Fabulous Oil Paintings of Animals - Pet Portrait Art - San Carlos, CA
Tom Chapman, a talented and self-taught artist, has been capturing the essence of beloved pets and animals on canvas since 1993. With a background as a former horse jockey, Tom brings a unique perspective to his art, honed through years of riding over 20,000 races. He specializes in creating fabulous oil paintings of a wide variety of animals, from dogs and cats to horses, birds, and even wildlife. Serving pet owners throughout California, Tom's experience and passion for art ensure that each portrait is a stunning and cherished keepsake.
Tom's creative process is both collaborative and meticulous. He works from photographs provided by pet parents, offering tips to ensure the best results, such as capturing pets in natural light and avoiding direct frontal shots. Once suitable photos are selected, he and his clients agree on a composition, requiring a 50% deposit to begin the work. Each painting is thoughtfully crafted on canvas stretched over wooden stretcher bars, with the option for framing at an additional cost. With over 30 years of continuous learning and a dedication to realism, Tom guarantees satisfaction with every piece.
Choosing Tom Chapman for your pet portrait needs means investing in a lifetime of artistic expertise and passion. His attention to detail and commitment to capturing the unique personality of each animal make his paintings truly special. Whether it’s a majestic racehorse or a playful puppy, Tom is ready to bring your vision to life. Ready to immortalize your treasured pet in a stunning oil painting? Book through Petworks today!
Pricing Packages
How do you serve precious pets?
- Pet Portrait Art
- Custom Pet Portraits
- Animal Portraits
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Birds
- Cats
- Chickens
- Chinchillas
- Dogs
- Ducks
- Ferrets
- Fish
- Frogs
- Gerbils
- Goats
- Guinea Pigs
- Hamsters
- Horses
- Lizards
- Mice
- Parrots
- Rabbits
- Rats
- Snakes
- Turtles
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Do you offer mobile services?
- Yes
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
San Mateo County CA, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Fremont, San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Hayward, Berkeley, Palo Alto, California
What year did you begin serving pets?
1994
How did you hone your craft?
I'm a self taught artist and have been painting since 1993. I'm constantly learning, and tend to learn something with each new painting, whether it's what brush to use to get a certain look, or the colors, lights and darks, I use to get a realistic looking painting. I also teach art classes.
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
When taking photographs for me to work from, get down on their level and try not to get a complete profile or a direct full frontal shot. Try to get them to turn their head slightly. Good lighting is also a must. Try to avoid using a flash because it blasts out all the subtle details.
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
I used to be a horse jockey for over 20 years, riding over 20,000 races, and winning just short of 2,600.
SERVICE AREA: Any distance, including San Mateo County CA, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Fremont, San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Hayward, Berkeley, Palo Alto, California
Distinction
How do you serve precious pets?
- Pet Portrait Art
- Custom Pet Portraits
- Animal Portraits
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Birds
- Cats
- Chickens
- Chinchillas
- Dogs
- Ducks
- Ferrets
- Fish
- Frogs
- Gerbils
- Goats
- Guinea Pigs
- Hamsters
- Horses
- Lizards
- Mice
- Parrots
- Rabbits
- Rats
- Snakes
- Turtles
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Do you offer mobile services?
- Yes
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
San Mateo County CA, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Fremont, San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Hayward, Berkeley, Palo Alto, California
What year did you begin serving pets?
1994
How did you hone your craft?
I'm a self taught artist and have been painting since 1993. I'm constantly learning, and tend to learn something with each new painting, whether it's what brush to use to get a certain look, or the colors, lights and darks, I use to get a realistic looking painting. I also teach art classes.
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
When taking photographs for me to work from, get down on their level and try not to get a complete profile or a direct full frontal shot. Try to get them to turn their head slightly. Good lighting is also a must. Try to avoid using a flash because it blasts out all the subtle details.
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
I used to be a horse jockey for over 20 years, riding over 20,000 races, and winning just short of 2,600.
🌟 About Tom Chapman
Tom is a pet portrait artist based in San Carlos, California, serving pet parents locally in San Mateo County and surrounding areas through PetWorks, one of the leading platforms for finding and hiring pet portrait artists across the United States. With a passion for capturing the personality, energy, and spirit of animal companions, Tom creates handcrafted portraits that go far beyond what a photograph can offer — each one a genuine one-of-a-kind work of art, made from your favorite photo and tailored to your exact vision.
Working with Tom: What to Expect
Hiring a pet portrait artist is a personal, collaborative experience from start to finish. It begins with a conversation. 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.
Tom 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, Tom gets to work. Most 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 delivered to you — by mail or 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 Tom before booking, especially if you're working toward a gift deadline.
A San Carlos, CA Pet Portrait Artist — Serving San Mateo County and Beyond
Tom serves pet portrait clients in San Carlos, San Mateo County, and surrounding areas including Redwood City, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Cupertino, Foster City, Daly City. Whether you prefer to work with a local artist near you or correspond entirely online, Tom makes the process simple, personal, and stress-free from wherever you are.
🦔 How to Hire Tom on PetWorks
On Tom Chapman's listing page, use 'Send Message' or 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Book Now' to start a conversation about your commission. Tom will discuss your vision, answer any questions, and send you a personalized quote through the PetWorks inbox, because the right pet portrait artist fit matters, and taking a few minutes to correspond before committing 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 a booking 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 Portrait
Getting the most out of your portrait 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 pet portrait 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 Tom 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 pet portrait artists welcome creative direction and will work with you to bring your vision to life.
As a general guide, pet portrait artist commissions 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 Tom's pricing packages above for specific rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a pet portrait artist on PetWorks?
Browse the Pet Portrait Artists category on PetWorks to explore profiles, portfolios, styles, and pricing from verified artists across the country. You can filter by location, medium, and specialty to find the right fit near you — or reach out to Tom directly using the 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Book Now' buttons on this page.
What makes Tom different from other pet portrait artists?
Tom is a verified PetWorks pet portrait artist with a portfolio you can browse before committing. Every commission is handled personally — from the initial photo review to the finished piece — with clear communication and a collaborative process throughout.
How does hiring a pet portrait artist work?
It's simple: you reach out to Tom through PetWorks, share your favorite photos, discuss your vision and preferences, and receive your finished portrait by mail or digital delivery. Most pet portrait artists on PetWorks are available for both local clients and online orders.
Can Tom paint multiple pets in one portrait?
Many pet portrait artists on PetWorks offer multi-pet compositions — reach out to Tom directly to discuss your specific request. Multi-pet portraits may carry additional fees depending on the number of subjects and complexity of the arrangement.
What if my pet has passed away?
Memorial portraits are one of the most meaningful commissions a pet portrait artist can create. Tom works entirely from photos, so a passing doesn't prevent a beautiful, lifelike result. Many PetWorks pet portrait artists have extensive experience with memorial work and approach it with particular care and sensitivity.
How long does it take to receive my portrait?
Most commissions are completed within 2–6 weeks, though timelines vary by medium, complexity, and the artist's current schedule. Always confirm turnaround with Tom before booking, 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 booking issues. Most 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.
❤️ Find the right pet portrait artist for your pet on PetWorks. Reach out to Tom today, share your favorite photo, and get started on a handcrafted portrait you'll cherish for a lifetime.
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