Art Hound

With the holidays around the corner I put together a list of 10 great artists offering whimsical, custom portraits of your family, pets, car or backyard.

I want to make the point that many other artists gladly accept commissions on a case-by-case basis. So, if you’re curious whether an artist would do a commission it never hurts to ask. Many are happy to strike a deal as long as you grant them sufficient creative license and have realistic expectations.

1. Pop Pop Portraits by Helena

Details: A 8″ x 10″ custom watercolor portrait of two goes for $130.

2. Ashley G

Details: Ashley G is well-known for her custom couple, family and pet portraits which she draws and then colors digitally.

3. Wirth Motor Co

Details: Send Tim Wirth a photo of your beloved car, truck, tractor, boat, bike and he will whip up a 17″ x 17″ painting for $99.

4. Noisy Dog studio

Details: Leigh Jackson paints pet portraits and through the end of 2010 she will donate 10% of sales to your choice of animal shelter/rescue group. Starts at 12″ x 12″ for $350.

5. Tyson Anthony Roberts

Details: Through Dec 10 send a photo of a landscape to Roberts and he will paint a modern version in his signature pixelated style like the one below.

6. Lisa Golightly

Lisa offers an assortment of portraits from line drawings to more painterly work like the one below. Starts at 8″ x 8″ for $275.

7. Laura Walker

Walker takes commissions of her paintings (with her signature bone-dry humor) and for pet portraits she’ll donate 20% of proceeds to the animal rescue charity of your choice.

8. Paola Zakimi

Zakimi is offering a Christmas sale of her storybook-like Little Lady custom portraits which measure 6″ x 4″ and are very reasonable at $42.24.

9. Leah Davies

Davies specializes in beautiful realist pet portraits done in gouache that start at 5″ x 7″ for $325.

10. Gemma Correll

I’m cheating a bit with this one since I’m not sure Miss Gemma takes commissions but her portraits rock!

By all means add to this list in the comments!