Pencil Portrait Commissions
My pencil drawings follow the same thoughtful, collaborative process as my oil portraits, but with a slightly shorter turnaround time.
Pencil portrait commissions focus on detail, tone, and subtle expression. Working in graphite allows for a refined and timeless approach, ideal for capturing likeness and delicate shading.
Charcoal portrait commissions offer a more expressive and tonal style, emphasising contrast, movement, and mood. This medium is well suited to capturing strong character and emotional presence.
1. Initial Commitment & Deposit
Once you decide to go ahead with a portrait, we agree on the size, composition, and final price. At this stage, I take a 50% deposit to secure your commission and begin the project. The remaining balance is paid upon completion.
2. Meeting Your Dog & Taking Reference Photos
Whenever possible, I like to meet your dog and take my own photographs. This allows me to capture their personality and choose reference images that will translate beautifully into a pencil drawing. If an in-person meeting isn’t possible, we can discuss suitable photographs provided by you.
3. Choosing the Best Reference Image
I review the photos and select a few that work well artistically. Together, we decide on the image that best captures your dog’s character and the expression you want the portrait to convey.
4. Creating the Drawing
Pencil drawings allow for a more streamlined workflow, though I still take great care to build depth, texture, and detail. Depending on my workload, portraits generally take 2–3 weeks to complete. I will keep you updated throughout the process.
5. Completion & Final Payment
Once the drawing is finished, the remaining balance is due. Your portrait will then be ready for collection or delivery and if you’d like it mounted, I can arrange.
Framing is not included
When an In-Person Meeting Isn’t Possible
While I always prefer to meet your pet in person, I understand that this isn’t always practical. In these cases, I work from photographs you provide. To create a portrait that is detailed, expressive, and true to your pet’s character, I ask for multiple high-quality photos.
The most helpful images are:
- Clear, well-lit photos (natural daylight is best)
- Shots taken from different angles
- Close-ups that show the eyes and facial features
- Photos that capture your pet’s typical expression or personality
- Images taken at your pet’s eye level rather than from above
If needed, I can guide you in selecting the most suitable reference photo and help you take or choose images that will work well for a portrait. Together, we make sure the final reference truly represents your pet before I begin the artwork.
