PORTRAIT COMMISSIONS
(Also check ‘The Gallery’ for my recent Portraits )
There are two ways that we can approach commission:
1. PAINTING FROM A PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE CLIENT.
One option is to work from photos provided by you. These need to be of good quality. That means that it should be a high resolution, crisp image with good lighting (not over- or under-exposed, or using flash). It would also be preferable if it has a high level of contrast. If you have a photo that you would like me to work from or you need to consult about, please include it in your initial email contact.
2. PAINTING FROM PHOTOSHOOT + REFERENCE SKETCHES
Another option is for me to travel to your location to take my own photos and draw reference sketches. (This is dependent on proximity to my location and a cost will be incurred for this) Meeting the sitter is helpful because I get to know them, we can discuss how they'd like to be painted and we can explore different ideas for the final painting. It is also the case that the best place to take reference photos is at one's home (or office/garden etc) where you will feel most relaxed and comfortable. I can also discuss inclusion of favourite items or items of interest. This could show in the photos and final image. Depending on the time, I may ask you to sit for a couple of quick sketches. It's a very good way for me to get to know you and you can get to know me better as well.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MOOD AND SIZE
The size and type of the painting should be decided depending on a several factors. I am always happy to advise on the size, style and mood of the portrait. If you are unsure what kind of a portrait would suit your home or office, please let me know in the email.
PAYMENT & PRICING
Pricing depends on the commissioned subject, complexity of the painting and size. For quotes please use the Commission contact below.
I ask for a 50% deposit before starting the work and after we've agreed on the details of the commission. The remaining 50% is to be collected once the painting is completed and accepted - prior to any varnishing, framing or shipping. Any extra fees (shipping, framing) will also be payable at this time.
TIMESCALE
Depending on the number of commissions I am working on and the size of the commissioned painting, it may take me from 1-6 months to deliver an unvarnished portrait (or 2-7 months with re-touching varnish applied) depending on the size and detail of the painting. If you would like me to varnish the painting with the final varnish, this will extend the time between completion and delivery as an oil painting needs to cure for 6-12 months before a varnish can be applied. If you decide that you would like to have the painting in an unvarnished state, you will still have the option of sending the painting to a restorers after 6-12 months or return it to my studio for varnishing.
FRAMING
I am happy to arrange to have a frame made for the painting. You may also decide to receive an unframed painting and have it framed at your local picture framers of your choice..
PRICES
Every client and every commission are very unique, that's why it's not easy to provide an exact price. Below are starting prices for my portraits depending on the size. These prices are only a guide. Additional subjects and complex backgrounds will increase the price e.g large objects such as musical instruments will incur an extra cost:
(If you would like a size that you cannot see listed here, please contact us and we will see if we can make it for you as the canvases are hand made with linen to create the best quality painting for you) :
I AM CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF REVISING MY PRICE LIST FOR 2023. IF YOU WOULD LIKE A QUOTE FOR A COMMISSION PLEASE GET IN TOUCH.
Prices don’t include shipping which has a variable cost for the UK destinations depending on the size of the artwork. For shipping to other countries, please enquire separately.
A 50% up front payment is required to secure the commission with the rest payable when the portrait is ready, prior to shipping.
Additional costs include travel expenses (travelling to take photos and reference sketches, delivering the painting) and framing.
LOCATION
My studio is based in North East Hampshire with easy access to Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire.