I offer both oil paintings and pencil drawn portraits. As part of the commission process I like to arrange an initial call or meeting so I can hear a bit about the person I am painting. This meeting will be to hear about what you are after and discuss things like time frame, painting/drawing size, dates for taking photos and cost. This meeting can take place in person (my preference), on the phone or on video call.

I paint predominantly from photos and so a time will be arranged for me to come and take photos of the portrait sitter or in some cases I can work from a provided photo.

Once I have all the photos and specifications I need, I will then get to work creating your portrait. This process will involve charcoal sketches, compositional drawings and of course the final painting. I work using traditional techniques. Once the portrait is complete you may want to receive a photo and any adjustments can be made.

Whilst drawings are much quicker, oil paint takes a few weeks to be dry to touch, but many months to be fully cured at which point it can be varnished. Depending on your time requirements I can give work unvarnished and varnish at a later date.

I am a firm believer in the ability of paint/pencil to capture someone’s likeness (their looks and personality) beyond that of a photo. And so whilst I do achieve good physical likeness in my portraits, it will never be perfect. I think this is the beauty of having a painted portrait done, but please see my previous commissions to see if my style is what you are looking for.