The Experience

The Process

Step 1: Get in touch!

Let's chat! We’ll discuss your pet’s personality, your vision for the piece, and which reference photos will translate best into charcoal and pastel. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot in my calendar.

Step 2: The Foundation

Once we’ve selected the perfect pose, I begin with a foundation sketch to establish the structural likeness and deep shadows.

Step 3: The Pastel Layers

I carefully build up layers of pastel pencil to bring in soft textures, vibrant colors, and that signature "TabbyLane" life-like finish.

Step 4: The Final Reveal

I’ll send you a digital preview of the finished work for approval before it is professionally fixed and prepared for shipping. The final balance is due.

Price Guide

Thank you for your interest in a custom portrait. Each piece is hand-drawn using professional-grade Pitt Pastels on archival Clairefontaine Pastelmat cardstock or charcoal on archival Canson Mi-Teintes paper, ensuring your artwork remains vibrant and preserved for a lifetime.

The standard rate includes a single subject (one face). For multiple subjects, please inquire for a custom quote. For constructed portraits, a $50.00 composition fee applies for portraits created by merging separate reference photos.

Sizes indicated below are the paper size.

Prices include a 30-minute creative consultation to discuss your reference photos and vision.

Charcoal:

Medium (20.5 x 32 cm / 8 x 12.6 inches) $310.00 incl. GST

Large (32 x 41 cm / 12.6 x 16.1 inches) $335.00 incl. GST

Pitt Pastel (Full Colour):

Small (15 x 24 cm / 6 x 9 inches) $445.00 incl. GST

Medium (24 x 30 cm / 9 x 12 inches) $470.00 incl. GST

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Delivery & Collection

Local Collection (Canberra Region): Free. Includes protective archival sleeve and backing board.

Insured Postage (Australia-wide):

Small: $25
Large: $35

Includes glassine protection, rigid flat-packing to prevent bending, tracking, and full insurance.

Revision and Final Approval

Reference photo: Imaging editing software is often used to create the perfect reference image from provided photos. The reference image remains the property of TabbyLane.
Progress update: I will provide one progress photo during the early stages. This is the time to request minor adjustments to proportions or composition.
Final revision limit: Upon completion, you are entitled to one round of minor refinements (e.g., slight tonal adjustments). Because I work with professional materials, the paper can only hold so many layers of pigment. To ensure the highest quality finish and prevent the surface from becoming overworked, I include one round of refinements at the end of the process.
Significant changes: Major changes that deviate from the agreed-upon reference photo, or requests for a "start-over" after the piece is finished, will incur additional labour fees at $65/hour.
The "point of no return": Once you have given final approval in writing and the remaining balance is paid, no further changes can be made and no refunds will be issued.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

Non-refundable deposit: The 50% deposit is strictly non-refundable. This secures your place in my schedule and covers the cost of premium materials.
Damage in transit: All posted works are fully insured. If your piece arrives damaged, please provide photos of the packaging and artwork within 24 hours so I can process an insurance claim and arrange a resolution.

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