better the drawing. If you are unsure of whether your photograph is good enough or not, please feel free to email me a selection of the ones you have, so that I can offer any advice in capturing a better photograph and check if they are suitable to draw from. Holding a treat or their favourite toy by your camera can be a good way of grabbing their attention. This may be a two-man job!
Price Guide
Lastly you will need to decide on the size of your pet portrait. Pricing excludes a background. If you specifically request a background, it will be quoted based on the complexity of the background.
I am happy to discuss the best paper size appropriate for either head and shoulders or full body portraits per pet. Size includes the space around the drawing.
My portraits are done with PanPastels and top quality pastel pencils on archival paper or pastelmat board. Please note that in order to do an artwork justice I can only work from good quality photos and I reserve the right to turn down a commission I do not deem suitable.
If you would like a size not listed below please contact me for a quote.
See sizes and prices below:
SHIPPING
Shipping costs will be quoted on an individual basis depending on the size of the artwork and your location.
Please be aware that import taxes may be payable upon delivery in some countries.
Wildlife Art
I enjoy the variation of painting wildlife in between my pet portrait commissions and would gladly discuss a particular wildlife painting commission you may have in mind. Please feel free to contact me at bykikidee@gmail.com.
I have a small selection of original pastel wildlife art pieces for sale here on the website. This gallery is being constantly updated as new artworks become available. All originals are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. To receive notifications on my latest pictures as they become available please sign up to my mailing list below.
Vouchers Available
Gift vouchers are available, contact me if you would like to request one.