Commissions
Prices & FAQ

Detailed information on prices, and what is involved in placing a commission.

Paintings in oils on canvas (scroll down for drawings)

What is a narrative portrait?
It’s a portrait that is not only a perfect likeness, but also tells a story about the person. The pose and background can show their likes, loves, passions, hobbies, work, home, and personality, etc. Or it can be more symbolic and mysterious. Each painting is special and unique, as is the person painted.

How much will it cost?
Prices start at £4000 for a portrait of one person with a detailed background.

Can we have a family portrait, and what would it cost?
Yes, it’s possible to have as many people in the painting as you like. The basic price starts at £4500 for two people, up to £7500 for eight people.

Does the size of the painting make a difference to the price?
Yes, but only up to a point. It’s the amount of detail that determines how much work is involved. Also, you need to be aware that if you choose a very small size, it may not be possible to include the level of detail you want. To get a perfect likeness, it’s only possible if the head of the sitter is no less than 3 inches in height. This may determine whether you have a full figure or just head & shoulders.

Can the size & proportions be designed to fit a specific space?
Yes of course. With the above provisos.

Can I have 2 matching portraits of 2 sitters, to hang together or apart?
Yes of course. You can also have the same background continuing across each painting so that together they become what is known as a diptych. Three like this would be a triptych.

Will it be a perfect likeness?
Yes. I work from photographs, so what you see is literally what you get.

Will there be many sittings?
No, long sittings aren’t necessary as I work from photos. But only from photos I take myself, except in exceptional circumstances, such as posthumous portraits. Working from photos means the sitter can choose to be painted in motion, smiling, and is generally more relaxed than if they had to maintain the same pose for hours.

Can you make older people look younger, fuller figures thinner, etc?
I can smooth out some wrinkles, tummies etc, but more than this would mean there would be a danger of losing the likeness. Though the media celebrates only youth and certain figure shapes, in fact people are beautiful at any age or shape. Everyone is different and unique. Painters have always known and celebrated this.

How long will it take?
I allow 10 weeks for a portrait with the amount of detail as those shown overleaf. This can vary a little, but I prefer to allow enough time rather than disappoint the client.

What is the procedure?
It usually takes a couple of hours to discuss and decide on the composition, size, etc, before taking the actual photos. I usually visit the sitter/client at home for this. I then produce a detailed study drawing in coloured pencils for the client to check if everything is to their liking

Can I make changes to the composition at any time?
Small changes can be made to the composition at the drawing stage, which is what it is for. But no changes are possible after I’ve begun the painting, because it would literally mean starting again.

Is framing included?
Yes, in a simple and stylish black oak moulding, 3 ins wide x 1 inch deep.

What if I want a different frame?
I can deduct £80 from the price and deliver the painting to you unframed, so you can choose your own frame.

When will I have to pay?
5% of the total price is payable before I start the study drawing. This is non-returnable if for any reason you change your mind and don’t wish to go ahead with the painting. When I begin the painting a further 45% is payable. The balance of 50% is payable upon delivery of the finished painting. The cost of delivery is included within the UK. 

What payment methods do you accept?
Cheques or bank drafts in sterling or euros. I am in the process of setting up Pay Pal, so hope to be able to also accept credit card payments in the future.

Drawings

If you can't afford a painting, a portrait drawing with a plain background,  is a much cheaper option. Prices are as follows:

• For a drawing of one person: 
  Framed £180 or £130 unframed.
• For a drawing of 2 people (from one photo taken of 2 people together): Framed £280 or £230 unframed.
• For a drawing of 3 people (from one photo taken of 3 people together): Framed £380 or £330 unframed.
• For a drawing of more than 3 people, price on application.
• Postage & packing is included in the price for unframed drawings, but is extra if framed. The cost will depend on the size & weight. I generally recommend that if possible, drawings should not be sent framed, as however well packaged, there is still the danger of broken glass.

I have a favourite photo. Can the drawing be done from this?
I often get requests for drawings as surprise presents, so am used to working from existing photos. But the bottom line is: the drawing will only be as good as the photo you supply me with. 

How can I tell if my photo is suitable?
As a general rule, unless taken by a professional photographer, photos taken with flash are not so good, because facial features are flattened and shadows unnaturally sharp. It's much better to use natural light outdoors, or indoors by a window or open door. However, having said that, I often have no choice but to work from flash photos, so don't despair! I will advise you when I've seen the photo.

I don't have a photo. Will you visit me, or can I visit you, to take photos?
I live in Birmingham and you are very welcome to visit me. I am also happy to visit you at no charge if you live within 20 miles of Birmingham. Any further distance I would have to charge for my time and travel expenses.

What medium can drawings be done in, and what size?
Drawings can be done in pencil, or terracotta or brown pastel, on heavy-weight, acid free paper, either A4 (297x210mm) or A3 (420x297mm) size. The framed size would be larger than this of course, to allow for the width of the mount and frame.

Does the size of the drawing  make a difference to the price?
No. It’s the amount of detail that determines how much work is involved, and therefore the price. However, some drawings will suit A4 better than A3 and vice versa. For example: One person head & shoulders, or half-figure (from the waist up) is fine on A4 paper. For 2 or 3 people, or a full figure (head to toe), it's best to use A3.

What sort of frame do you use for drawings?
A stylish, plain, lime-washed ash moulding, approx 1inch width & depth, with a plain cream mount approx 3ins wide.

What if I want a different frame?
The price list above shows both framed & unframed prices. so if you prefer to choose your own frame, that's no problem.

How long will it take?
I allow one week for a drawing of one person, and 2 weeks for 2-3 people. This can vary a little, but I prefer to allow enough time rather than disappoint the client. It is especially important if the drawing is to be a surprise present, to allow enough time. Also please remember I often have a waiting list.

When will I have to pay?
20% of the total price is payable before I start the drawing. This is non-returnable if for any reason you change your mind and don't want the drawing. The balance of 80% is payable upon delivery of the finished drawing. In the case of drawings sent by post, unfortunately due to some instances of non-payment in the past, I now have to ask for payment in full before I send the drawing. 

What payment methods do you accept?
Cheques or bank drafts in sterling or euros. I am in the process of setting up Pay Pal, so hope to be able to also accept credit card payments in the future.

I've decided I want commission a drawing. What do I do?
If possible, please scan a selection of photos at a low resolution, and email them to me, for me to choose from. If scanning and emailing the photos is a problem, you can post them to me instead. Do please tell me which are your favourites and I'll do my very best to use them. However, I will tell you if I think they're not suitable. When we've agreed on the choice/s, I will need the actual photo/s to work from. I will of course take great care of them, and return them promptly.

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All work copyright © Catharine Kingcome. No unauthorised reproduction permitted