Hand-painted pet portraits · Toronto

Small paintings
for quiet
companions.

Some companions never really leave us. Small oil portraits made to stay close — beside a desk, on a bookshelf, on a bedside table.

5×5 in — $65 · 6×6 in — $95 CAD

Begin a conversation

Oil on cotton paper

The story behind the project

He was my little huge companion.

Taro was a shiba inu who lived beside me through a city move, a career change, and years of learning to be an artist. When he passed away, I started painting small portraits inspired by him — by his presence, his stillness, the way he occupied a room.

Those paintings became Taro Atelier 17. Not a pet portrait business. A small studio practice centered on the quiet emotional presence animals leave in our lives.

Each portrait is painted in oil on cotton paper. Small enough to stay close. Specific enough to matter.

— Diana Vázquez, Mexican illustrator based in Toronto

Recent portraits

Each one unique · Oil on cotton paper

Tula

Taro

How it works

A slow, personal process.

You write to me

Tell me about your companion and share a photo. I paint from photos — the clearer the image, the closer the likeness.

I respond

I'll confirm availability and give you an estimated timeline before anything is agreed.

You confirm & pay

Once we've agreed on the details, you pay to reserve your spot. Payment via Square invoice or e-transfer.

Preview & deliver

I'll send you a photo of the finished portrait before shipping. One round of changes is included — then it ships carefully to wherever you are.

Commission a portrait

Tell me about your companion.

Fill out the form and I'll be in touch within a few days. Every portrait is painted in portrait orientation, based on the photos you share. A preview is sent before shipping — one round of changes is included.

5 × 5 inches $65 CAD

6 × 6 inches $95 CAD

Additional animals Quoted separately

Thank you.

I received your message and will write back within a few days.

Questions

Good to know.

How long does a portrait take?

Oil paint needs time to dry before it can be safely shipped — typically one to two weeks depending on the layers. I'll give you a realistic timeline when we speak.

What photos should I send?

Clear, well-lit photos where your companion's face is visible. The portrait is painted from the photos you share — the better the photo, the closer the likeness.

Do you ship internationally?

Currently shipping to Canada and Mexico only. If you're in Toronto, local pickup or personal delivery is available.

Is shipping included in the price?

Shipping is quoted separately and added at the time of payment. Every portrait is carefully packaged to arrive safely.

Can I request changes?

Yes — I send a photo of the finished portrait before shipping. One round of changes is included in every commission.

What if my companion has passed away?

Many commissions are in memory of a beloved animal. A clear photo is all that's needed — the portrait becomes a way to keep them close.