Pet Portrait FAQs | Celia van Niekerk Art

Each portrait is individually drawn using professional, lightfast coloured pencils and quality art paper. I pay close attention to the details that make your pet recognisable, rather than simply reproducing a photograph.

With close to 20 years of experience as an artist, including the past 6 years as a full-time professional artist, I bring both artistic skill and a trained photographer’s eye to every portrait. As a pet portrait photographer too, I understand how to read light, expression and subtle details — helping me capture not just your pet’s likeness, but the personality that makes them uniquely yours.

Every portrait is created by hand with patience and attention to detail. A large portrait can take 80 hours or more to complete, as I carefully build up layers of colour, texture and fine detail to bring your pet to life on paper.

My work is created by hand, and the time, materials and experience involved are reflected in the price.

A coloured pencil artwork of the same size takes about four times as long to complete as a graphite pencil sketch. The coloured pencils themselves are also much more expensive than the graphite counterparts.

I have formal art training and many years of professional experience – please refer to the previous question. My experience informs the care I take with each commission, from selecting suitable reference photographs to creating the finished artwork.

A Mini Pet Portrait is a tiny, hand-drawn artwork that captures your pet’s face and personality and sometimes full body on a small scale of about 6x6cm, on a 15x15cm paper size for an ultra-modern look. It is ideal if you love miniature art, want a meaningful gift, or prefer something small and easy to display.

Each portrait is individually created by hand, by myself, ather than digitally printed or produced using a filter. Each portrait is completely unique.

The pet’s portrait area is approximately 6 × 6 cm. The artwork is created on a larger piece of paper (15x15cm) , so the full paper size is different from the size of your pet’s portrait.

Please refer to the Mini Pet Portraits page or the size comparison page for the current dimensions and examples.

Miniature Pet Portraits

Size Comparison

Yes, I can. Although the portrait is small, I work carefully to capture the most important details, including your pet’s eyes, expression, markings and overall character. A clear, suitable photograph is particularly important for miniature work. Please view the tips and pointers via the link below to help you choose the best possible reference photo for your mini portrait.

Yes, you can. Multiple pets can be arranged as individual miniature portraits in a coordinated set, such as a diptych or triptych. Please enquire about the available options and pricing.

Absolutely. These make fantastic, well-received gifts! They make thoughtful gifts for pet lovers, birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. They can also be a meaningful way to remember a beloved pet or a pet that passed away.

Yes. A memorial Mini Portrait can be a special way to remember a much-loved companion who has passed away. If you have several photographs, please submit as many of them possible, so I can assess which will work best.

Not necessarily. The small format works best when the face and expression are clearly visible. If you want more space for fine detail, a larger portrait may be more suitable. Please make sure about the size before ordering.

There is no one-size-fits-all-option when it comes to pet portraits. It depends on your budget, the level of detail you would like, the number of pets and where you plan to display the artwork.

Mini Portraits are ideal for something tiny and distinctive. A5 offers a lovely balance between detail, size and affordability, while larger formats provide more room for intricate details and more complex compositions.

Each portrait is individually created by hand, by myself, ather than digitally printed or produced using a filter. Each portrait is completely unique.

Please view a detailed breakdown of the available sizes via the link below.

Portrait Size Guide

A5 is a practical size that offers enough space to capture beautiful detail while remaining easy to display, frame or give as a gift. It is larger than a Mini Portrait, but small enough to stand on a bedside table or in a small space. It is a good option if you want a portrait with more presence than a miniature without choosing a much larger artwork.

Portrait Size Comparison

Yes, provided the reference photograph is suitable and high quality. A5 allows more room for facial features, markings and fur detail than a miniature portrait. Please review my tips via the link below to help you select the best possible reference photo.

Artwork vs Reference Photo

Yes, you can. Please refer to my current price list for the sizes available. Larger portraits may be suitable if you would like a more prominent artwork or need more room for multiple pets. If you require a size not listed, please get in touch with the details for a custom quote.

Yes, I can draw full-body portraits! However, this depends on the chosen size, composition and reference photograph.

I generally recommend a head-and-shoulders portrait because it allows me to focus on your pet’s facial features and eyes. I believe the eyes are the windows to the soul, and they often reveal so much of your pet’s personality.

A full-body portrait is a lovely option if your pet has a distinctive pose, a special quirk or a characteristic that you’d like to capture. Just keep in mind that including the whole body means the face will appear smaller on the paper, leaving less space for those fine facial details.

If you’re unsure which option would work best, include your preferred pose and framing in your enquiry, and I’ll help you choose a suitable size.

Yes, depending on the size and composition. The appropriate format and size will depend on the number of pets and the amount of detail you would like for each one.

Mini Portraits are ideal for something tiny and distinctive. A5 offers a lovely balance between detail, size and affordability and is only suitable for one pet. Larger sizes provide more room for intricate details and more complex compositions.

View the available sizes via the link below.

Portrait Size Guide

Yes, most of the time…BUT the reference photographs provided need to be suitable for creating a realistic, cohesive composition. Ideally, the pets should be photographed at similar angles and with compatible lighting and proportions. When requesting a quote, please submit all the relevant photographs so I can assess whether they can work together. Please by following the link below to view examples of combined artworks.

This may be possible if suitable reference photographs are available. Please send photographs of all the pets and explain what you have in mind before booking.

Yes, a larger number of pets is more workintensive and will cost more. The price depends on the chosen size and the number of pets included. Please use the price list and quote questionnaire to request an accurate, personalised quote.

Yes. A portrait can be a meaningful way to remember a pet who was part of your family. You do not need to have taken a perfect photograph while your pet was alive; I can assess the photographs you have available and advise on which ones would work best or is suitable as reference.

Please send all the photographs you think may help, even if some are old or imperfect. you can even courier printed photographs to me. Different photographs may reveal useful details about your pet’s face, markings, coat colour or expression. The age of the photograph is not necessarily the deciding factor; clarity, lighting, resolution and visibility of the important features matter more.

I will assess whether there is enough clear information to create a suitable portrait and advise accordingly.

Yes, I can use several photographs if they provide consistent and helpful details. However, I prefer to work from one clear, suitable photograph wherever possible. Combining different images can become confusing and distracting, and the lighting, angles and proportions may not match naturally.

Working from multiple photographs can also be more time-consuming and may increase the cost of the portrait. If you have specific details you’d like me to capture, please explain these in your enquiry and include the relevant photographs so I can assess the best approach.

I will do my best to capture the features and expression that made your pet special. However, I can only work from the information available in the reference photographs, so I cannot guarantee details that are not visible.

Yes. A hand-drawn portrait can be a thoughtful and personal gift for someone grieving the loss of a beloved pet. I have received wonderful messages from recipients thanking me for the special portrait they received.

The best reference photograph is clear, well-lit and in focus, with your pet’s face and important features visible. A high-resolution photograph that can be enlarged without becoming blurry is especially helpful. Please review the guidelines via the link below.

Look for a photograph with:

Sharp focus, especially around the eyes.
Good natural light and visible fur detail.
A clear view of the face and distinctive markings.
Natural colours without any filters e.g preferably no portrait mode.
An angle and expression you would love to see in the finished portrait.

I will assess whether there is enough clear information to create a suitable portrait and advise accordingly.

Avoid photographs that are very blurry, heavily filtered, pixelated, too dark, overexposed or taken from an angle that hides important features. Images where the face is tiny, taken from far away or obscured may not provide enough detail.

Yes, definitely! Modern phone cameras can produce excellent reference photographs. The important factors are focus, lighting, resolution and how clearly your pet’s features are visible.

I do not work from photos sent via WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Instagram Direct Messages, as these compress photos and reduce quality. You can send photos to me for review via these platforms, but the final image needs to be uploaded to my system when booking. Detailed instructions will be provided. Please use the method requested in the quote questionnaire or enquiry instructions. If you send photographs through email, make sure they are shared at their original quality rather than as compressed images or screenshots.

Unfortunately, screenshots and images downloaded from Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms are often compressed, which reduces their quality and fine detail. This can make it difficult to capture your pet’s features accurately. Please send the original, full-resolution photograph whenever possible, rather than a screenshot or image saved from social media.

Send the strongest photographs you have, particularly if you are commissioning a memorial portrait or are unsure which image is best. I can assess the options and determine which photograph is most suitable. I prefer if a client send at least 5-6 images for me to review and advise on the best possible reference.

Yes, I would love to! Submit your potential reference photographs with your enquiry. I will assess their suitability for the portrait you have in mind. You can even send me a link to a Google Drive folder where I can access all your pet’s photographs and I will be happy to narrow down the best options for you.

It is better to provide the original image. Social media platforms often compress photographs, which can make fine details harder to see. I would always advise trying to sneakily obtain the original photo in case of a surprise gift, as close family members are always keen to help out before resorting to a lower-quality reference photo.

Try taking several photographs in natural light when your pet is relaxed. You do not necessarily need a professional photograph, but the face and features must be sufficiently clear. Send me the best options so I can advise you.

Pets are very clever and will often sit still for a few seconds if you use their favourite treat or toy to get their attention. Hold their toy or treat directly above your phone or camera so that they look at the camera. Reward with a treat. Please view my reference photo tips below.

It depends on the photograph and the result you want for the final artwork. If the eyes or other defining features are obscured, it may be difficult to create the likeness you are hoping for. Please send the image for assessment before booking.

No. I work from the available reference photographs and cannot guarantee changes to your pet’s pose or expression. If you have a specific expression or pose in mind, please choose a photograph that already shows it clearly.

The portrait is intended to represent your pet realistically. I use the photographs to establish the coat colour and markings, so please point out any details that may be unclear or important to you. I will do the best I can to make the changes accordingly.

Please mention any requested changes when submitting your enquiry. Whether a particular alteration is possible depends on the composition and available reference photographs. Kindly send additional photographs that show the missing details clearly. Please do not assume that every requested change can be accommodated; kindly discuss this with me before booking.

Possibly, if the toy can be shown clearly and the composition allows it. Include a suitable photograph of the toy and explain your request before booking. Kindly note that additional objects will incur an additional fee and needs to be discussed before booking.

Please submit your best available reference photographs during the enquiry process whenever possible. If I need you to provide additional photographs later, I will contact you to obtain additional reference material. Your quote and artwork is based on the images provided.

Please note that changing the reference photograph after accepting the quote may result in additional charges, depending on the differences in detail, composition and the amount of work required. I’ll assess the new photograph and let you know if any adjustments to the original quote are necessary before proceeding. Once I have started with the artwork the reference photo cannot be changed.

If your photo has been taken by somebody else or a professional photographer. Please ensure that you obtain the necessary permission to use the photo for the commission.

Please do not assume that you cannot commission a portrait. Send me the best photographs you have, and I will assess whether they contain enough detail to work from.

Prices depend on the portrait size, the number of pets and any additional services, such as framing and delivery. Please see the current price list for starting prices and available options.

You can view the current Pet Portrait Price List via the link below:

Yes, I prefer sending all clients a personalised quote before booking so that there is no unpleasant surprises. Complete the Request a Commission Quote questionnaire. It allows you to provide the details needed for an accurate quote, including your preferred size, number of pets and reference photographs, etc.

Not necessarily. Your final quote will depend on your chosen portrait and any additional services, such as framing and shipping. Your personalised quote will outline the applicable costs. Please request a quote via my website:

Artwork are sold unframed, Framing can be arranged separately at an additional fee. Your quote will specify whether framing has been included and the associated cost.

Shipping costs depend on the delivery arrangements, size of the artwork and the delivery destination. Check your personalised quote to see whether shipping has been included.

Formal quotes are valid for 14 days. If you would like to proceed, please secure your booking within that period. The prices displayed on the website can change without prior notice to a client.

Yes. Quotes are obligation free. Requesting a quote does not itself secure a place in my commission queue. You can review the quote before deciding whether to proceed. You can accept and reject the quote online on the quote form.

Your quote sets out the agreed commission and applicable costs. If you request changes or additional services, the price may need to be reviewed before proceeding.

An original portrait involves individual drawing time, professional materials and years of artistic experience. It is a unique artwork created specifically for you, rather than a mass-produced or digitally printed product. If you are interested in additional prints of your original created artwork, please get in touch – I can reproduce the original artwork as prints for your family or friends at an additional fee.

From September 2026, my returning clients (people who booked portraits fom me in the past) are eligible for a 5% discount on future new artwork bookings, subject to the terms below:

The 5% returning-client discount applies to the artwork only. Framing, shipping and other additional costs are charged at their full price. The discount is intended for clients who can join the normal commission queue. Rush orders are not eligible. The discount cannot be used together with other promotions or specials advertised.

Yes, most definitely! I accept international commissions, with shipping available for unframed artwork to the USA, UK, UAE, Canada and Australia. Unfortunately, I currently cannot ship to the EU due to packaging and registration requirements.

International payments and currency: As a South African small business, all payments are processed in South African Rand (ZAR). International card payments can be made through PayFast or Yoco if you don’t have a South African bank account. Please request a payment link when booking. Due to card processing fees, international card payments require full payment upfront, including shipping. Your quote will be provided in ZAR. If you’d like an estimate in US Dollars or Euros, please contact me. Your bank will apply its own exchange rate at the time of payment, so the final amount in your local currency may differ from the estimate. Any currency conversion charges are your responsibility.

International shipping and customs: International shipping costs are quoted separately based on the size of your artwork and destination. Customs duties, import taxes and other charges imposed by your country are not included in my quote and are the recipient’s responsibility.

Start by completing the commission quote questionnaire. Once you have received your personalised quote and are ready to proceed, follow the booking and payment instructions provided.

Here are some important links to help you make the decision:

Portrait Sizes

Commission Process Explained

Choosing a Reference Photo

No. An enquiry or quote request does not secure a place in the queue. Your booking is secured once the required payment, a 25% non-refundable deposit and paperwork, a service agreement, have been received and the booking has been confirmed.

My commission queue can be booked several weeks to several months in advance. The waiting time varies according to demand and the size of the artwork. Please enquire early if you have a particular date in mind, I will try my best to accommodate you.

Yes. Please mention the occasion and your preferred completion date when requesting a quote. I will let you know whether the timeline is realistic before you book.

I can discuss an estimated timeline with you before booking, but an exact completion date is not guaranteed until your booking has been secured. Please allow additional time if you also require framing and delivery. Once your booking has been secured with the deposit and paperwork, I will honour your contracted completion date.

I work through my commission queue in the order that bookings are secured, and I don’t offer guaranteed rush orders. This allows me to give each portrait the time and attention it deserves without compromising the quality of work for existing clients.

If you need your portrait sooner, you’re welcome to discuss your preferred deadline with me. If my schedule allows for an earlier completion, a rush-order fee may apply. However, I cannot guarantee that an earlier completion will be possible, as it depends on my existing commitments and workload. Please get in touch to discuss the possibility with me.

Get in Touch

No. A place in the commission queue is not reserved until the required payment and paperwork have been received and your booking has been confirmed. Please follow the payment deadline stated in your booking instructions.

Your information is used to prepare a personalised quote. You can accept or reject the quote online. The next steps and payment instructions and the service agreement will be provided if you decide to proceed. If the website sends an automated email, please check your spam or junk folder if you cannot find it.

Yes, once the required funds and paperwork have been received and the booking has been confirmed. An enquiry, quote or payment instruction alone should not be treated as confirmation. You will receive a confirmation email as well as a receipt for your payment.

Please contact me directly if you need to discuss cancellation. Your booking paperwork and service agreement will set out the applicable cancellation terms, please review that when signing the service agreement. The 25% deposit is non-refundable. Framing booked with the framer cannot be cancelled once booked, and the framer’s deposit is non-refundable too.

Please only accept the quote if you intend to proceed with the booking. Once you accept, I temporarily reserve your spot in my diary for 48 hours to give you time to complete the service agreement and pay the deposit. Your booking cannot be confirmed until the required paperwork and payment have been received. If you haven’t completed both within 48 hours, the service agreement will be cancelled and your spot released to the next client in the queue.

Please ensure you’re ready to proceed before accepting the quote, as I can only hold your spot for the stated period.

A 25% deposit of the total quoted amount is required to reserve your place in the commission queue. A larger deposit is welcome, but a smaller deposit is not accepted.

Here are some important links to help you through the booking process:

Portrait Sizes

Commission Process Explained

Choosing a Reference Photo

The initial deposit is due within 48 hours of accepting the quote, as specified in your booking instructions.

Yes. A second 25% instalment is due before I begin work on your portrait. I will send you the invoice a couple of days in advance. The remaining balance is payable when the artwork is completed, but before framing and shipping/collection, in accordance with your agreement and invoice.

If framing has been booked, the initial 25% deposit includes the framing and shipping costs quoted, as the framer requires a deposit too. Your personalised quote and payment instructions will specify the amount due to secure your booking.

Yes, If you prefer to settle the full amount upfront, you are welcome to do so. Please note that I do not give discount for full, upfront payments.

Payment Methods

✓ South African payments: via EFT.

✓ International payments: Card Payment via PayFast.io payment gateway if you don’t have a South African bank account. Please request a payment link when making your booking.

✓ Kindly note that ALL Card Payments, including credit or debit cards, as well as international cards, require full payment upfront due to high service charges.

✓ We can enter into an interest-free payment agreement if you’d prefer to pay a smaller deposit and then pay off the painting monthly over a longer period Interest-free monthly instalments to make your commission more obtainable. Payment plans of up to 5 months can be discussed (T&Cs apply).

Card payment are available through the PayFast payment link provided for your booking. Kindly indicate that you will pay with your card at the time of requesting the quote. Kindly note that ALL Card Payments, including credit or debit cards, as well as international cards, require full payment upfront due to high service charges.

Absolutely yes! We can enter into an interest-free payment agreement if you’d prefer to pay a smaller deposit and then pay off the painting monthly over a longer period Interest-free monthly instalments to make your commission more obtainable. Payment plans of up to 5 months can be discussed (T&Cs apply).

I will, however, only start with your painting once at least 50% of the quoted amount has been paid, and the artwork will be completed in the month your last instalment becomes due. Only available to clients paying via EFT.

The PayFast card payment link is active for 2 days. Please make payment within that period or contact me if you need a new link.

Please mention this at the time of your initial inquiry. International payments are accepted via card only through PayFast.io. A PayFast card payment link will be provided for international clients or clients without a South African bank account. Kindly note that ALL Card Payments, including credit or debit cards, as well as international cards, require full payment upfront due to high service charges.

All payments are processed in South African Rand (ZAR). Your bank will apply its exchange rate at the time of payment, so the amount charged in your local currency may differ from the estimate provided in your quote due to exchange rate fluctuations. Currency conversion charges and customs fees are not included in the quoted amounts and will be processed through your bank when making a payment. International shipping clients may have to pay import tax in their country.

Artwork vs Reference Photo

Your booking is confirmed once the required payment (a 25% deposit) and paperwork (a completed service agreement) have been received and confirmation has been sent. Please do not assume that an enquiry or quote alone reserves your place.

The time depends on the size, complexity and number of pets. Your estimated timeline will be discussed before booking, taking the current commission queue into account as I normally have a waiting list and might not be able to start with your portrait immediately.

No, I do not routinely send progress photographs. I work in layers and artwork can look unfinished or even messy during the drawing process. I prefer to share the portrait when it is complete.

Yes, you do.

Clients can opt in to have a teaser of their portrait shared on my Instagram and Facebook Stories while I’m working on it. (If it’s a surprise gift, we can keep the portrait completely secret.) Once I am finished with your commission, I will notify you and send you a photo of the completed artwork.

I aim to capture your pet’s likeness and personality as best as possible and mos accurate way. If you’re not entirely satisfied, minor adjustments can be made. Requesting a complete redraw of a new piece will be charged accordingly. Watercolour paper (which I use for coloured pencil work) is very fragile and cannot handle heavy erasing. Since coloured pencil work is not easily erased, please share any ideas or changes you’d like before I begin. Once the colours and details are added, making adjustments can be very difficult….in most cases, I would need to start over, from scratch. I work meticulously carefully to ensure accuracy; therefore only one (1) MINOR adjustments can be requested, but due to the nature of the medium it is not always possible. The Artist however reserves the right to deny any changes if not practically possible to apply the requested change, if it will change the aesthetics of the painting, will negatively impact the style of the Artist, etc. Any additional changes, Major redraws (subject to the Artist’s discretion) or bigger changes will be charged separately and according to the complexity. Changes will be quoted accordingly. Any additional changes requested (apart from the above-mentioned one (1) MINOR change) will extend the lead time of the artwork if the artist agrees to the changes.

I may share occasional behind-the-scenes content or a teaser in my Instagram or Facebook Stories while working on a portrait, unless the portrait is intended as a surprise gift. If the portrait is a surprise gift, I do not disclose anything till a couple of days or weeks after it has been gifted.

This will be discussed during the booking process.

I photograph or record the completed artwork for behind-the-scenes or portfolio content.

My aim is to capture your pet’s likeness and personality as accurately as possible. I work carefully and meticulously to achieve the best result, so it’s important that we discuss any specific preferences or requests before I begin.

Coloured pencil is a delicate medium, and the watercolour paper I use cannot withstand heavy erasing. Once layers of colour and detail have been added, making changes can be difficult and may require starting the artwork from scratch.

One minor adjustment may be considered after completion, provided it is practically possible. However, due to the nature of the medium, I cannot guarantee that every requested change can be made. I reserve the right to decline changes that are not feasible, would compromise the artwork’s overall appearance, or conflict with my artistic approach.

Additional changes, major alterations or a complete redraw, where agreed upon, will incur extra charges based on the complexity and amount of work involved. Any additional costs will be quoted before proceeding.

To help avoid disappointment, please share any specific ideas, preferences or concerns before I start your portrait. This gives me the best opportunity to create an artwork you’ll love.

Please explain your preferred crop and composition in your enquiry and provide a suitable reference photograph. I will assess what is practical for the selected size before the commission is confirmed.

Not necessarily. Screen brightness, colour settings and display technology can affect how colours appear. The physical artwork may also look different from a photograph of the artwork because of lighting and image reproduction.

I use professional coloured pencils and quality art paper chosen for fine detail and lasting results. These are professional art materials, not ordinary school pencils and paper.

Coloured Pencil and Graphite Pencil Artwork are sketched on 100% cotton watercolour paper, pastelmat, bristol board or drafting film and sold unframed. I only use the highest-quality drawing surfaces from France and Italy and the finest-quality German, American and Swiss-made lightfast coloured and graphite pencils. If cared for properly, your artwork will withstand the test of time. Alongside professional coloured pencils, I use PanPastel colours to enhance certain areas of my portraits. These professional-grade soft pastels are packaged in compact, cake-like pans and offer highly pigmented, ultra-soft colour with a smooth, paint-like application. They allow me to build up subtle layers of colour, create soft transitions and add depth to the artwork, complementing the fine detail and precision of the coloured pencils.

Framing can be arranged at an additional fee. Artworks are professionally framed, behind portrait glass for the best finish and to prolong the longevity of the artworks even further. The Client has the option to choose between standard portrait glass or investing in Artglass (gallery standard) glass for incredible clarity (no reflections) and UV protection.

I use professional coloured pencils with a very high lightfast rating. Lightfastness describes a pigment’s resistance to fading when exposed to light. However, no artwork should be left in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

I use quality art paper selected for its suitability for coloured pencil drawing. The specific surface will vary according to the artwork and materials required. These papers are either 100% cotton or acid free paper or archival drafting film.

Yes. Each commissioned portrait is individually drawn by hand. The process involves building up layers of colour and detail to create the finished image.

A portrait is an interpretation created by hand, not a photographic reproduction. I aim to preserve your pet’s recognisable features while translating the image into a detailed artwork. Please review examples of completed portraits vs their reference photographs below:

Art paper has a physical surface, and its texture may be visible when viewed closely or enlarged in photographs. This is a normal characteristic of traditional drawing materials.

No. Enlarging an image of the artwork can exaggerate the paper texture and individual pencil marks. The artwork is intended to be viewed at its actual size and from a normal viewing distance.

Yes, coloured pencil should be framed behind glass. Professional framing helps protect the artwork from dust, handling and environmental damage. It also makes the portrait ready to display and can complement the artwork beautifully.

Yes, framing can be arranged as part of your commission. Available options and prices will be discussed in your quote. You can view the available framing options via the link below:

The available options include a Standard Frame and aa wider Classic Frame. Please view the options via the link below:

Artwork vs Reference Photo

Framing is outsourced. The Standard and Classic Frames generally adds approximately one to two weeks to the process. These are estimates and may vary according to the framer’s workload and availability.

Yes, go for it! You can discuss an unframed artwork with me and arrange professional framing independently. Please ensure that the framer understands how to handle and protect a coloured pencil original. If you are on the East Rand, I would be happy to give you my framer’s details. I advise against store-bought frames; these do not protect your artwork to the same extent as having it professionally framed.

No. Once framing has been booked with the framer, it cannot be cancelled. The framer’s deposit is non-refundable, so please choose your framing option carefully before confirming it.

Yes, if you select framing as part of your commission. The framed artwork will be farmed before it is prepared for delivery according to the agreed arrangements.

No, sending a portrait back and forth increases the risk of damage. I will rather refer you directly to my framer, who is based in the East Rand, Gauteng.

Yes. Artwork can be delivered by one of my trusted Courier Partners anywhere within South Africa. The delivery method and applicable cost will be discussed in your quote.

Please enquire with your destination country and delivery requirements when requesting a quote. International delivery arrangements, costs and any applicable import charges will need to be confirmed before booking. International orders will be shipped with DHL.

Courier delivery times depend on the destination and courier service. As a general example, delivery from Gauteng to Cape Town may take around three to four days, but this is not a guarantee. Please allow for the courier’s schedule and any delays.

Yes, sure. Collection may be arranged from Nigel, East Rand, by prior arrangement. Please confirm this before finalising your booking. I am only available for by appointment on weekdays (Monday to Friday) during my office hours, 9am to 4pm, for collections.

I will prepare the artwork for delivery with care. I do charge an additional packaging fee, included in the courier charges, to cover additional packaging material used to ensure that your package has been packaged well to protect the valuable content.

Unframed portraits are carefully packaged with rigid packaging and moisture protection to help keep your artwork safe during delivery. Framed portraits receive additional protective boards over the glass to help prevent damage during transit.

If you have specific delivery concerns, please raise them when booking so the appropriate arrangements can be discussed.

I would be happy to! Please enquire before booking. I would be happy to gift-wrap it for you too. Gift wrapping comes at an additional fee.

Please contact me as soon as possible and provide clear photographs of the packaging and the damage. Keep the packaging until the matter has been assessed so that the appropriate next steps can be discussed.

Unfortunately, no South African courier company insures art or glass in the case of a framed piece. Please see the terms in Service Agreement at the time of booking your commission for more details.

Handle the artwork carefully and avoid touching the drawing surface. Keep the artwork in the cellophane cover until you are ready to frame it. Keep it away from moisture, excessive heat, smoke and direct sunlight. If the artwork is unframed, store it flat in a clean, dry and protected environment.

NO! Prolonged direct sunlight can contribute to fading and damage, even when professional lightfast materials are used. Choose a location away from strong sunlight or excessive heat, such as above a fireplace.

NEVER wipe, rub or apply cleaning products to the drawing surface. If your portrait is framed, clean the frame and glazing carefully without allowing liquids to enter the frame.

Professional framing is recommended to help protect the artwork from dust, handling and environmental exposure. Ask your framer about suitable materials and conservation options such as Art Glass that cuts down on UV rays.

Yes, you can store it until you are ready to frame it. Keep it flat, dry and protected from dust, pressure and contact with other surfaces. Avoid placing anything directly against the drawing surface.

With professional materials, professional framing and proper care, your artwork can be treasured for many, many years. Its longevity depends on factors such as light exposure, humidity, storage, framing, handling and how you ultimately care for it.

Yes. A pet portrait can be a personal gift for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas or other special occasions. Please enquire early, especially during busy periods.

Yes, absolutely. Please tell me that it is a surprise when booking so I can avoid sharing teasers or behind-the-scenes content that could reveal the surprise gift.

Most definitely! Gift certificates are available and make a thoughtful gift for any pet lover. Because I often have a waiting list for commissions, a gift certificate is a wonderful way to secure a place in my commission queue while allowing the recipient to choose their favourite photograph of their beloved pet.

You can choose a specific portrait size or purchase a gift certificate to the value of your choice, starting at R1,500. If the recipient would like a larger portrait, they can pay the difference when booking. Gift certificates can be delivered by email, couriered in a simple envelope, or presented in a beautifully gift-wrapped box. Simply let me know the amount or portrait size you’d like to gift and your preferred delivery method, and I’ll take care of the arrangements.

Please note the following terms:

Full payment is required when purchasing a gift certificate.
Courier fees apply to physical gift certificate deliveries.
Gift certificates are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase.
Purchasing a gift certificate secures a place for the recipient in my commission queue, subject to the booking arrangements.
Gift certificates cannot be exchanged for cash or other products or services.
Gift certificates are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please enquire as early as possible – you can inquiry as early as June or July already. The commission queue can fill months ahead, and framing and courier delivery need additional time. I cannot guarantee a Christmas delivery date until your booking and timeline have been discussed.

Please include the date in your quote request. I will let you know whether the requested timeline is realistic before you book.

From September 2026, returning clients receive 5% off future new artwork bookings. T&C apply.

The discount applies to the artwork only. Framing, shipping and any other additional services remain at their full price.

No. Returning clients using the discount must join the normal commission queue. Rush orders are not eligible.

Yes, please mention your previous commission when requesting a quote so that the applicable discount can be considered. I do have a good memory when it comes to names, but I might overlook you by accident.

The discount applies to future new bookings from September 2026. It does not automatically apply retrospectively to an existing or previous commissions.

I share photographs or videos of completed artwork for portfolio and promotional purposes after the artwork has been gifted. If the portrait is a surprise, please discuss this with me before booking, so that I do not spoil the surprise. I only share surprise gifts a few days to a few weeks after it has been gifted.

Yes. You are welcome to share your portrait with friends and family. Please always credit Celia van Niekerk Art when posting the artwork online.

No. The artwork is commissioned for personal use only unless a different arrangement has been agreed. Please contact me if you wish to use the artwork for commercial, promotional or business purposes.

Once your final payment has been made, the physical artwork belongs to you to keep, display or give as a gift. However, copyright and reproduction rights remain with me, Celia van Niekerk, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Your portrait is for personal enjoyment and display only. You may NOT reproduce, print, copy, alter or use the artwork for commercial purposes without my prior written permission. Digital photographs of your completed artwork are also for personal use only and may not be sold or used to generate profit. I retain the right to use images of completed portraits to promote my art business through my website, portfolio, printed materials and social media. If you share your portrait on social media, please tag or credit Celia van Niekerk Art. If your portrait is a surprise gift, I will not share images of it publicly until the recipient has received it.

If you would like to use your portrait for commercial purposes, please contact me to discuss art licensing options.

The discount applies to future new bookings from September 2026. It does not automatically apply retrospectively to an existing or previous commissions.

Start with the Pet Portrait Price List and the portrait size guide. You can then complete the quote questionnaire with your preferences, and I can advise you on a suitable option. Here are all the necessary links:

Please do not assume that you cannot commission a portrait. Send me the best photographs you have, and I will assess whether they contain enough detail to work from.

Visit the Request a Commission Quote page and complete the questionnaire. Include your preferred portrait size, details about your pet and suitable reference photographs so I can prepare a personalised quote.

The best starting point is the online quote questionnaire. You can also use the contact options listed on my website for any additional questions.

Hand-drawn. Heartfelt. Forever.