Which media should I choose?
If unsure which medium would best suit your commission, it’s always good to have a chat with me and I’ll be able to recommend what would work best. In particular, it’s important to mention preferred size and whether there are small details that are important to show.
Pencil is best suited to smaller artworks, is good for capturing details especially at a smaller scale, and has a lighter appearance than charcoal. Its delicacy lends itself well to drawing babies.
Much of my work is done in charcoal or a mixture of charcoal and pencil. I find this lends itself to a variety of subject matter ranging from adults, children, pets and landscapes. Charcoal achieves a wonderful tonal range with a beautiful depth to the black. Best suited to a medium to large format.
Pastel is similar to charcoal and works best on a medium to large scale due to the difficulty in representing fine detail. The colour, light and delicacy that can be achieved with pastel is special and unique. It suits the depiction of people and lends itself beautifully to depicting animals.
If you would like a painting, oil is a beautiful and luxurious choice and suits most sizes. Bear in mind that more time is needed for creating and drying of an oil painting.
In terms of framing, pencil, charcoal and pastel all need to be framed behind glass, whereas acrylic and oil can be hung directly on the wall or framed.
If you are interested in a commission, please see my commissions page and get in touch so we can discuss your ideas.
How long does a commission take?
A small single subject commission can take 7-10 hours, while a larger commission/one with more subjects, backgrounds or details could take several weeks. Each commission is unique and so is the time each commission takes. The time allowed for oil paintings needs to be 4-6 months to allow for the painting, the drying and the varnishing. Please bear in mind that if you are having the artwork framed, you will need to factor that time in if you are working towards a specific date.
Can you work from my photos?
Yes - much of my work is based on photos supplied by the client. I will ask you to provide the image you would like drawn in the best quality possible (very important), the size you have in mind and any deadlines. Once I’ve looked at the image, I may suggest a different size or medium based on the photo.
Where possible, it’s also useful to have c other photos of the person from different angles, and to know about any characteristic traits - for example, are they cheeky and mischievous, love peace and quiet and a good book, are just plain adored - to set the tone of the artwork.
I would like to commission you but have no photos
Sitting/s can be arranged at a convenient time and place for both parties and usually last for 1-2 hours at the sitter’s home, or an agreed location. During the sitting I will get to know the sitter whilst making working sketches and taking photographs. These references will then be taken back to the studio to begin creating the artwork.
Generally, only one sitting is required, though sometimes a short second sitting may need to be arranged.
I’m not sure what I want
In my gallery you’ll see portraits and other artwork in pencil, pastel, acrylic, oil and ink; there are paintings of people surfing and doing what they love; paintings and prints of plants and animals; and there is also artwork created from old or cherished photos. Have a look through and see if there is anything that strikes a cord with you or gives you inspiration, then get in touch so we can talk it through together and start creating a special piece of art for you, your home or someone special.
Just a reminder that it takes time to create artwork. If the artwork is to be ready for a particular date, and/or you are planning on getting it framed, please mention this in your initial email as this will affect the time line - many thanks, Hannah
Do you organise framing?
Not unless we have agreed to framing in the initial stages of the commissioning process. I will work with the client in consulting with the framers early in the commissioning process so you know how much this part of the process will be and how long it will take.