FAQ

Below are the questions I am most frequently asked about my work:
How long does it take to produce a painting or drawing?
Under normal circumstances I would expect to complete an oil painting within four weeks of receiving your photographs. A drawing would take less time, about two weeks. However, this depends on the subject matter; the size; the number of subjects; the complexity of the picture. When you commission your art work you will be given a completion date, and regularly kept informed on its progress. As you will appreciate things tend to get busy around the Christmas period, so you need to contact me earlier in the year (about September) to avoid disappointment.

How much does it cost to commission an original piece of art work?
It's not as expensive as you might think to commission an original painting or drawing. The price will vary according to a number of factors: the subject matter; the size; the number of subjects; the type of background; the complexity of the picture.
I am more than happy to discuss your individual requirements and provide you with an accurate quote.
As a rough guide:

Oil Paintings start at £150

Coloured Pencil Crayon Drawings start at £90

What are the differences between an oil painting and a coloured pencil crayon drawing?

English Pointer
Pencil drawings (click on picture to see detail):
  • Have more fine detail
  • Have little or no background
  • Look more contemporary
  • Should be framed behind glass
  • Should not be hung in direct sunlight (can cause the paper to yellow slightly)
  • Are less expensive
  • Take less time to produce


English Pointer
Oil Paintings (click on picture to see detail):
  • Have much more depth of colour
  • Perceived as more prestigious
  • Look more traditional
  • Should be framed (except box canvases)
  • Subjects with plain backgrounds on large "box canvas" look very contemporary
  • Must be varnished when they are dry (to prevent dirt becoming ingrained)
  • If looked after can last for hundreds of years and become an heirloom
  • less susceptible to damp conditions
  • Are more expensive
  • Take longer to produce
Do you always work from photographs and do I have to provide them?
Yes I always use photographs as a reference for my drawings and paintings, but the nature of art means I can add, remove or change the things which are wrong with the photograph.
If you have any suitable photographs that's great. However, if you don't I can always come and take some if you are local to me. This will incur a charge to cover the time and the ever rising cost of fuel.
If you send me digital photographs it is important that you send one as hard copy to ensure the colours are correct.

How do I commission a portrait?
Its very easy to commission portrait of your pet. You just need to follow the simple steps below:

  • I need to see and approve your photographs before I can accept a commission. I can accept pictures in the traditional photo format, by email or on a CD. All will be returned safely with the finished portrait.
Once I have approved your photographs we can then discuss your portrait requirements. I will need the following information from you:

  • Your contact details (Name, Full Address, Email Address, Telephone Number)
  • The size of the portrait you would like
  • What medium you would like me to use (ie. Oil Paint, Coloured Pencil Crayon, etc)
  • Information on the animal's character and personality
  • What type of portrait you would like ie. Full Body or Head Study
  • Type of background (plain or detailed))
Please send your order to me with a 25% deposit (this is non-refundable).

I will keep you updated on the progress of your picture. Upon nearing completion, I will send a preview to you by email (or by post) for your approval.

Once you are happy with the result, I will send you an invoice for the balance. Your final portrait will be packaged and dispatched to you once the payment has cleared.