How do I commission a portrait drawing?
‘If you are wondering how to get a portrait drawn from a photo then here is how.’
Here are the five steps to a beautiful portrait drawing.
Photograph.
Firstly, you send me a photo or photos of the person/s or pet/s you wish to be drawn.
We then have a chat on email or telephone about what you want and I can offer you my expert advice on which of your photos, I think, will work best.
Once we have decided on a photo, I shall do a very quick sketch in pencil and send you a digital scan so you can see what I propose drawing, in terms of scale and composition.
2. Size and Medium
We then decide on the size of drawing you would like and whether you want it drawn in graphite pencil or coloured pencil. Then I confirm the price for your chosen drawing and a timescale for delivery.
3. Drawing
When you are happy with all the details we have agreed on, I start drawing.
4. Approval
When I am almost finished I email you a digital preview so you can see the drawing and we can discuss any changes before I finish. On completion I send you a scan of the drawing via email for you to approve.
5. Delivery
Once you have approved and I have received payment I send the drawing via recorded delivery
What kind of photo do I need for a portrait drawing?
Without doubt, the better the photo, the better the drawing.
So what kind of photo is going to make the best portrait drawing?
Firstly, the subject in the photo has to be in focus and the photo has to have enough resolution to show detail . Generally any camera or phone within the last ten years will produce a big enough file to work with as a basis for a drawing. I can also use photographic prints to create a drawing.
The second aspect is to do with the subject and the mood of the photo.
So look for photos that capture the character of the person or animal and only you the client will know if this is the case.
Often we will see photographs of our loved ones and we will say;’ Oh that’s a good photo of them!’ or ‘ No, that doesn’t really look like them.’ So pick the former.
Then when you are searching through your photos and you come across ones that makes your heart warm with love, then that will be the best photograph to use for a portrait.
Some other things to bear in mind are that the lighting is not too extreme, so for instance, avoid sun shining straight into people’s faces.
‘If all this seems a lot to think about, remember I am here to help you.’
But please don’t think you have to find that photo of your grandpa taken by David Bailey.
As an ex photographer and an artist I can look at your photos and help you choose which photo will work the best. I often see a photo with an awful background and lots of distractions but I can see that the face of the subject is just right for a great drawing.
This is why, when people get in touch I ask them to send as many photos as they have, without them prejudging what might work best.
In an ideal world I will use one photograph to create the portrait drawing but sometimes I need a little help from other similar images. Whether I use them or not it, is very helpful for me to have a few photos to look at as I draw.
I do not charge for chatting so if you are unsure whether you have a good enough photo or you just want to dip your toe in the water and find out more about my drawings please just get in touch.
What size of paper is best for a portrait drawing?
I recommend that paper sizes of A4, A3 or A2 work best for portrait drawings.
However in consulting with clients I might suggest a variation to these starting points, if the composition of the drawing would work better in a squarer format.
I tend to not offer portraits on sizes smaller than A4 as this feels too restrictive for me as an artist.
The choice between A4, A3 or A2 depends on the subject/s and how you plan to display the finished drawing? Remember that you will be framing the drawing and depending on the style of frame and the size of mounting board around the drawing, this will add to the space needed to display or hang the portrait.
An A4 drawing works well for a single subject drawn as head and shoulders. Once framed it will work well sitting on a living room unit or hanging on the wall in a small room.
An A3 drawing is needed if you have two or more subjects in the drawing or for a larger version of a single subject drawn, head and shoulders. This size of framed portrait works well hanging on a wall.
If you live in a very large open plan house and want a real impact then an A2 drawing might be a wise choice for a powerful single subject or a couple of subjects.
Please don’t feel restricted by these three sizes as, in consulting with clients we might agree to a variation to these starting points, if the composition of the drawing would work better in say, a squarer format.
Does pencil or coloured pencil work best for a portrait drawing?
I would say coloured pencil portraits works very well for children and pets whilst the traditional graphite pencil works for adult portraits and older pets.
However this is a matter of personal taste and budget as coloured pencil portraits take much longer to complete and are therefore more expensive.
How much does it cost to have a portrait drawn from a photograph?
A4 Size
A pencil portrait of this size, once framed, looks great on a wall or sitting on top of a living room unit. This size of portrait drawing is ideal for a head and shoulders portrait of one person or animal.
The normal price for a pencil portrait on this size of paper is £175.00
The normal price for a coloured pencil portrait in this size is £295.00
These prices are for a single subject.
If you wish to have a portrait drawing with two people or animals there would be an additional charge of £50.
However I would recommend that if you have two or more subjects you consider getting a larger size of portrait, as two people drawn on A4 paper can feel quite cramped even in landscape format.
A3 Size
I prefer to draw on a larger scale, so this is my favourite paper size and also the most popular size with my clients.
An A3 portrait drawing can make a real impact once framed and hung on a wall in your house.
The normal price for a portrait drawing on A3 size paper is £245.00
The normal price for a coloured pencil drawing in this size is £365.00
These prices are for a single subject.
If you wish to have a portrait drawing with two or three subjects there would be an additional charge of £50 for animal or person.
How much do you charge for delivery?
My finished portrait drawings are safely wrapped in glassine paper ( anti-smudging ) and sent in a lovely presentation box.
I send the finished drawing to you via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery.
The cost for postage and packing is £15 for A4 and £20 for A3 and bigger.
Would you like to order a drawing?
If so, simply complete this form and I shall get back to you via email and we can take it from there.
But perhaps you are not sure and have some questions?
In that case just say hello by sending me a message and I shall get back to you.
I love what I do and so I am always happy to chat.
I do not charge anything for answering questions, looking at photos or even doing a very quick sketch to give you an idea of how a drawing might be achieved.
Whatever the case there is no hard sell and I shall respond as soon as possible.
It might help to have a look below, at my FAQ and feedback sections, to see how previous clients have found my services
What my clients have said?
“Two beautiful portrait drawings of the grand kids. They look fantastic hanging on the wall in the living room.”
— Lynne Connor
“Brought a tear to my eye when I saw your pencil portrait drawing of Trudi.”
— Naomi G.
“So sweet! I've hung your drawings of the children in pride of place and I love looking at them”
— Mrs. Skivington
FAQ’S
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I offer portraits in either A4 or A3 size.
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Pencil drawings are £195 for an A4 drawing and £295 for an A3 drawing
Coloured pencil drawings are £345 for an A4 drawing and £495 for an A3 drawing.
Full full information check out my Commissions page
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Fuller information is available on my Commissions page but briefly, a photo of good quality from a mobile phone with the subject in focus. If you have a hard copy photo that is also acceptable.
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I send finished drawings once approved via Royal Mail recorded delivery and the cost is £15 for an A4 drawing and £20 for A3
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Yes I use only the highest quality archive paper and the pencils and coloured pencils I use are of archive quality.
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I do not currently offer a framing service. The reason for this is that I think drawings are best framed behind glass and sending a glass framed portrait drawing in the post is risky so I currently do not provide frames for my portrait drawings.
However I do offer a FREE FRAME PREVIEW SERVICE.
This will allow you to see your finished hand drawn portrait in a variety of different frames. I can even arrange to let you see how it might look in your own home if you send me a good quality photo of the room where it is going to hang.
This ability to see the drawing framed in a variety of ways will make it easier for you to go to a reputable framer near where you live, with a clearer idea of what you would like.
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I do not ask for a deposit and I only send the finished drawing once approved so generally there is no need to offer a refund.
In the unlikely event that you were unhappy with the drawing once you received it, I would offer a full refund on return of the drawing.
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I advertise A4 & A3 to keep things simple as too many sizes on offer can be confusing for clients. I naturally draw on a larger scale so smaller sizes like A5 do not work for me but if you have a large wall at home and want something really dynamic please do get in touch and we can discuss your requirements and price.
About me
Hello,
My name is Peter and I am a Scottish based artist. I set up pg portraits a few years back; the pg part coming from my initials.
Thank you for looking at my website and if you would like to know a little more about me then click below?
