Commissioning a Portrait
Commissioning a portrait is an exciting process and one that I always look forward to when someone reaches out to me. It can be daunting if you’ve never done it before but we will work through it together making sure you are comfortable every step of the way. If you have any further questions after reading the below please don’t hesitate to contact me.
The Process
I have found that most people are understandably unable to spare the necessary time for multiple sittings in order to be painted from life, and prefer a single photographic sitting instead. This is generally a very relaxed and organic process which is quite enjoyable (photographic sittings for family or group portraits inevitably take longer).
Photographic sittings take place at a mutually agreeable place, normally the sitters home where they feel most relaxed. However I need to charge for my time, including travel and expenses.
I can be open to accepting portrait commissions using photographs taken by others if I feel that the photograph is good enough for me to be able to create an interesting and quality portrait. Painting from a photograph provided by the client is obviously necessary for posthumous portraits.
During the painting process I will provide you with updates, then nearing completion I will invite you to view the portrait to make sure you are completely happy with the outcome.
A Guide to Price
The prices below are only intended as a guide, so please contact me to discuss in more detail. The price of a portrait is determined by not only its size but also its complexity. The below are based on a simple background with one sitter. Setting the scene with more detail and including more than one person will incur an additional cost. All paintings are completed in oil paint.
Approx. size 15 × 20 cm (6 × 8”) from £205 (small head)
Approx. size 20 × 25 cm (8 × 10”) from £295 (small head and shoulders)
Approx. size 30 × 40 cm (12 × 16”) from £425 (head and shoulders roughly life size)
Approx. size 40 × 50 cm (16 × 20”) from £650 (child portrait with most or all of a figure)
Approx. size 50 × 60 cm (20 × 24”) from £850 (adult or child portrait with most or all of a figure)
Approx. size 60 × 75 cm (24 × 30”) from £1,100 (adult or child portrait with most or all of a figure)
Larger pieces will be priced following a discussion with you.
NB: Travel expenses, framing and delivery/shipping are not included. A non-refundable deposit of 40% is required to secure the commission.
