How long will it take to draw a portrait?

I like to allow at least two weeks to complete a portrait with one subject. More than one, and depending on the size and complexity, it will naturally take a little longer to complete. My work is highly detailed and it takes countless pencil strokes, and layers of pigment to create. I work on a first come – first served basis and can be booked up months in advance. If you require your portrait for a specific date – birthday, anniversary etc., then let me know as soon as possible and I will do my best to accommodate this.

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Do you ship internationally?

Unfortunately at this time I cannot ship commissioned pieces internationally. Postage within the UK is free at this time.

 

How many photographs should I send you?

Please send me as many photographs as possible. The better the reference photo, the better the portrait. I can only draw what I can see so the more photographic information I have, the better.  The best photos are those taken in good light – not bright sunlight as this can alter the true shade of the animal’s coat, but it is important to use photos you love, and which best show the pet’s character. There is more information on how to take a good photo on my ‘Pet Photo Advice’ PDF document. However, if you are commissioning a memorial portrait, I appreciate that you only have the photos you have, and they may not be the best quality. But send me what you have, and I will do the best I can to draw the pet’s likeness to your satisfaction. Send me your photographs by email: oneillanimalart@gmail.com and we can take it from there.

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How to Commission a Pet Portrait

If you have decided to entrust me with a portrait of your beloved pet, then please email me at oneillanimalart@gmail.com and we can discuss the most appropriate size of portrait. For example, for a simple head and shoulders, my smallest size is approx.10 x 12”  it will, however, only be suitable for one pet. If you want to go larger, or have two pets in the portrait, then I suggest the larger sizes of either 12 x 14” or 12 “x 16”. If you have a particular size in mind, then please contact me and we can have a chat. I would require a non-refundable deposit of  50% of the final price, and if necessary, we can arrange for payment by regular instalments of up to three months after the initial deposit has been received.

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Once the final choice of reference photograph has been agreed and the deposit paid, I will send you regular progress photos for your approval. This will give you the opportunity to make any (minor) adjustments that may be necessary. However, if any adjustments you want to make require me to begin again, there will be an extra charge to cover my materials and time. I like to allow at least two weeks to complete the portrait, but it may be finished sooner. I will send you a final picture for your approval and once the balance has been paid, will post the portrait to you. Please note that once the portrait has been delivered and you decide you no longer want it, no refunds can be given. If you decide to return the portrait, you will cover the postage costs and I reserve the right to use the portrait in my portfolio or on my website and social media for promotional purposes.

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Do You Provide Frames?

I do not provide frames for commissioned pieces. I feel this is such a personal choice. I can, however, and at a reasonable extra charge, have your portrait professionally mounted using archival and acid free materials:  either a single or a double mount, whichever you prefer. Please bear in mind that this will take a little extra time to do.

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What Materials Do You Use?

I want your portrait to remain in perfect condition for as long as possible, and to that ends I use only lightfast, archival materials professional quality materials. This means that the colours will remain true – providing the portrait is kept in the appropriate position. I will provide a care guide with the finished portrait. I usually use Clairefontaine Pastelmat or Grafix Drafting film, depending on the subject matter. I use a variety of professional artists quality pencils in my work and this will be a selection of Faber Castell Polychromos, Caran D’Ache Luminance, Caran D’Ache Pablos, and sometimes Holbein, Prismacolor Premier and Caran d’Ache Museum Aquarelle. I do occasionally use Soft Pastels, those being either Unison, Jacksons, Sennelier or Royal Talens Rembrandt. But I mainly specialise in coloured pencil work.

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I hope this answers your questions, but if you require more information, please email me at oneillanimalart@gmail.com and I will get back to you.