Added Jan 8, 2009
Statement
"In portraits I use well observed natural poses along with sophisticated colour and lighting, trying to capture and reflect the nature of the sitters. Each person is unique, so are my portraits".
Commissioning a Portrait Painting
In the past members of the aristocracy used to commission their portrait painting to immortalize special events or to symbolize their status and prestige. Now YOU can commission a portrait of yourself, a member of your family, a friend, or on behalf of an organization. Photographs fade, digital images can be lost, but a portrait lasts forever and…now in the age of Internet such an old art as “Portrait” can be ordered on-line. Make it a unique way to have that fabulous present created for you or your loved one.
Procedure
I aim to make commissioning a portrait a relaxing and enjoyable experience, as the majority of my work is done from photographs. So the sitters do not need to pose for the sessions, which is very convenient, especially for young children. If you would like to commission a portrait using a photograph that you already have, all you need to do is simply send it to me. Alternatively, we make arrangements to discuss about the portrait details. During the initial stages of a portrait commission I generally spend some time with the sitters just getting to know them. Also this offers an insight in to the subjects’ manner, body language and personality. This is when we decide on composition, including pose, lighting, outfit and background, trying different ideas while I take photographs and the composition evolves. For the sitters these are enjoyable and relaxed sessions, while they give me the opportunity to understand the movements and expressions that enrich the painting. Before work on the painting is started, I study the subjects from the photographs I have taken, observing the effect of light and searching for a variety of potential compositions. After selecting a few suitable compositions I supply the client with the photographs that will give a flavour of the finished painting. Once a final composition has been decided, working from photographs the final work is developed, which is then carried out in oils on canvas. Time for completion is generally 3 to 8 weeks. A 25% deposit is required initially, with the remainder payable upon completion of the work. Price depends on painting size and number of sitters. The price of a portrait painting oil on canvas, one sitter, size 50 x 40cm is £400-500. The prices exclude any travel, accommodation expenses and delivery charges. Framing can be arranged, if required, at an additional cost.
As most paintings must take their own time to develop I cannot guarantee meeting strict deadlines, although I try to keep as closely as possible to the client's requirements as discussed at the outset.
Note on samples: Please note that in the samples I have tried to demonstrate the level of detail that customers should expect from the portraits, although it is very difficult to capture the true colours, detail and subtle shades of the original portrait in a digital image on the computer screen.