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How to Commission a Custom Hand-Painted Portrait



​Firstly, thank you for considering a commission with me.
​This page is designed to provide all the information you need, along with links to make the process clear and straightforward. Choosing the right artist for a bespoke portrait, whether for yourself or as a special gift, is an important decision, and I appreciate your interest in my work. Below, you’ll find a simple breakdown of the process, with links to explore further details. If you’d rather skip ahead, you can reach out to me directly via my contact page—I’m always happy to assist.
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1. Choose your favourite photo or photos of the subject(s) you'd like to feature in your portrait.
​If you need guidance on selecting the best image, or how to take great photos of your pet, click this link to visit my Photography Tips.
2. Select your preferred medium
​I offer bespoke portraits created in acrylics or coloured pencils.
​Click the links to visit my galleries to explore examples of both styles.
3. Decide on your ideal portrait size
The number of subjects included and your choice of a full-body composition may influence this decision.
​Pricing and size details can be found below.
4. Optional extras
Backgrounds and framing (available for acrylic portraits only) can be discussed after initial contact if you are unsure at this stage.
​Click this link to view framing samples.
5. Complete my form to request a quote or to book your portrait.
​The form will capture all the necessary details, and I'll respond within 24 hours to guide you through the next steps.


​For a comprehensive understanding of the commissioning process, including available portrait sizes and pricing, take a moment to explore the sections below. You'll find all the information you need to make informed decisions and visualise the options for your unique portrait.

Detailed Pricing and Size Options for Custom Portraits

Acrylics ​(Inches/Cm's):
With Tonal ​background
With Scenic Background
8" x 10" (20cm x 25cm)
£220.00
£250.00
9" x 12" (25cm x 30cm)
£250.00
£280.00
11" x 14" (28cm x 40cm)
£350.00
£410.00
12" x 16" (30cm x 40cm)
£430.00
£500.00
16" x 20" (40cm x 50cm)
£620.00
£700.00
Coloured Pencils (Inches/Cm's):
Standard - No Background
With Scenic Background
8" x 10" (20cm x 25cm)
£250.00
£300.00
10" x 12" (25cm x 30cm)
£290.00
£350.00
11" x 14" (28cm x 40cm)
£430.00
£480.00
12" x 16" (30cm x 40cm)
£480.00
£550.00
16" x 20" (40cm x 50cm)
£750.00
£850.00
FreeCurrencyRates.com

I invite you to explore the medium and portrait size that best fits your vision. If you’re interested in larger sizes, don’t hesitate to ask! To explore each medium, you can visit the specific pages for my Acrylic Paintings and Coloured Pencil Drawings. For those considering my acrylic paintings, my Framing services can provide you with a polished, ready-to-display piece.
To take the next step, you can request a no-obligation quote, book your portrait using the link below, or Contact Me directly with any questions. All prices listed are for unframed portraits and include complimentary UK postage. International delivery and framed portraits will incur postage charges. 
Additionally, if you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, Gift Vouchers are available, giving the recipient the freedom to create their own unique portrait.

Providing Reference Images

I take pride in crafting detailed and personalised portraits, and high-quality, digital reference images are vital to achieve the best results. If you’re able to share multiple images, it helps me gain a deeper understanding of your subject. For pet and portrait commissions, photos taken in natural light are particularly helpful as they reveal more authentic details. If you're unsure about how to select or capture the perfect image, I’m here to assist you. Simply follow the link below to visit my 'Photography Tips' page, where you’ll find helpful guidance.

Understanding Timescales

If your portrait requires multiple reference photos, I will create a mock-up before starting the artwork. Completion times vary depending on the complexity of the piece, but I am happy to work towards deadlines where feasible. Timeframes will always be confirmed before any work begins. I aim to complete commissions within three to six weeks, though larger or more intricate portraits may take longer. As I rotate between commissions, I am usually able to begin soon after receiving a booking.
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Deposits and Booking

A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking and start work on your portrait, including any framing. The remaining balance will be due upon completion, prior to posting. Payments can be made via bank transfer (preferred for UK clients), cheque, or credit/debit card, which are securely processed through PayPal. You don't need a PayPal account to make a payment, and international transactions are conveniently handled using this method. For full details, please refer to my Terms & Services page.
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Your Progress Page

A personalised webpage will be created for you to track the progress of your portrait. Regular updates will be added throughout its creation, enabling you to request adjustments along the way. Videos may also be included to give you a closer look at the artwork. A link to the webpage will be emailed to you, allowing you to access it at any time. View an example page here.
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Final Payments and Optional Framing

Once your portrait is complete, the final image will be available on your personal page. You can request any clarifications or tweaks before it moves to the next stage. For acrylic paintings with framing requests, the varnishing and framing process will follow. When you’re satisfied with the portrait, the final balance will be due prior to postage.
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Packaging and Delivery

Once your portrait is ready for dispatch, it will be securely packaged and shipped using Royal Mail or Parcelforce. Within the UK, I use a 24-hour tracked delivery service. For international orders, delivery typically takes 5–7 working days. All parcels are fully insured against damage or loss​.
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Sharing Your Feedback

I truly value your feedback on a portrait, and any photographs of it displayed in situ are greatly appreciated. These may even be featured on your personal portrait page.
Click here to read authentic testimonials from satisfied customers