When I paint your portrait we are collaborating on an exciting and unique project. I aim to celebrate this time in your life, using the highest -quality professional oil colours on fine linen canvas to create a work of art that will be treasured in your family for generations.

What's involved?

Firstly, after an initial phone conversation or email, I’ll advise you of the fee in writing.  Prices start from £1000 for a single head and shoulders.  If your family commissions more than one portrait, I may be able to make a reduction in price. A non-returnable deposit of £100 is payable before we begin, and the remainder is paid once the painting is finished.

Next, I’ll make a visit to meet you and discuss what you have in mind. We’ll think about what colour scheme to use, bearing in mind where the painting is eventually to be hung.  We will find a comfortable place for you to sit, with a good, clear, flattering light. I’ll take photographs to help me work out a good composition, and I’ll probably make a few quick sketches too.  

After that, I’ll come back another day for the first sitting. Each sitting will take around 90 minutes, and you may like to watch a DVD, or listen to music or to a spoken-word CD.  Comedy is best, to keep your expression from falling too much!  You are free to take a comfort break as often as you like.

Between two and five sittings are usually required, and I’ll be doing additional work on the portrait in my studio, between sittings. You’ll be free to see the work in progress before it’s finished, and to make any comments as we go along.

When the painting is finished, you’ll pay the remainder of the fee (the painting will be unframed; if you would like me to organise the framing, this will cost extra).  In the unlikely event that you are unhappy with the work, I will retain it and you will not have to make any payment other than the initial £100 deposit.