Commission a portrait
How it works…
Commissions
Commission your own painting of a loved one, family pet or favourite celebrity. No effort is spared in creating a clear and accurate likeness of the subject which will become a beautiful keepsake that the recipient will cherish forever.
Pastels
For portraits I mostly work in pastel, they are very vibrant and these days, the integrity of the colours will last a lifetime. I generally work in two sizes: A4 + border + frame and A3 + border + frame. Occasionally, the work can be bigger if required but A4 is the smallest size. If a larger size is requested, it will come without a frame. (price guide below)
Oils
All my exhibition pieces are in oil but I occasionally take commissions for portraits. However they take a lot longer to do and the cost is much higher. All oil paintings come much larger and are produced on canvas or board without frame. (contact me for an oil painting quote)
Working from photos
Working from single or multiple photographs I can guide you through the process, making sure you get exactly what you want. If you are local to me I can come to you (free of charge) to try and get the best possible photographs to work from. Otherwise I’m happy to work from the client’s photos providing they are good quality.
“The better the photo, the better the painting will be.” *
Waiting time
Waiting times can vary depending on work load – an approximate completion date will be given at time of ordering. Shorter deadlines for special dates can sometimes be met but generally I usually have a few commissions booked in and each typical portrait takes 7-10 days. Christmas orders should be booked as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Delivery
Paintings can be posted unframed worldwide. If you live in the United Kingdom I can package and post with frame. If you are local to me (within ten miles) I can deliver free of charge at an agreed time and place. All postage costs are added to the final bill.
Payment
A deposit of at least 20% is required with every order. Balance is due on completion once you are happy with the online preview. Bank transfer and cheques are accepted. Please make all cheques payable to ‘J. Carpenter’.
*A lot of photos taken from a distance of more than six feet on a mobile phone have a tendency to be lacking in detail and are generally not clear enough for me to use.
Price Guide
Head Portrait
Head Portrait
A4 (210 x 297mm) + frame £165
A3 (297 x 420mm) + frame £215
A2 (420 x 594mm) no frame £290
Full Body Portrait
Full Body Portrait
A4 (210 x 297mm) + frame £185
A3 (297 x 420mm) + frame £245
A2 (420 x 594mm) no frame £330
Add 50% for each extra subject
Additional Subjects
If you want a portrait with more than one person or pet in the painting, you will be charged an extra 50% for each additional subject.
The above are guide prices based on typical portraits of this size, however I can work in any dimensions up to 500 x 700mm (approx. 17 x 19 inches) in pastel. There may be an extra charge for complex backgrounds.
I try to reflect the time I spend and cost of the high quality materials I use in my work. Each piece is done with perfection in mind however many hours that takes.
Exhibition work
“Roxanne”
Sold at exhibition
“It’s Raining Again”
Original: £775 Size:33” x 23”
When I’m not busy with portrait commissions, I like to work on my own series of oil paintings which I show in various exhibitions and art fairs around the south of England.
“A Nice, Cool, Bath”
Original: £515 Size:16” x 20”
“She’s a Rainbow”
Original: £575 Size:18” x 24”
These paintings are on sale as originals with listed prices. (hover your cursor over the pic for cost of original painting)
You can also purchase limited addition prints of each of these paintings in three different sizes A3, A2 and A1.
“Madame Butterfly”
Original: £525 Size:16” x 22”