Guidelines to help you get the best experience

Need to know, tips and useful information

Paper Size

Commissioning a piece of fine art is a wonderful thing to be able to do. I offer a variety of portrait sizes to suit different budgets to enable anyone to purchase an original piece of fine art.

The sizes offered match standard frame sizes to keep costs down. But, I can produce art to any size and would be more than happy to accommodate your needs to keep you on budget. Please get in contact. I am more than happy to see what I can do.

Timing

A great deal of time and care is taken to add the high level of detail into your pastel drawing to create the sense of realism that brings it to life, so it will naturally take me longer to complete bigger formats and portraits with more than 1 pet as these require more work.

What to consider when selecting the best size for your portrait.

WHERE IS IT GOING?

Large portraits suit larger wall spaces like the living room.
A larger image creates impact, draws viewers to attention and brightens up any room. I am able to put more detail into the artwork, making it even more realistic.
Smaller portraits are more intimate and sit perfectly on a table, book shelf, bedroom wall or hall way, although they can go anywhere.
The size of your pet:
For larger animals such as a Labrador or Border Collie, I advise working on slightly larger formats (16×20, 18×24) so the intricate detailing - which is so important - is not lost, as this really brings the artwork to life.

FULL BODY vs HEAD PROFILES
Your pet's unique personality is actually conveyed through their face and eyes. Head profiles showing just the head and some of the chest area work extremely well. For example, I have more scope to show off the kinks in the hair and whiskers, and sparkle in the eyes because I have more space on the paper. However, showing off your pets beautiful features in a full body profile could be the key aspect in your portrait. A full body painting will result in the head being much smaller than if it were just a head and shoulders portrait of the same size, so you may wish to go for a slightly larger paper to really bring out the wonderful character of your pet.

MORE THAN 1 PET
As a guide, ideal paper sizes start at 11x14" for 2 small dogs and 12X16" for 2 larger dogs. Smaller sizes are not recommneded as the high level of detail and realism simply can't be achieved.

Commission Fees and Framing

The price of your commission will depend on the paper size and number of pets in your portrait. I have included the ideal number of pets you can have for each format.

PRICES AND PAPER SIZES (IN INCHES)

8x10: 1 pet £95
A4: 1 pet £130
10x12: 1 pet £150
11x14: 1 pet £185; 2 pets £285
12x16: 1 pet £215; 2 £325; 3 £425
16x20: 1 pet £275; 2 £385; 3 £495
18x24: 1 pet £335; 2 £445; 3 £535

Viewing area
The mount that sits inside the frame will take up 1-3 inches of paper. For example, a 10x12" sheet of paper will have a mount of the same size with a viewing area of 8x10" - this is what you see.

Square Portraits

I am also able to offer square portraits. Costs are based on the price bands above and is calculated by the area of the paper; for example, 9x9" is the same price as 8x10".

Backgrounds

The prices assume a plain coloured, blurred or non-detailed background. If you would like more detail in this area I can provide a tailored quote based on your preference.

Unsure or after something else?

If you are not sure what size you need, it is not specified or you'd like to include more than 3 pets, please get in touch for a tailored quote.

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FRAMING

I never post artwork framed because glass may break in transit but I will include comprehensive instructions for you and the framer with your artwork.

Clients that have opted for my framing service benefit hugely saving costs and time, with convenience and piece-of-mind. This service is available to you if you are able to collect your artwork from me or qualify for free local delivery *within 8miles of my postcode (CM32). Purchase a frame with your order and I will frame it for free. Just tell me which colour frame (popular options are black, dark wood, light wood and white finish). I will be happy to guide you, supply and frame your portrait.

If you are not getting your work framed by me, a glass frame must be used for your artwork, A professional framer

should also use high grade materials with acid free mounts, tape and backing boards to prevent the artwork from browning or yellowing.

I ONLY USE GLASS FRAMES AND GUTTER MOUNTS

I do not use fixative on my pastel portraits as the results are unpredictable, causing colours to dull and bleed into one another. I'd rather not take the risk. Plus, I'm a perfectionist. Instead, I make special gutter mounts. These collect minuscule dust particles that become loose and fall down behind the mount (hidden from view) instead of landing on the edge of the mount. Your professional framer should add a gutter mount for you too, and help you choose a frame from samples, that compliments the portrait, your decor and personal style preferences.

To ensure your artwork is well protected it must be framed behind glass. Plastic alternatives such as acrylic, styrene and perspex are not suitable for use with pastels. These plastic materials lift dust particles from the surface of the paper that then 'stick' to the underneath of the plastic creating dark, blurred, shadow areas on your portrait. These flexible surfaces bend under light pressure and scratch extremely easily, so it is best to avoid plastic substitutes entirely.

Like me, the framer should always seal the back of the frame to prevent dust and tiny insects from getting inside, and attach suitable hinges for hanging.

There is a lot to know about framing, but please don't worry. All my clients receive practical information on how to care for their portrait and detailed notes for the framer.

Delivery and Collection Options

I can ship your unframed portrait anywhere. You just need to find a professional framer that is experienced with pastel artwork.

Or, you are more than welcome to collect in person and you can use my framing service (or have it outsourced). If you are within 8miles of my postcode, CM32, I can drop it round for free, too. Either way, it will be lovely to meet you.

Time and great care is taken to prepare your package for transport to ensure it arrives in the same condition it left.

You will be given tracking numbers and all relevant information to follow your package to its destination.

UK deliveries with postage and packaging (including Channel Islands) from £10.00

*Europe deliveries vary by country (£12-24) plus a custom duty charge of 3euros

*US deliveries from £23.20

*These are estimations as courier prices do change. Get in touch with your address for an accurate shipping quote in your currency.