A portrait of a child or a beloved pet has moved into the average person’s price range. The Internet has many artists’ sites where you can commission a portrait of your child or pet, created from a favorite photo you send. (And, of course, someone who does child portraits would also do one of an adult, and could portray a loved one who has passed away.)

     If you would like to give a gift portrait, please keep in mind that paintings take TIME. I see one site that promises “a 10-day turnaround” for a pet portrait, but I’m sure most artists need more time than that.