COMMISSIONS
Portrait Commissions
It is always a privilege to be asked to paint someone's portrait. A commission with me is a collaboration: we talk about the person, their character and the things that matter to them, and build a painting around that together.
I paint in oil on aluminium panel, crafting each piece using a layered classical technique. I also make portraits on paper in liquid graphite and charcoal. My commissions range from small, intimate heads to larger compositions of one or more sitters, and include portraits for private families and for the permanent collections of the National Portrait Gallery and Brighton and Hove Museums.
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, commissioned for the National Portrait Gallery, 2015
“They exceed my imagination!”
Bowen, New York
“The care and devotion as well as precise execution of technique for these portraits are a gift I am truly privileged to have received.”
Bowen, New York
“It’s wonderful. Thank you so much for your amazing work!”
Dan
“Unbelievable. Looks truly awesome in its most awesomeness!”
S and L
“The painting looks absolutely fab. I can’t believe how life like it looks!”
Caroline
“OMG she is more beautiful in person. I love the painting. Amazing job. Just stunning. Thank you ! !”
Grensy
“We do love the painting you did of Eleanor and everyone who sees it says it is so amazing’”
Spencer
The process
How a commission works
From first conversation to finished painting usually takes around three to four months, allowing for the development, approval stages and depending on the complexity of the piece and my exhibition commitments.
A first conversation
We talk by phone, Zoom or email about who the portrait is of, the size and feel you have in mind, where it might hang, any dates to work towards, and your budget. A photo or two of the sitter is always welcome; it sets my imagination working.
Meeting and sitting
We then arrange a first meeting of around three to four hours. You’re welcome to visit my studio, though I often prefer to come to your home or another setting you choose. It helps me understand how to approach the piece, and lets us consider locations, clothing and personal objects together.
I may make drawings and take reference photographs, bringing my own lighting and props, but this time is mainly about getting to know the sitter, their preferences and any concerns they may have. Further sittings follow as needed, usually just one more. I work mainly from photographs, so nobody is asked to sit still for hours.
The composition
Back in the studio I develop the idea and send you a shortlist of compositions to choose from. We then fix the final size, fee and timescale, and I send a simple commission agreement.
The painting
I paint in layers, from an initial drawing through to the final glazes. You see the work in progress at the midway stage, and again before it is finished.
Delivery
The finished painting is framed and delivered. Standard framing and UK delivery are included.
For sitters outside the UK, or where a sitting isn’t practical, we can work from suitable existing photographs, or I can guide you or a local photographer in taking reference images specifically for the painting.
For portraits of children, I love hearing about their personalities, favourite books, toys or clothes. It is especially lovely when they contribute ideas themselves; one child’s dreams about their bedroom wallpaper once inspired a whole composition.
A more personal work
A commission doesn’t have to be a portrait. You may prefer a painting in the spirit of my exhibition work that carries something personal to you: a narrative, a particular model, a favourite interior. I’m always happy to discuss how we can bring our ideas together into a true collaboration, and it can be a very enjoyable and creative way to work.
Investment
Sizes and fees
These are starting points rather than fixed packages. How much of the sitter we see, the format and the final size are things we decide together as the idea develops.
| Portrait | Typical size | Guide fee |
|---|---|---|
| Drawings in liquid graphite and charcoal | ||
| Head or head and shoulders | Size to discuss | from £2,000 |
| Oil on aluminium panel | ||
| Head | Around 8 x 8 in | from £3,200 |
| Head and shoulders | 12 × 12 to 12 × 16 in | from £4,000 |
| Head and bust | 16 × 20 in, or a 22 in tondo | from £6,500 |
| Half to three-quarter length | 20 × 24 in and larger | from £8,500 |
| Three-quarter to full length | Larger formats | On request |
| Two or more sitters | A group, diptych or triptych | On request |
Diptychs and triptychs
For families and groups, a set of panels can be a lovely alternative to a single group portrait. Each sitter has their own space, with the composition flowing between the panels so they work together as a whole.
Fees include developing the reference material and composition, standard framing and UK delivery. They are shaped by size and by complexity, such as background elements or the number of sitters. Particular framing requirements can be accommodated, and these, along with travel expenses and international shipping, are quoted separately.
Payment is spread in stages across the project, beginning with a deposit when the agreement is signed. I’m always happy to talk through what is possible within your budget.
Questions
Frequently asked
Can a portrait be a gift?
Yes. I can work discreetly from photographs, or we can plan a sitting as part of the surprise.
Do I need to sit for hours?
No. I work mainly from photographs taken during one or two sittings of a few hours each.
Can you paint someone overseas, or someone who has passed away?
Yes, working from existing photographs or new images taken with my guidance.
What sizes and formats do you work in?
Usually around two-thirds to three-quarters life size, in square, round (tondo) and traditional portrait formats. Knowing where the painting will hang is a helpful guide.
Can I include objects, clothing or a setting?
Very much so. Props, lighting and personal items are an important part of my work, and I’ll discuss these with you early on.
What if I’d like changes?
You approve the composition and see the painting at key stages, so the finished work should hold no surprises. Reasonable adjustments at the end are part of the process.
Can you work to a particular date?
It is sometimes possible, depending on the piece and my existing commitments. If you have a date in mind, please get in touch as far in advance as you can.
Who owns the copyright?
You own the painting; I retain the copyright and may show images of it, unless we agree otherwise.
Begin a conversation
Thinking about a portrait?
I’d love to hear what you have in mind. Tell me a little about the sitter, the size or feel you’re imagining, and any dates to work towards, and I’ll be in touch to arrange a call.
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