THIS PAGE WILL GIVE YOU ALL THE INFORMATION YOU WILL NEED TO KNOW WHEN COMMISSIONING A PAINTING.

​Choosing your image
If you are local to me, I can visit for a photo shoot of your pet.
I am happy to work from photographs taken by you however the quality of the photograph I use has a big effect on the quality of the final portrait I can produce. You may have a photograph already in mind  but are unsure of quality in which case you are welcome to email them to me and I can advise you on suitability. 
Below is a list of suggestions for the type of image I will need.

• Photographs taken on a digital camera or good phone camera from a few different angles and some close-up.
• If your photos are larger, sharper and clear, your painting will be better.​
•  You do not need to be a professional photographer, however, the photo I will be working from is a substitute for the sitter themselves which is why it’s so important I have good close-up detail in order for me to get an accurate likeness.
• Taking photos in daylight is ideal, but avoid extremely bright sunlight which will produce strong shadows and bleached highlights.
• You may wish to remove your pets collar if you’d prefer it not to be included.
•  Unless you are having a full body portrait then don’t be afraid to really zoom in.  The closer up on the face, the better as I will be able to see whiskers, coat direction, shiny noses and eyes. 
•  It can be difficult to get animals to pose for a photo. If you are not able to persuade them to stay still, try taking shots of them when they are relaxed and not expecting it.

The process
​When you have your images, you can send them by email and we will have a discussion on ways we can portray your pet to the best advantage looking at aspects such as character, colour, background, mood, lighting, composition and content. Ideas develop with consideration and sometimes, we may have several conversations as thoughts develop. It can take a number of discussions or emails to sort the finer details!  
I will then give you a date I can start which will depend on the waiting list and once your painting has begun, I will send images through the process to keep you informed of progress. You will be able to see how your  painting develops.

Size
You will find a list of prices with regard to certain sizes on the prices page of this site. If you wish to have a size that is not shown, i can give you a quote
deposit
When we have established a final price i will ask you for a 20% deposit which will secure your commission and place you on the waiting list. You will be given an estimate of when you can expect your painting to be completed. Due to the fact that the paintings are oil, there will be an element of drying time which has to be incorporated into the planning. 

Materials
I use artist quality oils and pre stretched primed canvas. Primed canvas board cab be used if requested.

Completion of painting
Once your painting is completed, you will be sent a final image for approval. I will then ask you to pay the final instalment and postage cost after which the painting will be delivered. I can deliver personally if local.

Framing
Canvases are usually sent unframed due to the cost of postage which can be prohibitive with the weight of a frame. I can give advice on the type of frame that would suit your painting.