I know Buck told you the story that we'd seen dog portraits in this style and attempted to get them. Theshop was supposed to call us back and tell us if they could have the artist paint a White German Shepherd, and they evidently couldn't be bothered despite my contacting them several more times. That was about a year ago. I was always disappointed that the paintings didn't materialize and mentioned it a couple of times. I didn't know anyone was listening!!!

Now, I'm GLAD THEY DIDN'T follow through. YOUR paintings appeared today and I almost fell over! I kept repeating over and over again, "I LOVE them! OMG, they're AMAZING!"

For me, someone who is never at a loss for words, I'm dumbfounded trying to find a way to tell you how BEAUTIFUL these paintings are. You've captured Lucky, right down to her teeth! They're exquisitely painted and are so much more than "just a dog portrait".

They capture the sense of humor and love within you as well. Thanks SO much for making this the finest, most personal gift I've ever received. Straight from your talent, and your heart. It shows how deeply you care about pleasing us as well as yourself!

I wish you all the best, and from the depth of my heart, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Sincerely, Richard L B
(with a BIG hi, and THANK YOU from Buck & Lucky!)

Liz, oh my gosh.... You should have been there ... everyone asked who you were, where I met you, how did you (meaning ... me) do this??? You should have seen the bride and grooms faces when they saw their (your) portrait! You totally missed out - on the reaction! The faces of everyone who saw your work, displayed up there! They all thought Disney did it as a special gift... at 1st! but when they looked close to the detail, the little glint hidden in Kristen's eyes, and Martin's exact ... and I mean ... EXACT smile! They all knew it was special! Really unique, and a gift to be treasured forever!

The wedding coordinator even moved it into the banquet room (right in front of the head table, and roped off, so no one could even touch it! After the pre-reception, where it was displayed in front of the guest book! ) So it was even a center piece at the reception! - - V.C., Cherry Hill, NJ

"Thank you for a great job on the wedding portrait. It looks great. Again, I appreciate your hard work. This really topped our Anniversary."

- P.M. Petersburg, VA

In gratitude for their service, members of the military receive a discount.

There are no words that could ever convey how very much we thank you for gift that you have given us. He not only holds a place of honor in our hearts but now thanks to you he will forever be a part of our lives.

Working with you was a great pleasure. Thank you again for such a wonderful portrait and the experience of being a part of the process each step of the way.

I hope that everyone that desires a quality work of art is lucky enough to find your website as I was. I look forward to working with you again in the future. - - - J.C.

16"x20" Oil Portrait

Oh my God………………. I am sooooo thrilled with the portrait. You are phenomenal. It’s going to be so hard to hold onto it until Christmas. My husband was very curious about the contents. I just kept tell him it’s none of your business what’s in there. I finally snuck into the bathroom, opened it up and just stood there totally amazed. This is probably the best Christmas present he’s ever gotten.

Our dog's likeness is remarkable. Considering you only had photos to work with – I’m truly impressed.

Thanks again for your hard work. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you.

- C.B.

(Detail from 16"x20" Oil Portrait of House and Mastiff)

Awesome portrait. The portraits looks better than the photos, it was as if you were painting with Kemper in front of you.

To say it is excellent is a understatement. I have been sitting here crying and just looking at the picture. You have truly captured her total essence. Thank you so much for the outstanding job and the thoughtfulness of help prior to starting the potrait.

- Debby R.

~update~ I just wanted to thank you so much for doing the painting of my dog Kemper. My sister gave it to me for Christmas. It is such a perfect picture of my dog who is no longer with me. I cried and cried at the beauty of the painting and how realistic it truly is. I will treasure it forever. Your work is superb and I sincerely thank you for doing such beautiful work.

- Diane R.

(Detail from 16"x20" Oil Portrait)

We got our portrait today, and love it! You really captured
his expression. The detail in the face is amazing. We will
definitely recommend you to other people.

Thank you!!

- S.D.

16"x20"
Graphite Portrait

Thank you so much for making such a wonderful portrait. We absolutely love it. My parent’s will too, I have no doubt. Thank you also for being so prompt. We all know how crazy the Christmas season is!! Anyways, we just wanted to say that we are absolutely thrilled with the outcome and this will most likely be the best Christmas present that my parents may have ever received

- J.C.

16"x20" Oil Portrait

- D.M.

20"x24" oil portrait

(Detail from 16"x20" Pastel Portrait)

The portrait is unbelievable! It brings them all to life. Both my husband and I are awestruck by the likenesses. I think it was the best wedding present I could have given him, thank you so much!
- Sue T., Horsham, PA

artist's note - this portrait was created from a b/w photo using color references.

16"x20" Pastel Portrait

Liz van der Werff's artwork was used
as the cover art for the
2002 Alzheimer's Conference
in Santa Barbara, California

My brother called me in tears telling me it was the best gift he has ever received. I was seriously touched. I must admit when I opened it I was emotionally overcome. It was so beautiful. He loved the portrait so much. He commented that even though the picture I sent showed her on the floor of his house, the background you chose showed her in a place she enjoyed most. The pretty green outdoors. Kind of like her backyard in Washington a few years ago when she used to chase the squirrels up these huge evergreen trees. Yes we are both very happy that we will have this painting of her always to reflect on the great times we had with our girl and all of our friends and family throughout 14 years of her life and ours. The memories really come flowing back. You have really touched our hearts and are a superb artist in my eyes and my brother's as well. We will treasure it forever. It was an absolute pleasure working with you. I can tell you put a lot of love into your work.

- David K., Henderson, NV

artist's note - Roc's name is painted into the foliage in the background of the portrait.

16"x20" Oil Portrait

click on the photo above to see much larger view of painting