Pets & Fine art portrait information 

The most common questions in relation to commissioning a pet or person portrait. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please get in touch and I will happily help with any further information.

Pet, Animal & People Portrait Commissions

  • No, but they are very popular! I am happy to paint any animal or person (cats, horses, pigs and chickens have all been commissioned so far, I love something unusual and really fancy painting a lizard!!)

  • Please allow approximately 12 weeks from booking. If you have a specific date or occasion you require delivery by, let me know and I will ensure that happens! My style of watercolour painting is detailed so time is needed to build up the depth of colour and the tiny details that make my images come to life. Quite simply they can’t be rushed! I take time discussing layout/pose with you, ensuring that the final portrait is just how you envisage.

    I can sometimes accommodate a short notice booking, this will carry a £50 urgent order charge. Please contact me to confirm if your time frame is ‘do-able’.

  • Yes, you are very welcome to visit me at my studio in Cwmbran, South Wales, by prior arrangement.

  • Yes, I ship to most worldwide destinations. Overseas orders will be sent rolled via a Parcel Tube, and are priced at the time due to fluctuating courier costs. Framed or Flat mounted shipping can be arranged and must be costed and approved prior to confirming booking.

    Shipping to mainland UK is currently sent fully tracked and insured & carefully packaged.

  • Of course! I am happy to offer a digital mockup of multiple image portraits, and advise what size you will need for the best result. My gallery shows a stunning 5 Spaniel commission that is a real showpiece in the owners home!

  • I work from clear, high resolution images to ensure I can capture the finest details in my painting. Please view the Photography Tips page for further information and how to get your images to me. I also offer a photography option if required, details are on the photography page.

  • Cash, all major credit/debit cards or bank transfer. Payments can be made via website, phone or in person.

    Please note that as all items are bespoke, refunds are not possible, please double/triple check before signing that you are happy with mockup design thank you.

  • Copyright remains with myself - this simply means that you will own the physical painting but not rights to make subsequent prints. However I work closely with a Fine Art printing company, who will take a scan of the original and then high quality prints will be available. This can be arranged prior to framing your painting as it is near on impossible to image scan/photograph a painting once under glass in a frame.

  • I offer a range of professional framing options. You can choose from No frame, where your image will be carefully packaged on a backing sheet and clear wrapping to protect it, leaving you free to arrange mounting and framing of your choice.

    I have my own range of mounts and frames available, chosen to compliment the image and style. So you would just choose Framed option when booking. I offer help and advice when considering frame colour etc..

  • Absolutely yes you can! I am happy for my clients to share for any non-commercial purposes, I would be very grateful if you could credit Cath Mcsweeney Art as the artist!

    I also use platforms such Instagram, Facebook and my website to promote my work. I sometime post progress paintings, so if your commission is a surprise or you don’t wish to see until the final ‘reveal’ please let me know and I will ensure it is not displayed until gifted or received by you. Social Media/Internet is a great tool to show my work and I respect a clients privacy, so if you have an image you don’t want shared, let me know!