The Process

I try to complete  drawings or watercolours within about a month, but if you are in a hurry I will do my utmost to meet your deadline.

 

After our initial contact, and you have decided to go ahead with the portrait, I will ask you for a deposit and for you to forward photos of the animal. We can discuss the project further and I will  soon send you a cropped version of the photo that I think is best to use as reference. Next, I will forward a scan of the drawing or watercolour in outline and at this point we can still change some details. As the work progresses I will keep you updated before sending you a scan of the finished drawing or watercolour. On receipt of the final payment including postage, I will send the  portrait to you. Collection in person can be arranged too of course and sometimes delivery is possible.  

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The Work

Most drawings are done in pencil on pure white smooth Bristol board although I sometimes use a more textured paper if I think that will suit the subject better. Watercolours are usually painted on my favourite  Arches hot-pressed watercolour paper. All works are supplied mounted in good quality acid free off-white board and can be framed if necessary.

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Photographs

Virtually all my animal portraits are taken from photographs. I am happy to visit and take these myself if you are within a 50 mile radius of Turweston, Buckinghamshire. Or you can take them yourself and forward them to me. High quality photos are essential so please use a digital camera if possible. I recommend WeTransfer for sending numbers of large image files - it's free and efficient. All animals are individuals with their own personality and appearance, so please send me plenty of  images of different poses taken from several angles in good light so I can give you the best portrait possible. If I don't think I have what I need, I will ask for more!

 

Click here to see some of my animal portraits

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