I am happy to work from life or from from photographs (particularly useful with children) . The painting will be on a 2 dimensional surface like the photograph itself my eye and experience seems to increasingly compensate for the monocular perspective of the camera lenses which will saves the muse long sittings trying to keep still and enables me to concentrate on creating the painting in my studio. By working from photographs it also offers the option of presenting the portrait to  the subject as a complete surprise. I am increasingly pleased with the results of building up layers of colour to create skin tones and a depth often lacking in photographs.

I am happy to take the photographs however even with several sittings sometimes it is difficult to capture a relaxed and natural moment. Very often a good search through your existing photographs can result in a composition that captures the essence of the person that best portray them best.

Ideally the photograph should be taken in good lighting conditions. Contrasts in light and shadows assist features although heavy use of flash can flatten features. Too much of the subjects face in shadow again can case problems.

Do not worry too much about the background/clothing being perfect this can easily be perfected if the composition is otherwise perfect.

If the ideal composition photograph is not quite perfect it is useful to have any additional images that help illustrate features such as eyes better. I am happy to discuss the photographs in detail and advise if they are not clear enough for the purposes of the portrait

 If you have a number of high-resolution images you can email me I am happy to advise which I feel will work best to meet your requirements.

 I generally take 8 weeks to complete the painting although I will always do my best to complete for any special dates, this can be discussed beforehand.

Once finished you can view the painting or I can email a photograph. Whilst this is usually complete, I am happy to make any changes that the photograph did not illustrate, such as slight changes to eye colours etc. this can normally be finished in a couple of days.

The Materials 

For portraits my preferred medium is oil or acrylic on either stretched Canvas or Linen.

The compositions can be created in most formats either rectangular or square. Recently I have been particularly pleased with my relatively close cropped head and shoulders on a square canvas, however I am more than happy to work to your preferred format.

I tend to hand stretch (not completely happy with the ready stretched canvases) the canvas on to relatively deep wooden stretcher bars; this means that if preferred the portraits could be displayed unframed.

After the portrait is complete and the paints have dried I  give the painting a light varnish to protect the painting. I usually do this in a not too glossy satin, however I can varnish to you preferred finish.

The painting is presented ready to hang straight on the wall to enjoy.