The Process
I am trained to paint from life and love doing so. However, many people are unable to spare the necessary time, and prefer a single photographic sitting which lasts from a couple of hours to half a day. This is generally a very relaxed and organic process which is quite enjoyable. (Sittings for family or group portraits inevitably take longer – ideally over the course of weekend or during two separate visits.)
Sittings normally take place at my studio in Somerset where there is good natural light and I have all the equipment I need on hand. However, for larger portraits and family portraits, I like to travel to your home but I need to charge for my time and expenses.
If I am working from life, the number of sittings needed depends on the size and type of portrait, but ideally they should be on consecutive days.
As a rule, I am unable to accept portrait commissions using photographs taken by others. The only exceptions to this rule are when I have painted a posthumous portrait from a photograph taken by another professional (with the original photographer’s blessing).
You may find my list of FAQs helpful in answering any other questions you have on commissioning a portrait.
Prices
The price of a portrait is determined by its size, complexity and the medium. The prices below are only intended as a guide, so please contact me here to discuss a commission in more detail.
PASTELS
From £2,450 for a small head and shoulders (usually a child)
From £2,950 for a life-size head and shoulders
From £3,250 for a three-quarter length portrait of a child
From £4,250 for a three-quarter length portrait of an adult
OILS
From £4,000 for a small head and shoulders – approx size 10 x 8 inches (25 x 20cm)
From £5,000 for a normal (approx life-size) head and shoulders – approx size 18 x 14 inches (45 x 35cm)
From £6,000 for a three-quarter length portrait of a child – approx size 24 x 20 inches (60 x 50cm)
From £7,500 for a three-quarter length portrait of an adult – approx size 30 x 24 inches (76 x 60cm)
From £11,000 for a portrait of a couple
From £16,500 for a group portrait with four people (two parents and two children, for example)
NB: Travel expenses, framing and delivery/shipping are not included. A non-refundable deposit of 10% is required to secure the commission.
Timing
I usually have a waiting list of at least six months, but earlier bookings are occasionally possible.