Commissions
Of course I would be delighted to take on your portrait commission Please read on for more information and prices and do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Materials
Graphite portraits are relatively quick and affordable and give a very stylish result. Graphite portraits are drawn on paper. Oil or Pastel portraits will take longer to create and are accordingly more expensive, but you will truly have an heirloom in the family!
Pastel portraits are painted on pastel paper or card. They need to be framed with a mount behind glass.
Oil portraits are usually painted on canvas or linen and might take a little longer but it is definitely worth the wait. The colours are deep and the light more lively. Oil paintings will usually be varnished with a satin gloss varnish. Do contact me for more info.
Procedure
If we work from your photos: After receiving your photos, and understanding your taste and wishes, I will generally create some painting 'set-ups' for you to choose from. I will then start painting from the set-up that you choose.
If possible we can arrange a photo shoot in the studio or in your home. After discussing options and wishes I will make a large number of photos from which we can later choose. Alternatively I can make some sketches or studies while the subject sits for me. Sitings can be as short as an hour or as long as various sessions of a few hours. With the help of photographs I will usually finish a portrait in the studio. A photo shoot or sittings are not included in the prices and a bespoke personal quote can be provided. Only when we are both happy with the setup or photo to work form will I start painting.
When the painting is finished I will send an image of it by email for you to see, or you can come and view in the studio. If you are not totally happy, I can still make some minor changes at that point in order to perfect the portrait. After you are happy with the finished portrait, payment will be required. If, for some reason, you are not satisfied with the finished painting and I cannot make amendments to fix the problems, you are under no obligation to buy. Thankfully all clients have been very pleased with their commissioned portrait so far! Once payment has been received I will send you the painting, safely wrapped. Postage is not included in the prices and will be discussed during the process. Framing can be arranged as well. Just ask for details in order to receive your art work ready to hang!
Timing
Many people ask me how long I need for a portrait. It varies enormously depending on how things go and the nature of the commission itself. But as a very rough guideline I will need a few weeks for a graphite portrait, a couple of months for a pastel and a few months for an oil. Do contact me if you have a deadline like a birthday or other special occassion as I can usually fit things in quite well. I've had happy clients for whom I drew a portrait within a week and happy clients who waited a few months to enjoy their art work. Just tell me your requirements and I'll do my best!
Payment
Cleared payment is required before or upon receipt of the final painting. You can pay with a personal cheque or, for international clients, by Paypal.
