Portrait Paintings

Once you decide who you want painted, please contact me using the contact form to discuss your ideas and plan your portrait requirements. You can tell me what you are looking for and share some photos with me (if you have them). I will get back to you with an idea of what’s possible and a cost. Not sure what you’re looking for? Let's chat about what's possible and take it from there. There is no commitment or cost at this stage and there won't be a charge if you decide not to proceed.

I can paint commissions from photos. For best results I need one good quality reference photo that is clear and in focus. Photos taken in natural daylight are usually flattering. If you don’t have one perfect photo that’s fine. You can send me several photos and I can help you edit them down to make your final choice. Sections from different photos can be amalgamated. Colour, background (if any) and clothing can be changed. Additional supporting information that helps me get to know about the person I'm painting is welcome (photos, video, the opportunity to speak with the person or someone who knows them).

I am not a professional photographer, but as an artist, I do like to take reference photos or the people I paint, it helps me steer the creative process. Because its collaborative, a photoshoot also helps me provide you with a commission that's exactly what you want. I can travel locally to take photos, or I can hop on zoom to help you design & conduct your own photoshoot remotely with someone else taking photos for you (a friend or a photographer). Both are fun and creative way to get great reference photos. Photoshoot costs (and travel if applicable) are additional to the commission price.

Once we are both happy with the plan for your portrait a 50% deposit is required to confirm your order. There is no obligation or cost up to this stage, if you decide not to take things further there won’t be a fee.

I will send progress updates and welcome your feedback during the completion of your commission. Usually this means 2-4 updates depending on the complexity and level of finish required in the artwork being created. I want you to feel comfortable asking questions and expressing opinions about the art as it progresses because its important to me that you’re pleased with the result. Being involved in the creative process can be fun and exciting but if you prefer not to, that’s OK too. Once the artwork is complete, I will send a photo of it for you to check.

Want to share they enjoyment of your finished painting with friends and family? I can arrange fine art quality (giclee) prints for you. These prints look almost identical to the original and are resistant to weathering and fading. With the right care*, they can look fabulous for a very long time. The process of creating prints involves me* working with my local (award-winning) print company on scanning, proofing, and colour correction. This is best done before your painting is delivered. Thereafter, you can order prints whenever you are ready. These can be the same size as the original, or smaller. Prints are on archival paper (308gm) and comes with a certificate of authenticity. *Scanning and printing must be arranged through me as the creator and copyright holder for the commissioned artwork unless express permission / licence is given otherwise *A general recommendation for protecting and preserving prints is to frame them behind glass and display them away from direct sunlight and moisture. All prints are supplied unmounted and unframed. Mounts and frames are represented on this website for visual purposes only.

Collection in person from CT14 (UK) is welcome by appointment. Otherwise, I arrange delivery of artwork for you. UK delivery is free. I package most artworks myself using recycled materials (cardboard, bubble-wrap) where possible, and arrange tracked delivery on your behalf. Occasionally, larger & heavier artworks may require further protection in which case I may use of a professional art packing and logistics company to deliver. Commission paintings are shipped after the paint has become touch-dry and one layer of a protective varnish has been applied (allow 10-14 days) and the after the full balance has been paid. *Please enquire for international delivery.

Artworks are unframed. However, framing can make a big difference to the appearance of the work, so I am happy to advise on this, or arrange it.

Prices depend on size, complexity and level of finish required from the commission. UK delivery is free. Standard size: 16 inch x 20 inch (40.5cm x 51cm) and composition (to include face and partial body e.g. 1/2 body with hand) in my signature style starts at £600. Anymore (more hands, feet, environment, non-standard size, more detailed level of finish) will take longer to create and will cost a bit more. Travel, photoshoot (in person or via zoom), sharing your artwork as prints and/or framing (if required) are not included, but please let me know if any of these are of interest and I will get back to you with an idea of what is possible.

Before you commission art, I take you through a process to ensure that it will be everything you want from a portrait painting. There is also the opportunity to feedback during the creation process. Making sure you are comfortable before we start and during, is important because once the commissioned painting is purchased, it cannot be returned.