Commission an Artwork
Commission a portrait, pet portrait or another subject such as a special place or car. A wide range of media and sizes are available.
What you need to know about commissioning an Artwork
If you would like to commission an Artwork the information below will give you an idea of what is involved. If you have any further questions, please contact me.
Reference Photos
Good photographs are essential. In order to create the best likeness, I will need a selection of 2 - 5 clear photos. I usually work from one photo for the main pose, but I like to see a few more photos to give me a better idea of the subject’s features. When providing a range of photos it is helpful for you to point out which one shows the most likeness to the actual colours. I often recommend the subject having a 3/4 pose rather than completely face or side on.
If you decide to take photos specifically for the artwork, it is a good idea to take them outside or in a room with a lot of natural light. Avoid long shadows or shadows cast over the subject. Also, try to get down on the same level as the subject. This will mean they will be looking directly at the camera, as looking down on or up at the subject can make the subject look distorted. It's always good to see close up photos of the eyes or particular features which might get lost in a photo taken from a distance.
The photos can be digital or printed but need to be in focus, well-lit and high quality, (ideally 300dpi for digital photos). If you’re not sure if your photos are suitable, send them to me anyway and I will be able to tell you if I can use them for your portrait.
In some cases I can also visit to take my own reference photos. If you would like me to come and personally photograph the subject(s) AND live within a 10 mile radius of Basingstoke I am happy to visit for the cost of my travel and time.
Ordering
When you have chosen your photos, you can email them to me in a high resolution or alternatively you can post them to me (digital photos should be on a cd not printed as this can change the colours). If you decide to post photos, please make copies and send them via signed for or recorded delivery. All photos will be returned with the finished artwork.
The first step is to decide what type of media you want (graphite, pastel, watercolour, acrylic etc.), how large you want the artwork to be, if you want a plain or detailed background and if you would like the artwork framed or mounted. I can give you individual guidance through these questions to ensure that the artwork is just right for you.
I will email you a commission agreement stating the chosen media, size, framing or mounting details and final price. Once this is signed and returned with the initial deposit I can start on your artwork or secure your place in my schedule. I require a 40% non-refundable deposit to cover materials and to begin the portrait.
Each portrait takes many hours to complete and can take 4 - 8 weeks depending on the choice medium and my schedule. At busy times I may need to set up a waiting list for commissions.
If there is a special date you would like the portrait for (birthday, anniversary, etc.) please let me know and I will inform you if I will be able to complete the portrait in time.
I can keep you involved in the creative process throughout with regular updates or if you prefer to wait and see a photo of the finished portrait just let me know.
When I have completed your portrait, I will email you a photo for approval. If there are any areas needing to be tweaked they can be done at this stage. Once approved I will mount/frame the artwork and you will receive the invoice for the final payment.
You will then be able to collect the artwork or I will securely package and post your portrait as soon as I have received your payment including packaging and delivery costs.
Payment
You will receive an invoice for the deposit and another for the final payment. You will be able to pay via PayPal.
Delivery
Artworks are securely packaged flat with layers of bubble wrap and posted via special delivery or Currier, tracked and signed for. I make every effort to ensure your artwork arrives in perfect condition. Delivery costs are calculated separately for each artwork. You are also welcome to collect your artwork in person.
Title of Ownership, Copyright and Reproduction Rights
Title of ownership of the work shall pass from the artist to the client upon the client's full payment of the artist's fee. The artist retains copyright and reproduction rights over the work for commercial and promotional purposes. The client may not copy the artwork without written permission of the artist.
Publicity Material, Website, blog and Facebook/Instagram etc.
Most of the portraits will be added to my website, social media pages and blog, I do not name the sitter without permission and may give the portrait an alternative public title. I may also use images for other publicity purposes; on posters or as examples for future clients. If you do not wish me to use your portrait for any of the above, please let me know at the time of ordering. If it is a painting of your car I can hide or change the registration plate before putting online.
Frequently Asked Questions
I would like a portrait with more than one subject, but I don't have a photo of them together.
I can work from separate photos and put the subjects together in one portrait.
Will my portrait/pet portrait have a Background?
Portraits are given a plain colour/tone background to compliment the subject. There is an additional cost if you would like a detailed background.
Will I have a preview of my portrait before it's delivered?
I always send a preview of the finished portrait via email before final payment and delivery. You can also arrange a studio visit with me to preview in person.
I want copies of my portrait, what do I do?
All portraits I produce are my copyright and cannot be reproduced without my permission. If you require copies, you can order prints or cards by simply emailing me. You do not need to order them at the time of commissioning a portrait as I always keep a digital copy of each portrait.
What does it mean when you say ‘the artist retains Copyright and Reproduction Rights’?
Although you have purchased the painting and it is from your photograph, the portrait / pet portrait has been created by myself and only I am able to use it publically or make copies, (e.g. on my website, prints of originals, using them as an example of my work). I will respect anyone’s wishes if they do not wish their portrait / pet portrait to be shown on my website, just let me know.
Can you frame my portrait?
Yes, I can order a standard or bespoke frame in a variety of styles or use a frame you supply. I can also provide the artwork with just a mount so that you can frame it or take it to a frame shop yourself. Please let me know your framing requirements before I start the artwork. This is so that I can make the artwork to fit the size of a specific frame or if ordering a frame ensure that it arrives in time, this is particularly important for bespoke frames which take longer.
I hope this information has been helpful. I look forward to creating a special artwork for you.
Download Price Guide for Commissions/Information Document
If you would like to commission an Artwork the information below will give you an idea of what is involved. If you have any further questions, please contact me.
Reference Photos
Good photographs are essential. In order to create the best likeness, I will need a selection of 2 - 5 clear photos. I usually work from one photo for the main pose, but I like to see a few more photos to give me a better idea of the subject’s features. When providing a range of photos it is helpful for you to point out which one shows the most likeness to the actual colours. I often recommend the subject having a 3/4 pose rather than completely face or side on.
If you decide to take photos specifically for the artwork, it is a good idea to take them outside or in a room with a lot of natural light. Avoid long shadows or shadows cast over the subject. Also, try to get down on the same level as the subject. This will mean they will be looking directly at the camera, as looking down on or up at the subject can make the subject look distorted. It's always good to see close up photos of the eyes or particular features which might get lost in a photo taken from a distance.
The photos can be digital or printed but need to be in focus, well-lit and high quality, (ideally 300dpi for digital photos). If you’re not sure if your photos are suitable, send them to me anyway and I will be able to tell you if I can use them for your portrait.
In some cases I can also visit to take my own reference photos. If you would like me to come and personally photograph the subject(s) AND live within a 10 mile radius of Basingstoke I am happy to visit for the cost of my travel and time.
Ordering
When you have chosen your photos, you can email them to me in a high resolution or alternatively you can post them to me (digital photos should be on a cd not printed as this can change the colours). If you decide to post photos, please make copies and send them via signed for or recorded delivery. All photos will be returned with the finished artwork.
The first step is to decide what type of media you want (graphite, pastel, watercolour, acrylic etc.), how large you want the artwork to be, if you want a plain or detailed background and if you would like the artwork framed or mounted. I can give you individual guidance through these questions to ensure that the artwork is just right for you.
I will email you a commission agreement stating the chosen media, size, framing or mounting details and final price. Once this is signed and returned with the initial deposit I can start on your artwork or secure your place in my schedule. I require a 40% non-refundable deposit to cover materials and to begin the portrait.
Each portrait takes many hours to complete and can take 4 - 8 weeks depending on the choice medium and my schedule. At busy times I may need to set up a waiting list for commissions.
If there is a special date you would like the portrait for (birthday, anniversary, etc.) please let me know and I will inform you if I will be able to complete the portrait in time.
I can keep you involved in the creative process throughout with regular updates or if you prefer to wait and see a photo of the finished portrait just let me know.
When I have completed your portrait, I will email you a photo for approval. If there are any areas needing to be tweaked they can be done at this stage. Once approved I will mount/frame the artwork and you will receive the invoice for the final payment.
You will then be able to collect the artwork or I will securely package and post your portrait as soon as I have received your payment including packaging and delivery costs.
Payment
You will receive an invoice for the deposit and another for the final payment. You will be able to pay via PayPal.
Delivery
Artworks are securely packaged flat with layers of bubble wrap and posted via special delivery or Currier, tracked and signed for. I make every effort to ensure your artwork arrives in perfect condition. Delivery costs are calculated separately for each artwork. You are also welcome to collect your artwork in person.
Title of Ownership, Copyright and Reproduction Rights
Title of ownership of the work shall pass from the artist to the client upon the client's full payment of the artist's fee. The artist retains copyright and reproduction rights over the work for commercial and promotional purposes. The client may not copy the artwork without written permission of the artist.
Publicity Material, Website, blog and Facebook/Instagram etc.
Most of the portraits will be added to my website, social media pages and blog, I do not name the sitter without permission and may give the portrait an alternative public title. I may also use images for other publicity purposes; on posters or as examples for future clients. If you do not wish me to use your portrait for any of the above, please let me know at the time of ordering. If it is a painting of your car I can hide or change the registration plate before putting online.
Frequently Asked Questions
I would like a portrait with more than one subject, but I don't have a photo of them together.
I can work from separate photos and put the subjects together in one portrait.
Will my portrait/pet portrait have a Background?
Portraits are given a plain colour/tone background to compliment the subject. There is an additional cost if you would like a detailed background.
Will I have a preview of my portrait before it's delivered?
I always send a preview of the finished portrait via email before final payment and delivery. You can also arrange a studio visit with me to preview in person.
I want copies of my portrait, what do I do?
All portraits I produce are my copyright and cannot be reproduced without my permission. If you require copies, you can order prints or cards by simply emailing me. You do not need to order them at the time of commissioning a portrait as I always keep a digital copy of each portrait.
What does it mean when you say ‘the artist retains Copyright and Reproduction Rights’?
Although you have purchased the painting and it is from your photograph, the portrait / pet portrait has been created by myself and only I am able to use it publically or make copies, (e.g. on my website, prints of originals, using them as an example of my work). I will respect anyone’s wishes if they do not wish their portrait / pet portrait to be shown on my website, just let me know.
Can you frame my portrait?
Yes, I can order a standard or bespoke frame in a variety of styles or use a frame you supply. I can also provide the artwork with just a mount so that you can frame it or take it to a frame shop yourself. Please let me know your framing requirements before I start the artwork. This is so that I can make the artwork to fit the size of a specific frame or if ordering a frame ensure that it arrives in time, this is particularly important for bespoke frames which take longer.
I hope this information has been helpful. I look forward to creating a special artwork for you.
Download Price Guide for Commissions/Information Document
Brotherly Cwtch
Girls Day Out
All Smiles
Please mind the gap Holiday in Japan
Please Mind The Gap: Meet Me On The Millennium Bridge
Please Mind The Gap: The Track Engineer
Sisters
Baby in a Strawberry Top
Baby in a Stripy Top
Girl in a Summer Hat
Flag Sgt.
Helping to make a difference (Portrait of the Artist's Mother)
The Laughing Bandsman
Heart and Soul
Little One
Nonna
Rahal
Jaguar SS
Sunbeam Talbot
Merton Commission
Merton Commission (detail)
Merton Commission (detail)
Merton Commission (detail)
Teatime Reverie: An Eco Café (Front View)
Worting House
Snuggle Bunnies
Ralph
Puppy
Greater Kudu
Cape Water Buffalo
Chustnut Pony
Shadow
