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:
| 25 x 30 cm |
30 x 40cm
(approx A3) |
40 x 60cm
(approx A2) |
| from £75 |
from £95 |
from £175 |
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.
Click here for terms and
conditions