Frequently Asked Questions

Custom Painted Pet Portraits on Canvas by Founding Artist Sherry Kendall

Q. Do I need to send several photos? 

A. Yes, several photos are helpful, but more importantly, each photo should be good and clear so Sherry can see the detail of how the fur wraps around the nose and eyes. You can upload initial large format reference photos through our Portrait Quote Area for us to review or send 5 x 7-inch copies of the prints to us through the mail.)

Mailing Address:
Art Dept
c/o Wagging Tail Portraits
6618 Woodbine Rd, Suite B
Woodbine, MD 21797

Q. Does Sherry work from photos or from the pet posing?

A. Sherry works from photos, but she does enjoy meeting the pet whenever possible and taking her own reference photos.

Q. Does Sherry like hearing about the pet?

A. Yes, Sherry loves to hear all about your pet! It really helps her portray their personality on canvas.

Q. Do I get to pick my own background color?

A. Yes, if you know where you will be displaying your portrait, Sherry likes to have your input into the color choice for the background.

Q. Do I need to frame the canvas?

A. It is a personal choice whether or not to frame the painting. Sherry works on gallery wrapped canvases, which have deep edges and she extends the painting over the edges so they look great unframed. In some cases, Sherry wraps the ears around the edges of the paintings.

Q. How long does a painting typically take once I send the photos?

A. For pet portraits painted on canvas, there is currently about a 6 month turn around time for completing the painting due to prior commissions and drying time. If the painting is being shipped additional time is needed to allow for ample drying time.

Q. Do I get to see my painting before it is shipped?

A. Yes, you will see your painting in two stages. After the acrylic underpainting is completed you will be emailed a photo of the first stage of your painting. This is a good time to okay the background color. After this, Sherry works on your painting using water-based oil paints over the next 6 weeks. She needs to allow a week or two of drying time between layers of the oil paints. After your painting is completed you will be sent a final photo of the painting prior to shipping.

 Q. Do you ship paintings?

A. Yes, Sherry's paintings are in homes around the world. Please note: Sherry works in water-based oil paints, so if you need to have your painting shipped, additional drying time will be necessary.

Q. What is your favorite type of dog to paint?

A. Actually, I love painting all dogs, but if I had to pick one group, it would be the mixed breeds from the shelters. Each one is so unique, and it is something in their eyes. Once they have found their forever homes, they have that something special shining through. You would think I would be partial to goldens, since we have 2, and I've painted lots of them over the years, but it is the little-mixed breeds that capture my heart and paintbrush.

Q. Where do you ship from?

Do you accept orders placed outside of the US?

A. Yes! Please process your order through our International shopping cart. Click here.

Q. How long will it take to receive my order through shipping?

A. For custom products, please allow 4-6 weeks. For custom pet portrait paintings please allow 6-8 months. For in-stock non-custom items such as Wet Nose Greeting Cards by the pack we normally ship within 5 to 7 days from the placement of the order. Out of stock non-custom, greeting cards will ship as soon as possible. 

(During the peak of the holiday season custom items will have a  longer wait time.) Once your custom item is completed and dry, most domestic orders take anywhere from 2 to 7 business days to be shipped via UPS based on your location.

NOTE: Please keep in mind all custom items are one-of-a-kind and very labor intensive, consequently, there may be an extended wait period for your treasured keepsake. Our normal delivery time is 3-4 weeks and maybe longer if you order multiple items. We will do our best to deliver your item in a timely manner, however, we are unable to guarantee an exact delivery time.

Q. Do you ship International?

A. Yes. Please contact us through Email if you have any additional international customer and or Portrait quote shipping questions.

Q. What should I do if my item arrives damaged?

A. We make every effort to package the ornaments and paintings very carefully, but if your keepsake arrives damaged, please contact us either through the contact page, 410-977-6260 or e-mail for assistance.

Q. How are orders shipped?

A. All orders are shipped either USPS or UPS Ground and typically arrive in 1 to 7 business days based on your location. Each order will be insured and shipped with a tracking number which you will receive in an e-mail. You may check the status of your shipment using your tracking number at USPS.com or UPS.com.

Q. What is your payment policy for products and portraits?

A. When an order is placed for a custom item: Upon submitting your order with your payment information provided, your credit card will be charged immediately for the full purchase price of your order including all shipping and handling charges and any add-on options you may have purchased. This is done for two reasons. 1) You are purchasing a custom hand-painted piece of art. 2) We must schedule time with the artist as well as purchase supplies.

A. When an order is placed for a portrait on canvas a 50% non-refundable down payment based on the total quoted price is required. Shipping and handling are additional and is added to the final price. Prior to shipping, the balance of the payment is charged in full prior to shipping and will include all shipping and handling charges. All credit card transactions are charged immediately upon purchase.