Commissioning a custom artwork can feel a bit daunting and I want the entire experience to be exciting and positive for my clients from the initial contact to the receipt of your beautiful and unique artwork.
It is really simple and to help demystify the process this page contains a guide on how to commission a portrait and what happens at each stage so you feel comfortable to proceed.
Scroll down to see examples of recent portraits and their progression from initial photo to finished artwork.
What Type of Portrait?
In the first instance decide on your requirements; size and type of portrait. You may choose head and shoulders for one or more subjects or a full body pose, and whether you require a plain, mottled or detailed background. Some entail an additional cost. The options available are detailed on the prices page.
If you are unsure please contact me either by phone or email to discuss these and I’ll be happy to advise you.
Contact Me
Once you have decided on the type and size of your desired portrait please contact me via phone call, email or the contact form to reserve your spot on the waiting list. I will let you know expected waiting times and confirm the cost. If satisfactory and you wish to proceed after reading my terms and conditions a 25% deposit of the portrait cost is required to confirm your place.
Deposit
Deposits are 25% of the final portrait cost (not including delivery). This is required at the time of reserving your place on the waiting list. This can be paid by cheque (UK only), bank transfer or Pay Pal.
I will send you a detailed invoice showing total cost and a breakdown of deposit, final payment and delivery costs., payment options and terms and conditions.
Photo References
A good clear detailed photograph is essential in the pose you wish to have your portrait. The image will be directly taken from the main photograph, however, further photos are welcome to give me an idea of the personality of your pet and their fur colours in different lights but your portrait will essentially follow your main image. I need to be able to enlarge the photo reference to see details such as hair direction, pupils and so on.
I will need a digital photograph of sufficient clarity in order to paint your portrait. Most of us have a favourite photograph of our beloved companions but whilst it may show them doing something quirky or represent their very unique personality the photograph isn’t always detailed enough to use for the portrait. Send it to me and I can let you know whether it is sufficient or if I need a more detailed one.
Take a photo in good natural light, usually from the pet’s eye level and try to capture an expression that represents your favourite. I personally have taken countless of my dogs and will get only one quality one in the series of 20+!
A modern smart phone is perfectly capable of the quality needed so no special equipment is necessary.
If you require one or more pets in the portrait a separate photo of each is recommended to achieve the quality required. I can mock up approximate positions on the paper to your satisfaction before starting your portrait.
Please choose carefully. You are paying for a faithful pastel representation of this exact image and it’s worth taking the time to make sure it’s the one you want. I am happy to discuss the photos with you until we are in agreement that it’s one that is optimal for us both and you are perfectly content to proceed.
In Memorium
Sometimes we have a beloved pet that is no longer with us and getting further photographs is not possible.
If you only have a printed one and it is of sufficient quality it is possible. In that instance contact me, send your printed photograph by post and I can let you know. If not, and you are unable to provide any other reference any deposit (if paid before that stage) will be refunded and our contract becomes void.
Choosing Options
All portraits are painted on artists quality professional pastel specific paper. You can choose to have a plain background and specify a particular colour to compliment the image. Available colours are as shown.
If no preference is stated I will choose the colour I feel works best with the image provided. The background can be adjusted with a coloured ‘smudgy’ pastel layer at any time if required.
You then choose the paper orientation; portrait or landscape. I can advise on which is more suitable depending on the original image and what aspects we are representing.
For example; if the original image shows your pet’s face wider in profile, then landscape would be the better option to avoid too much ‘dead’ space.
Starting Work
I will send you an email to let you know when I start your portrait, confirming image choice, the paper colour and orientation. Any changes to these need to be communicated at this point. I will then give you an approximate timescale of completion. From this stage of the process the 25% deposit is non-refundable.
The time taken on your artwork depends on size and level of detail required. As a general guide it is approximately two weeks for a medium sized portrait of a head and shoulder pose of one subject with a plain background.
Add another week for a second subject and/or a detailed background.
Your Approval
On completion I will send you a watermarked digital photograph of your commissioned artwork to ensure you are happy. Any minor alterations within reason can be made at this time. Please bear in mind only slight tweaking is possible i.e. mild colour changes, shadows added etc. I will require your approval in writing by post or email.
Final Payment
The remaining 75% of the portrait payment is now due with the additional delivery costs. When payment has cleared the artwork will be mounted with a removable ivory mount, securely packaged and sent via a tracked and insured courier.
packaging and Delivery
Portraits are supplied with a double ivory and complementary coloured mount, this helps protect your artwork in transit and can be used in a frame (not included). A glassine sheet covers the front, this protects the pastel from smudging.
The artwork is presented in clear wrap with ribbon then wrapped in bubble wrap and shipped in a sturdy carboard box to prevent damage.
Approximate delivery costs within the UK for standard sizes are detailed on the prices page. However, the cost can vary depending on if you request a specific courier. Please contact me for tailored delivery costs for any overseas commissions or non standard sized pieces before placing a deposit.
Bonnie
Angus
Myrtle
Yoda
David & Corrie
