To commission an artwork is to collaborate in the production of something timeless and unique. Whether it’s to celebrate the life of a beloved family member, honour the professional achievements of an esteemed colleague, or commemorate an important event or milestone in one’s life, there is no better choice than to invest in a painted portrait, hand-crafted by a skilled and sensitive artist.

Commissioning a portrait is easy. If you’d like to know more about the process and how it works, read on.

The Idea

Like any work of art, a commissioned portrait begins with an idea. When considering your commission, it's important to take several factors into account, beyond just the identity of the sitter(s):

• Is there a specific occasion or purpose for the painting (e.g., to commemorate a milestone)?

• Should the portrait feature a particular setting or location?

• Are there any physical items or personal symbols that should be included to reflect the sitter’s character or story?

• What size and format should the painting be (e.g., full-length vs. head and shoulders)?

• Do you have a specific deadline for completion?

During our initial consultation, we will explore these details thoroughly. My role at this stage is to assist you in crafting a brief that fully captures your vision and requirements for the piece.

The Commissioning Agreement

Once you've decided to proceed with the portrait and we've finalized a brief that meets your expectations, I will prepare a commissioning agreement. This document will outline all the details of the brief, including the price, completion schedule, and any specific terms such as the number of revisions you can request before the final delivery. Upon signing the agreement, a 50% non-refundable deposit will be required to begin the work.

The Work Begins

Once the commissioning agreement is signed and the deposit paid, we'll schedule our first meetings to begin the painting. If needed, I may travel to you, and the agreement will specify whether travel expenses are included (usually the case for larger pieces, depending on distance).

I believe it's important to spend time getting to know the sitter, understanding their unique traits, and discussing their expectations for the portrait. Our initial meetings will allow time for brainstorming ideas, creating preparatory studies, and planning any further sittings or photoshoots for reference material.

Painting the Portrait - Live Sittings vs Photography

I believe the best portrait results come from in-person sittings and direct observation. However, I understand that multiple sittings—usually lasting up to four hours—aren’t practical for everyone.

For that reason, I’m happy to use photographs as references for some or most of the work. However, I think at least one or two in-person sittings are important for capturing the portrait’s authenticity. These sittings help me start the final piece or create a color and value study to use alongside photos.

If you choose to use photos for your commission, I’ll complete most of the work in my studio. I’ll keep you updated regularly through emails, phone calls, or video chats.

How Long Will the Painting Take to Complete?

The timescale for completion of a portrait will vary significantly, depending on the size and complexity of the work. A small head and shoulders painting might only take a couple of weeks to paint, for example, whereas a large, full-figure portrait in a complex environment might take a year or more. If you need the painting to be completed by a specific date, I will work with you during our initial consultations to come up with a brief that is achievable within that time frame, and I can prioritise the work for an additional fee. The commissioning agreement will lay out an estimated schedule for completion of the painting.

Completion of the Work and Final Delivery

Once the painting is complete, I will send high-resolution photos of it for you to review. At this point, you may request revisions as outlined in the commissioning agreement, though additional changes may incur a fee.

After final approval, we will arrange delivery. If feasible, I will deliver the piece personally, but typically, a specialized Fine Art Courier will handle delivery at the client’s expense. Alternatively, you may collect the artwork from my studio if that’s practical.

The final balance is due upon receipt of the painting.

Framing

Framing is the final step in the presentation of your artwork. While framing is not included in the indicative price list below, I am happy to assist you in selecting the right frame for your painting. I personally handle much of my own framing and have a limited selection of moldings suitable for smaller works. For larger pieces or a wider range of options, I collaborate with several skilled framers and can help you find the perfect frame to showcase your painting at its best.

Indicative Price List

The prices listed below serve as a general guideline and are based on a single-sitter portrait with a simple background. Additional costs, such as travel expenses or framing, are not included in these estimates.

Small head - 10” x 8” / 25 x 20 cm - £950

Small head & Shoulders - 20” x 16” / 51 x 41 cm - £2250

Medium head and shoulders - 25” x 20” / 64 x 51 cm - £3250

Half length - 30” x 24” / 76 x 61 cm - £5500

Three quarter to full length - 50” x 40”/ 127 x 102 cm or larger - £10,000 -£25,000

Get in Touch

If you’d like to commission a portrait (or any other kind of painting), or have any further questions about the process, please don’t hesitate to contact me using the form below.