Charcoal Pastel Pet Portrait Artist - Reno, NV

5 out of 5

(2 reviews)

Verified Member since Dec 2024 Verified checkmark

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

5x7" Charcoal Drawing
$ 250.00 Per Portrait book

Detailed charcoal drawing portraits on Canson Mi-Teintes paperboard.

9x12" Charcoal Drawing
$ 400.00 Per Portrait book

Detailed charcoal drawing on Canson Mi-Teintes paperboard.

11x14" Charcoal Drawing
$ 550.00 Per Portrait book

Detailed charcoal portrait on Canson Mi-Teintes paperboard.

16x20" Charcoal Drawing
$ 750.00 Per Portrait book

A detailed charcoal drawing on Canson Mi-Teintes paperboard.

5x7" color pastel drawing
$ 300.00 Per Portrait book

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

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.

What year did you begin serving pets?

2008
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rita foster

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BASED IN Reno, NV

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Pw without hitch Pw eager beaver circle Petworks Best of 2024

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 T
Pet 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 Foster

I 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

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

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.

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 T
Pet 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 Foster

I 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

🎨 Rita Foster — Order Custom Pet Portraits Online, Shipped Nationwide


Rita Foster creates custom pet portraits ordered entirely online and shipped nationwide anywhere in the United States. Unlike Pet Portrait Artists, PetWorks' local category for hiring an artist near you, Custom Pet Portraits is built for pet parents who want to order online and have their portrait shipped to their door, regardless of location.


Whether you're looking for a realistic 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. 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 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.


Shipping Custom Pet Portraits Nationwide


Rita Foster accepts custom pet portrait orders from anywhere in the United States. 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.


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, since 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. 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 online?


Browse the Custom Pet Portraits category on PetWorks to explore artists shipping nationwide, their portfolios, styles, and pricing. Filter by style and medium, 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 throughout.


Does Rita ship anywhere in the US?


Yes. Rita accepts orders from anywhere in the United States. The entire process happens online, no in-person meetings required.


Can Rita include multiple pets in one portrait?


Yes, many custom pet portrait artists on PetWorks offer multi-pet compositions. 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.


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.


What's the difference between ordering a custom pet portrait and hiring a pet portrait artist?


Custom Pet Portraits is PetWorks' nationwide ordering category, for pet parents anywhere in the US who want to order online and have their portrait shipped. Pet Portrait Artists is PetWorks' local category, for pet parents who want to browse and hire an artist based near them.


❤️ Order a custom pet portrait from Rita on PetWorks, shipped anywhere in the US. Share your favorite photo, choose your style, and get started on a handcrafted portrait you'll cherish for a lifetime.