Welcome to April’s Pet Portraits!
There’s just something special to me about painting dogs. They aren’t just pets—they’re family, best friends, constant companions, and sometimes the ones who seem to understand us better than anyone else. I love capturing that little spark that makes each furry friend unique—the goofy grin, the soulful eyes, the floppy ears, or that look they give you that says, “Yep, I’m your dog, and you’re my person.”
Every pet has a story, and I love bringing a little bit of that personality to life on canvas. Whether you’re celebrating a beloved companion who is still by your side or keeping the memory of one who has crossed the rainbow bridge,
I hope my paintings give you that same warm feeling you get when you think about your favorite four-legged friend. If you are interested in a commissioned painting, please reach out to me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AprilJohnstonArt/
Thank you again for stopping by! ~April Johnston and HollyQuinn
The Process
Every painting is completely custom and one of a kind. From choosing the right reference photos to capturing the personality and character of your dog, each portrait is created with care and attention to detail. Because every piece is painted by hand in oil, please allow approximately 6–8 weeks for completion, with most commissions taking 2–3 months from the initial consultation to final delivery, depending on my current schedule.
1. Choose Your Size & Pricing*
I currently offer four standard canvas sizes, with additional custom sizing available upon request:
- 12″ × 12″ — Oil on canvas, unframed, canvas-wrapped
- 16″ × 16″ — Oil on canvas, unframed, canvas-wrapped
- 20″ × 20″ — Oil on canvas, unframed, canvas-wrapped
- XL or Custom Size — Oil on canvas, unframed, canvas-wrapped
All paintings are square, canvas-wrapped, and unframed. Larger canvases may have higher shipping costs due to their size.
*Please contact thru Facebook for price list since I will need to calculate size, taxes and shipping. https://www.facebook.com/AprilJohnstonArt
2. Send Your Photos
Each portrait is painted one dog at a time. I do not combine multiple dogs into a single canvas. This one-to-one approach allows me to give each portrait the time and attention needed to capture an accurate likeness and the personality that makes your dog special.
For the best results, please send 6–10 digital JPG photos of your dog. If you have a favorite photo, I will certainly consider using it as the primary reference, but having several photos allows me to better understand your dog’s features, coloring, eyes, and overall personality.
3. Painting, Completion & Delivery
Once I have your photos and all the necessary information, your portrait can be scheduled. Please allow a minimum of 6–8 weeks for completion. Depending on my current commission schedule and the size of the painting, the entire process may take closer to 2–3 months.
For clients within approximately 200 miles of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, I am happy to arrange hand delivery. Paintings that need to be shipped will be sent through UPS or USPS. Once your canvas size and shipping address are established, I can provide an estimated shipping cost.
4. Payment & Booking
A deposit is not required to begin your commission unless you would like to arrange a payment plan. Payment is due upon delivery or completion and can be made by cash, check, ACH bank transfer, Venmo, or PayPal.
Once I have your information and photos, we’ll talk through the details of your portrait and make sure we’re on the same page before I begin. The goal is simple: to create a painting that feels like your dog—not just a picture of your dog.
About April
April Johnston earned her Bachelor of Science degree after studying Graphic Design and Fine Art at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. With more than 25 years of experience in oil painting, graphic design, web design, and digital marketing, she brings a diverse creative background to her work.
What began as a passion for oil painting eventually grew into a full-time career. April’s distinctive style is impressionistic, characterized by richly saturated colors, bold contrast, and expressive, loose brushstrokes that bring energy and personality to each piece.
April accepts commissions for animal portraits as well as original works of art. To inquire about a custom painting or available artwork, please send her a direct message on Facebook.
