A Sleeping Baby

1. How do I go about commissioning a portrait?
Please get in touch with me by email or by phone (see the contacts page).  We can then discuss what you want, agree a price and make an appointment for a sitting.

2. What happens at a sitting?
A sitting will take around an hour.  During that time I will make one or more preliminary sketches and also take several digital photos to use as reference later.  The painting will be completed from these studies at my studio which keeps the inconvenience to the sitter to a minimum, especially important in the case of children.

3. Do I have to come to you or will you visit me?
This depends on your circumstances and which seems to make most sense.  I am happy to travel within a 50 mile radius of York and will consider requests from further afield.

4. Can't I just send you some photos?
With the exception of sleeping infants (see above) it is best to avoid this if possible as paintings copied from photos can (though this is not inevitable) look lifeless, flat and false.  The point of a portrait is to capture more of the subject than just the shape of their features so it is preferable for artist and sitter to spend some time together.  In some cases, of course, such as a surprise gift for the subject or a posthumous portrait, a sitting just isn't feasible; give me a call to discuss your own situation and we'll see if we can find a solution together.

5. What if I don't like it?
Portraits are intensely personal and, very rarely, may not reflect the subject's own self image.  In the unlikely event that you did not like the finished painting there would be no obligation to pay the final balance and take delivery (see terms and conditions for more information - link at the end of the page).  Please click here to read a sample of comments from delighted clients.

6. Will the painting be framed?
Expert framing can be arranged if required or the painting can be supplied unmounted for you to make your own arrangements.  If you opt for framing you will be asked to approve an image of the painting by post or email (or you can view it in person if you wish to visit) and make your final payment before the framer is instructed.

7.How much does it cost to commission a portrait?
The price of a commissioned painting will depend on the size, medium and the number of sitters.  A price will be agreed with you before the sitting which will then only change if you change your specifications. 

Guide prices for single subject, head and shoulders - unframed watercolour:
 

For more than one subject, add approximately half the above prices for each additional sitter.  Please note that the smallest size is not suitable for more than one subject in the same painting.

Additional costs as applicable: artist's travel and accommodation for initial sitting, framing, delivery.