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Commission a Portrait

All commissioned work begins with a photograph. Cliff will work with you to capture the personality and spirit of your pet in a one-of-a-kind original pastel.

'The Dance' — Cliff Bull original pastel

"The Dance" 18″×30″

The Process

Everything starts with your photo

Your photograph is the foundation — Cliff uses it as his only reference, then applies artistic liberty to enhance the final drawing. Because your photo serves as the starting point, no preliminary sketch for approval is needed.

Send as many photos as you have available. All originals will be returned to you. The more photographs Cliff has to work from, the better he can capture what makes your pet unique.

Size, colors, and style discussed before work begins
Your pet's unique characteristics are always honored
Drawn on professional-grade archival or heavyweight pastel paper
Average drawing time: 1–2 weeks
Framing time: approximately 2–4 additional weeks

Email Cliff to Start

Choose Your Style

Each portrait can be rendered in one of three distinct pastel styles. Browse the examples below — all three are of the same subject, “Kip,” so you can see exactly how each style differs.

Expressive

Bold, energetic marks with vivid color — full of life and personality

Key West

Warm, sun-drenched palette with a loose, tropical feeling

Impressionistic

Soft, painterly strokes with luminous, blended color

Not sure which style is right for you? Mention your preference when you email Cliff — he’s happy to discuss what works best for your pet and your space.

Pricing

All prices are based on the final size of the drawing. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to begin.

Small

$200⁺

11″×11″ and similar sizes
Perfect for a single subject

Most Popular

Custom

Any size — discuss your ideal dimensions during our initial consultation

Additional Pets

+70%

Each additional pet in the same drawing is priced at 70% of the single-pet price

Important Details

50% down payment required to begin — non-refundable
Remaining balance plus shipping collected upon completion
Ships via UPS — no P.O. Boxes
Shipping included in the final balance
Due to the delicate nature of pastels, professional framing is recommended before final shipment
Frames and mat selection discussed during your consultation
Delivery dates vary by season — ask about current availability

Photo Tips

Cliff has been painting and drawing for over 35 years — the camera is his most important tool. Great reference photos lead to better portraits. Here's how to get the best shot.

"Honey" 18″×30″

Your photograph will be Cliff's only reference for your pet, so it's important to capture the best shot possible. Try to capture your pet's personality — Cliff will enhance the image from there.

Feel free to use a digital camera, a smartphone, or a traditional 35mm film camera. Send as many photos as you have. The more variety, the better.

Use Natural Light

Outdoor photos give the best overall light. Overcast days are better than bright sun or direct harsh light.

Watch Your Flash

When using a flash avoid shadows and flashback — they can wash out your image and create an overall flatness.

Vary Your Angles

Take a few shots from your pet's level, a few looking down, some close-ups, and some from a short distance.

Shoot in Quantity

Take plenty of photos in different locations, poses, and lighting conditions — over multiple days if possible.

Capture Personality

Be creative and have fun. The photos that capture your pet's unique personality will always make the best portraits.

Send Everything

Mail all your photos — every print will be returned to you. The more reference Cliff has, the better the result.