FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Below you’ll find answers to the commonly asked questions. If your question isn’t covered please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’ll be happy to have a chat!
As a general rule: the bigger the piece, the longer it will take. Depending on size and complexity, the lead time for finalizing a commission is 3 to 12 weeks (plus shipping time), unless otherwise indicated. As an example: an A4 sized black & white drawing will take approximately 3 weeks. I will make sure to always give you an estimate beforehand.
The lead-time is subject to change depending on the time of year and on my commitments.
This will be reflected on my website via the contact page. Christmas is always the busiest period, so don’t leave a commission until December – ideally, contact me by October.
Remember, this is a highly detailed drawing done in a realistic style. It takes time and is well worth the wait as you will be receiving a unique, skillfully made piece of art to last a lifetime and beyond.
Absolutely, send me as many photo options as you'd like, and we can talk about them. It often takes quite a while to sort out which photo I will work from, so please don’t worry about this – it’s all part of the job and I’m happy to advise. Selecting the right photo is really important to the final outcome, so it’s always worthwhile taking the time to get it right.
It’s not always possible to work from a printed photograph, especially an old one. If your original is at least 10x15 cm and fairly close up, then I may be able to do so. You could either have a copy made and post it to me in a card-backed envelope, or send me a digital scan (the higher the resolution the better).
Yes, this is possible, but I don’t advise this, because the tones and lighting in each photo is likely to be very different (unless the photos were taken at the same time and in the same place) and so they are likely to look unnatural when placed together on a page. If you aren’t able to take a photo of the subjects together then I’d suggest getting separate smaller portraits instead.
Absolutely! I always provide this opportunity. When I start to work on your commission, I try to send you as many updates throughout the process as necessary.
When the commission is nearly finished, I’ll send you a final photo of it by text or email. You may give me suggestions for any amendments that you’d like. It’s valuable to have input from the person who knows the subject best – I don’t consider it to be finished until you are completely happy with it.
The prices are based on a few different factors:
- Portrait style chosen: painting or drawing - Number of people and/or pets - Close-up, mid-body, or full-body pose - Complexity of the project Besides the above, the hourly labour fee has also been calculated into the price, as well as a cost for the paper/canvas, some materials, and, when applicable, shipping and handling fees. This can vary depending on the chosen size and where the painting needs to be shipped.