Charcoal Pastel Pet Portrait Artist - Reno, NV
With over 25 years of artistic experience, Rita Foster captures the soul and spirit of animals through her finely detailed charcoal and pastel drawings. Her work is celebrated for its expressive line work, producing intricate textures through her own crosshatching style, and bringing each subject to life with a high level of realism.
Specializing in custom pet portraits and wildlife art, Rita combines precision with a deep love for animals. Her charcoal pieces emphasize bold contrast, while her three-toned pastel drawings explore a more subtle interplay of light. She also offers full-color pastel portraits, carefully layered to achieve rich, vibrant finishes—all sealed with a non-toxic fixative to ensure lasting beauty.
Whether you're looking to commemorate a beloved pet or add an animal portrait to your space, Rita's work reflects her dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and emotional depth.
Pricing Packages
Detailed charcoal drawing portraits on Canson Mi-Teintes paperboard.
Detailed charcoal drawing on Canson Mi-Teintes paperboard.
Detailed charcoal portrait on Canson Mi-Teintes paperboard.
A detailed charcoal drawing on Canson Mi-Teintes paperboard.
How do you serve precious pets?
- Custom Pet Portraits
- Pet Portrait Art
- Custom Pet Portraits
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Alpacas
- Birds
- Cats
- Chickens
- Chinchillas
- Dogs
- Ducks
- Ferrets
- Fish
- Frogs
- Gerbils
- Goats
- Guinea Pigs
- Hamsters
- Hedgehogs
- Horses
- Lizards
- Mice
- Parrots
- Rabbits
- Rats
- Snakes
- Turtles
What year did you begin serving pets?
2008
Distinction
Customer Reviews
My friends and I commissioned Rita to create a color pastel of my friend’s dog who had recently passed, based on a photo of the dog. Rita was super professional and made sure that she addressed our wants and needs for the portrait. The portrait she created is absolutely stunning. My friend said of the piece, “it looks even more tangible than the photo”. I highly recommend Rita- the details in her work are outstanding and she has a keen ability to represent the spirit of the subject through the pieces she creates. Thank you so much, Rita!
- Lauren TPet Pro's Response:
I fully enjoyed drawing this mini portrait of Toby! I hadn’t used color pastel in quite some time but I am so pleased with the outcome. Even more pleased to have been chosen as the artist for such a special project. Thank you again, Lauren!
- Rita FosterI can not recommend Rita enough. I was looking for a way to memorialize a very special GSD that we lost way too soon to cancer. Rita captured every ounce of her... so much so that it feels as though little Jettie is sitting with us in our living room right now. Rita made the process so easy and, even though she was going through a major move, she finished the piece in what I considered record time - especially given the amazing results. She even helped me get a print made so I can gift that to her original family. Loved working with Rita and I will definitely be using her again!
- Ashley SHow do you serve precious pets?
- Custom Pet Portraits
- Pet Portrait Art
- Custom Pet Portraits
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Alpacas
- Birds
- Cats
- Chickens
- Chinchillas
- Dogs
- Ducks
- Ferrets
- Fish
- Frogs
- Gerbils
- Goats
- Guinea Pigs
- Hamsters
- Hedgehogs
- Horses
- Lizards
- Mice
- Parrots
- Rabbits
- Rats
- Snakes
- Turtles
What year did you begin serving pets?
2008
Customer Reviews
My friends and I commissioned Rita to create a color pastel of my friend’s dog who had recently passed, based on a photo of the dog. Rita was super professional and made sure that she addressed our wants and needs for the portrait. The portrait she created is absolutely stunning. My friend said of the piece, “it looks even more tangible than the photo”. I highly recommend Rita- the details in her work are outstanding and she has a keen ability to represent the spirit of the subject through the pieces she creates. Thank you so much, Rita!
- Lauren TPet Pro Response:
I fully enjoyed drawing this mini portrait of Toby! I hadn’t used color pastel in quite some time but I am so pleased with the outcome. Even more pleased to have been chosen as the artist for such a special project. Thank you again, Lauren!
- Rita FosterI can not recommend Rita enough. I was looking for a way to memorialize a very special GSD that we lost way too soon to cancer. Rita captured every ounce of her... so much so that it feels as though little Jettie is sitting with us in our living room right now. Rita made the process so easy and, even though she was going through a major move, she finished the piece in what I considered record time - especially given the amazing results. She even helped me get a print made so I can gift that to her original family. Loved working with Rita and I will definitely be using her again!
- Ashley S🎨 About Rita Foster
Rita Foster offers custom pet portraits ordered entirely online and delivered to your door anywhere in the United States. PetWorks is a nationwide pet care services marketplace where pet parents can browse and order from talented independent artists — in any style, shipped to your door. Whether you're looking for a lifelike oil painting, a vibrant watercolor, a charcoal drawing, or a stylized digital illustration, Rita works with you to create a one-of-a-kind portrait that captures your pet's personality, spirit, and the qualities that make them yours.
Ordering with Rita: What to Expect
Ordering a custom pet portrait with Rita is a personal, collaborative experience from start to finish. It begins online. You'll share your favorite photos of your pet, discuss the style and medium that appeals to you, and talk through any specific ideas or requests you have in mind.
Rita takes the time to understand not just what your pet looks like, but who they are: their character, their quirks, and the qualities that make them yours.
From there, Rita gets to work. Most custom pet portrait artists on PetWorks share progress photos along the way, giving you the opportunity to provide feedback and request adjustments before the portrait is complete. Once you're happy with the result, your finished portrait is shipped directly to your door or delivered as a digital file — depending on the medium and your preference. Most portraits are completed within 2–6 weeks, though timelines vary by medium, complexity, and the artist's current schedule. Always confirm turnaround with Rita before ordering, especially if you're working toward a gift deadline.
Based in Reno, NV — Shipping Custom Pet Portraits Nationwide
Rita Foster is based in Reno, Washoe County, and accepts custom pet portrait orders from anywhere in the United States and beyond. The entire process happens online — you upload your photos, correspond through PetWorks, and receive your finished portrait by mail or digital delivery, no matter where you are.
🦔 How to Order from Rita on PetWorks
On Rita Foster's listing page, use 'Book Now' to place your order directly, or 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Send Message' to start a conversation about your portrait. Rita will discuss your vision, preferred style, size, and medium before you commit. Because the right fit matters, and taking a few minutes to correspond before ordering is always worth it.
When you're ready, payment is handled securely through PetWorks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Affirm, Link, or Klarna. Care Coverage at checkout gives you access to PetWorks' live Concierge team, full refunds if an order is canceled through no fault of yours, and help resolving any issues along the way. So you can focus on your portrait with complete peace of mind.
Tips for a Great Custom Pet Portrait
Getting the most out of your order starts with good reference photos. Clear, well-lit shots taken at your pet's eye level work best. Natural light is your friend — flash-heavy photos tend to flatten features and wash out color. Capture a few different expressions and angles if you can: a close-up of the face, a relaxed resting shot, and a playful or characteristic pose gives your artist the most to work with.
Beyond photos, the more you can share about your pet's personality the better. Is your dog goofy and energetic, or calm and dignified? Does your cat have a signature expression? The small details you share help Rita bring genuine character to the portrait rather than simply reproducing a likeness. If you have a specific style, background, or size in mind, mention it upfront. Most custom pet portrait artists welcome creative direction and will work with you to bring your vision to life.
As a general guide, custom pet portrait orders in the US typically range from $75–$200 for small portraits, $200–$500 for medium, and $500–$1,200 or more for large or multi-pet works. Browse Rita's pricing packages above for specific rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I order a custom pet portrait on PetWorks?
Browse the Custom Pet Portraits category on PetWorks to explore profiles, portfolios, styles, and pricing from verified artists across the country. You can filter by style and medium to find the right fit — or order directly from Rita using the 'Book Now' or 'Get Custom Quote' button on this page.
What makes ordering from Rita different?
Rita is a verified PetWorks artist with a portfolio you can browse before committing. Every order is handled personally — from the initial photo review to the finished piece — with clear communication and a collaborative process throughout.
How does ordering a custom pet portrait online work?
It's simple: you share your favorite photos of your pet through PetWorks, discuss your vision and preferences with Rita, and receive your finished portrait shipped to your door or as a digital file — no in-person meetings required. Rita accepts orders from anywhere in the United States.
Can Rita include multiple pets in one portrait?
Many custom pet portrait artists on PetWorks offer multi-pet compositions. Reach out to Rita directly to discuss your specific request. Multi-pet portraits may carry additional fees depending on the number of subjects and complexity of the arrangement.
Can I order a custom pet portrait as a memorial?
Yes. Memorial portraits are one of the most meaningful orders a custom pet portrait artist can fulfill. Rita works entirely from photos, so a passing doesn't prevent a beautiful, lifelike result. Many PetWorks artists have extensive experience with memorial work and approach it with particular care and sensitivity.
How long does it take to receive my custom pet portrait?
Most orders are completed within 2–6 weeks, though timelines vary by medium, complexity, and the artist's current schedule. Always confirm turnaround with Rita before ordering, especially if you're working toward a gift deadline.
What if I'm not happy with the result?
PetWorks' Care Coverage gives you access to the live Concierge team and help resolving any order issues. Most custom pet portrait artists also share progress photos throughout the process so you can provide feedback and request adjustments before the portrait is finalized. The goal is always a result you love.
❤️ Order a custom pet portrait from Rita on PetWorks. Share your favorite photo, choose your style, and get started on a handcrafted portrait you'll cherish for a lifetime.
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