Commissions
& prices

Commissions

Fortunately, thanks to photography, nobody has to spend hours sitting for portraits anymore. If possible, I prefer to meet my subjects, make sketches, take photos, and get an idea of the subject's personality. And for you to tell me your ideas and preferences regarding the subject's "pose", whether you want a painting or a drawing, what size, where it might be displayed, and so on. In other words, what would your perfect portrait look like? But I can work from your existing photos if you prefer/if necessary, as long as they are of very good quality and clarity. And I can work from several. And of course, sometimes I can't meet my subjects because of distance, or if the portrait is going to be a surprise.

My style is not "photo-realistic" - I don't see the point in trying to exactly replicate a photo. Before I went back to university as a mature student to complete my Fine Art degree, I had spent my entire "artistic" life creating drawings. It was only at uni that I actually learned how to paint! So, I have had fairly classical Fine Art tuition, and studied the techniques and methods of the Old (and not so old), Masters, but of course my subjects are contemporary. You will see that my works do not include detailed backgrounds. I feel that they can take the focus away from the subject. But of course you are the client, sometimes context is important, and this can easily be discussed.

From when you make your first enquiry, you can ask me anything you want, or just have a chat whenever you want, until you are happy to proceed. Once we are satisfied that we are both clear about what kind of portrait I am going to create for you, I like to draw up a very simple contract which basically documents what we have agreed on, including a suggested completion date. This is for the benefit of us both, and it sets out my commitment to you. I also ask for a 25% deposit at this stage, which secures your booking. If I have more than one commission request at the same time, I operate on a "first come first served" basis. I can send photos of my progress - some people want me to, some don't. But doing this does give me the option to make adjustments if there is anything you're not happy with. The finished work will be handed or sent to you on payment of the outstanding balance.

For pastel drawings I use soft pastels on high quality paper. Sizes given under "Prices" are for the drawing - the price includes mounting and framing, therefore the total size will be larger, and the work will be ready to hang.

For paintings I normally use acrylics. I do use oils, which are beautiful, but take much longer due to drying time. I prefer to paint on wood, but will paint on canvas if required. All paintings on board will be "cradled" so that they are ready to hang, and will stand proud of the wall.

You may come across many portrait artists charging varying prices. I only use the best quality materials, I take my time, and have years of experience. Please be wary of cheap art as price will often reflect quality. 

I travel within 15 miles of my home in Heswall to meet my clients at no extra cost. For appointments further away, extra travelling costs are negotiated. If the completed work is to be sent as opposed to my delivering it personally, I ascertain the cost, (this of course varies according to the size and weight of the work, and therefore is often minimal), and this is additional once agreed. I have had one bad experience sending a glass-framed drawing, despite what I thought was fool-proof packaging, so for drawings which are to be sent I now use high quality perspex in frames as opposed to glass. If this is not desirable, we can discuss other options.