Information
CONTACT
Please visit the Contact page if you would like to commission a piece or have questions not answered here.
ABOUT ME
How do we come up with ideas for my portrait?
Please see the ‘Creative Process’ page for full information on the creative side of my process.
At the start of the process, I meet with you to get a real-life view of your features and even more importantly, an insight into your unique character and life experience. We then come up with ideas for your portrait together.
I begin by finding out why you want the portrait, since this impacts the piece’s concept. For example, if you wish to commemorate a loved one, I will focus on illustrating their life and loves subtly within the piece, as with the portrait of Joshua featured here.
I then offer you a range of ideas, and listen to any of yours. We discuss which of these fit your needs, and how I can convey them within your portrait.
Can I commission a portrait as a gift?
Yes, certainly! I frequently take commissions intended as presents. Many of my clients have found that a portrait is a truly personal and unusual way to express how much their loved ones mean to them.
Do you work from photographs or from life?
After we decide your piece’s concept, we meet again to take photographs for it. I tend to complete the piece from photographs since my clients are often busy, although I am sometimes able to paint from life for more impressionistic pieces.
How long will my portrait take?
This varies based on a range of factors: how many other commissions I am currently working on, size and style (larger and more photo-realistic paintings take considerably longer).
My primary goal is to ensure that your portrait is of the highest quality – I therefore continue working on it until I think it’s just right, rather than rush it.
As a guideline, I tend to take 3-9 months, although if you need your portrait sooner for a special occasion, I am often able to accommodate this.
I also produce only 1-2 pieces a year, so although I will endeavour to accommodate any further requests, I would recommend getting in touch with me as early as possible.
Can I see paintings in person to have a closer look?