Commissioning a Portrait

Ideally I would like to have several months’ notice for a portrait, but I will always try and accommodate a short notice commission for a special occasion if I possibly can. I think my record is 10 days! If you want to be really organised I can book in a ‘slot’ for you many months in advance.

The purist will paint a portrait from life. I take my hat off to them. Getting my subjects to sit still long enough to get some good photos is often a challenge enough.

Photos (apart from retaining sanity all round) enable me to paint a particular expression or pose. I endeavour to portray not only a striking likeness of your beloved animal but also its character. Ideally I like to meet my subjects but this is not always possible. If, for example, your dog is past its aesthetical best I can always combine an old photo and remove grey, scars, rheumy eyes etc. If only life were always so simple!

The ideal photo captures a wonderful expression (how you see your animal) and lots of detail, especially the light in their eye, markings, coat, colour etc. If you already have some suitable photos life is easy; otherwise, if geographically feasible, I can take them. If not, I can help you take the right photos. With patience and perseverance it’s possible with a good phone camera.