Below is a selection of the most frequently asked questions. If you have a question you would like answered that I haven’t listed please let me know.
I would like to commission a portrait. What do I do?
Firstly you will need to decide how you would like your portrait to look and consider such things as the medium to be used, the size and whether to include a background. Think of the style, i.e. would you prefer head or full body (this applies to all Pet and People portraits). Once you have decided please contact me via e-mail or post with your request and photographs. Please see ordering information for more details
What is the difference between watercolour and pencil?
Each brings their unique qualities and character to a portrait. A graphite pencil study will give you a black and white and grey representation, whilst watercolour will truly represent the colour of the subject. To help you decide there are samples of both styles in my gallery.
Could you include my children in the painting with their pony?
Yes by all means. I will also need some extra photographs. Just contact me and I will discuss this with you.
How long will my portrait take?
This can vary according to the time of year (holiday periods) or according to how busy I am with other commissions. Once I begin a portrait, it normally takes 3 weeks to complete. When you contact me I will be able to give you a more accurate timescale. If you have a short timescale then you could consider ordering a gift voucher.
How do I make sure that I get good Photographs
You may already have a memorable photograph which you can send me but if not please follow these helpful guidelines;
- Set your camera on the finest quality (if digital).
Choose a bright day but avoid bright sunlight. This is perfect because there will be no direct glare. Try to position the subject so that the best light is behind you.
- It is important to position yourself at the same eye level as the subject so that there is no distortion of view. Squat down to photograph or place the pet on a chair or slope etc.
- You will have already thought about what sort of portrait and positional image you would like, so bear that in mind with the next step.
It is really helpful to have someone to help motivate the animal to look alert, by enticing them with a treat or squeaking a toy etc. Capturing that split second of expression is the secret of a good photograph for a portrait painting.
Take numerous shots and some close ups of the features i.e. eyes, nose and mouth, which is important for my accuracy of detail.
If you live within the Norfolk area I would be happy to take the photographs for you at no extra charge but I will have to add my actual travel costs if outside a 10 mile radius of my home.
- If you used a digital camera, you can either e-mail the images to me but send them as jpeg files at the resolution of not less than 300dpi if possible. Or save them all onto a disc and send by post.
Photos can be mailed and I will return them to you safely with your portrait.
My pet has passed away and I wonder if my photos are suitable.
Let me see all of them because I will certainly try to help you if possible.
I want a portrait of my four greyhounds together but only have single photographs of each.
As long as each photograph shows the dog clearly, I can put them together as a group for you.
Could I have a particular background?
Yes you can have a scene or setting behind your pet which could be your garden, a beach or the sofa. Just include some extra photographs of the scene you would like. Backgrounds like this would be a more expensive option, (See Price list)
Can I see my portrait before I pay for it?
Certainly you can. On completion of your portrait, I will email a photograph to you for approval. Or I can print a copy and post it to you.