Commission a Portrait

An initial free consultation is offered to clients interested in having a portrait painted in the UK without obligation, where details will be discussed to include the purpose of the portrait, the size, content, composition and environment. An explanation is offered of the medium, timescale, cost and all queries answered. The sittings take place at times that suit the client and in the chosen location.

Having a portrait painted can be a rewarding time for both artist and sitter and Maggie needs to appreciate the true personality of the sitter and to start work in their own chosen location; this is so that there is a relaxed and trustworthy feeling about the portrait and procedure.

One portrait can take between 6 to 12 weeks once a commission is placed, all depending on the number of people in the portrait, the size, the medium selected and time allowed for drying. The sittings can be done in the subject’s environment such as home or workplace and could last from 2 to 3 hours each, with breaks depending on availability. Several sketches are drawn, tonal painting is done and photographs are taken at the initial sitting to capture some details, with the more major oil painting stages done back at the studio in between sittings. A final sitting is always preferred to check on detail. If time is very limited then that does not need to be a barrier.