Mr. Valentine

Expanding into illustration

I always say that I specialize in animal portraiture...and I do, but I am currently working on expanding my abilities.  I am concentrating on illustration now.  I hope it will lead to new and exciting adventures and projects.  I attended the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators conference last summer and got 1st runner up in the contest for best portfolio...(click here to read more).  Since then I have been working to scratch the surface in this new field of study.

Click Here to view a few past illustrations for children's books.

Kiwi Fruit Pizza

I made this delicious "Kiwi Fruit Pizza" a few weeks ago.  It was basically fruit  pizza, but all I had in the house for fruit was kiwis.  I am trying to expand my portfolio, so I thought it would be something fun to paint!

How to Order a Custom Pet Portrait

Check out this Video to learn how to order your custom pet portrait online through etsy.   

**PLEASE NOTE A CHANGE IN POLICY since this video was created. PLEASE AVOID photos taken with cell phones INCLUDING SMART PHONES**

This is the Blog post for all Questions Related to Custom Pet Portraits.  Finally...some clarity!

Frequently Asked Questions...

How long does it take until I get my pet portrait?
7-10 business days to complete before the portrait is shipped.  If you need it quicker than that just message me and let me know.  I take holiday orders through much of December.  If you have any concerns about receiving your order in time for holiday gifting, just contact me. 

How do I send my photo?
In my etsy shop you can click on the "Contact" button and a conversation box will pop up.  You can attach your digital photo file there.  Alternatively, you can email your photo to funamals@gmail.com.  Make sure that you leave the name that correlates with the etsy account in the text.  Digital files are preferred, but you can also send your photo via "snail mail" and it will be shipped back to you with your pet portrait.  (Note that this method takes longer for the finished product).
 
How do I pick a good photo?
A nice quality photo with good lighting is best.  I prefer "head shots" of pets so I can get the details in their face and capture their personality.  If a pet's photo has red-eye I take it out when I paint it.
 

Can I use a picture from my cell phone?
Please no cell phone photos of any kind.  They will not have a high enough quality for me to work with.  The better the photo the better the painting.  300 dpi is great!  (dots per inch) The higher the resolution the better.

I have more than one pet.  Do they need to be in the same photo in order to be in the painting together?
No.  It is better to have a nice, quality photo of each pet.  I can compose them together in the painting.  It helps if they are taken in the same kind of light.

Can you ignore all the stuff in the background of my photo?
Yes!  I usually do unless a client has a special request to keep something in the photo.

Here are some examples of good photos vs. bad photos....

 

 

if this guide didn't answer your questions you can contact me at funamals@gmail.com.

Another Monday behind the Paint Brush...

Monday, Monday!  Here's a sneak preview of a portrait for a client :)

Heads Up!

Hey ya'll!  Our wedding is fast approaching so I wanted to let everyone know that I will be out of the studio AFTER Sept. 3rd.  If you want to order from my etsy shop after that it will not be processed until September 24th.

Thank you so much for your support and understanding.  Cam and I are soOooo excited! :D

(Photo ©Amy Carroll Photography 2012+)

New Work :)

 

I am getting ready to head down to Saugatuck, Michigan tomorrow for the Village Square Arts Fair.  I have been working on some new ways to present my work and I am really enjoying this new way to do it.  They are original watercolors that are gallery wrapped.  They look clean and they are ready to hang immediately after purchase.

 

My fiance Cam DeCaussin will also be showing his work at the show tomorrow.  It will be the first time we will be showing our work side by side :)