Commission a Portrait Painting

Portrait painting is considered one of the most demanding disciplines in art - a practice that combines years of devotion, deep observation, and the ability to capture not just a likeness, but a presence. It is rare, and it is not something I take on lightly.

If you've found your way here and love the way I work with light and human expression, I'd love to hear from you.

As with all my commissions - this will be painted in my hand, in my style. Not a photographic rendition. If you're looking for strict photorealism, this may not be the right fit. But if you want something that captures the essence of a person in a painterly manner - the light in their eyes, the quiet of a moment - let's talk.

Only a very small number of portrait commissions are taken each year.

How it works

My first step is to meet with you to discuss your vision for your portrait commission. If in person meeting at my studio is not possible we can have a call via teams / zoom etc.

We’ll discuss the subject to be painted, the scale of the piece, and any stylistic preferences you have, including the pose, setting, apparel, and best approaches to capturing your or their essence. 

For commissions that require travel, the client will cover the transportation, food and lodging expenses for the duration of the trip.

Occasionally, it isn’t possible to work from life or conduct my own photoshoot for your portrait. In that case I’ll work with you to select a photo reference that is best suited to translate into a painting.

The quality of your reference photographs matters enormously - clear, well-lit, large enough for me to see detail. The more you share, the better I can understand the subject and the feeling you're after.

Unfortunately, I’m unable to create portraits based on combining photos of different people, or posing people differently than they appear in photos. This create distortions that make believable oil painting impossible.

Timeline:

Once a deposit is received, your place is secured. 

I typically require no more than five weeks to complete your painting.

When the painting is completed, the you will be invited to my studio to view the finished piece or we can arrange a video call. This will be the first opportunity for the you to look at the piece up close and make any final adjustments.

When the painting is complete, you'll receive a photograph for approval. Once you're happy I then varnish it and get it ready for framing. I’m happy to consult on framing options or provide the frame myself for a small additional fee. 

Insured shipping is available at cost, with every possible measure taken to ensure the safe delivery.

Payment: 50% deposit to secure your place, remainder due on completion before delivery.

Pricing

• 25 x 30 cm (approx 10 x 12 in) - £850
• 30 x 40 cm (approx 12 x 16 in) - £1050
• 40 x 50 cm (approx 16 x 20 in) - £1350

To determine a price for a larger piece, or one that includes additional portraits, please contact me.

Ready to start a conversation?

Use the contact form below to tell me a little about who you'd like painted and what you have in mind. There's no obligation - just a conversation to see if it's the right fit.

Only a very small number of portrait commissions are taken each year.