COMMISSION DETAILS
For most commissions I'll most likely be drawing just a head, or head-and-shoulders, portrait.
Bridles, harnesses, fancy collars, detailed backgrounds, and other objects in the picture will cost more so I will discuss this with you at the outset when you let me now your requirements.
Providing good quality reference photos is essential. In most instances I won’t meet the subject of your portrait, so I depend on your supplied images having clear features, and colouring, to be able to produce a good likeness. It may be necessary to take and supply several photos to include all the relevant parts, eyes, nose, ears etc,. I will guide you through this once I receive your images, and make suggestions, and may also ask for separate photos if particular parts of the anatomy are not clear enough. If no suitable images can be obtained then I retain the right to turn down the commission as it will be almost certainly result in failure to produce an acceptable portrait.
My work schedule is generally booked for around three months ahead, on a first come first served basis, but there is sometimes a little latitude. If your portrait is needed by a certain date, specify this at the beginning, as it’s crucial to not being disappointed.
Once we've agreed the project, and a completion/delivery date, I will require a non-refundable deposit of 50% to cover time and material costs. Currently I am only using bank transfers.
You will receive updates on progress once I start your commission with photos for approval. Please bear in mind that coloured pencils are not very amenable to erasure so corrections are very limited. Once you are happy with the result, and you send me the balance of your payment, I'll despatch your picture.
Your portrait will be sent to you in a plastic sealable bag, with a sheet of glassine on the drawing surface to protect it, within a postal tube.
TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS
We will discuss everything before I start a commission, so everyone is clear about what is required, but please note…..
The photographs you supply must be one that you have taken and own the copyright to, or one taken by someone who has given you permission to use it, as legally the photographer owns all rights to any photograph they have taken. You will be sent a contract to sign giving me rights to draw your photograph and confirming that you have the rights to use it/them. Once we have chosen a photo and agreed on a timeframe, I will email a contract.
Clarity is very important, I cannot draw what I can’t see, so images should be in focus as much as possible. If it isn’t possible to get all the features in focus then I will require more photos of individual areas so I have good, clear details, of all important areas of subject, such as eyes, ears, nose etc.
Bright, natural light is best as photographs taken outdoors are much better in most instances. DO NOT use filters or flash as fitters alter colours and flash will cause dark shadows. Choose a bright day, but don’t take pictures in full sunlight as the animal might squint. The eyes need to be open and clearly seen. Bright sunshine will cause too much contrast between the light and dark tones. This is especially true for black animals.
If you have to take photographs inside then make sure there is plenty of good, even, lighting, preferable not from tungsten bulbs as these cause shifts in colour as well, but use a daylight globe.
Take your photos as close as possible to the subject. To get a good image get down to the level of your subject to take them. Don’t take photographs from above, not only does it look bad, but it will distort the features. Take photos at a distance where all the features look in the proper proportions, we are all familiar with photographs of dogs with huge noses! The ideal distance is around 6 feet away.
Good luck!
PAYMENT OPTIONS
I only accept bank transfers at the current time.
PLACING AN ORDER
To place your order with me, or if you have any other questions, please use the form on the Contact Page