Order a portrait

How to order

To order a commission simply email digital photographs of the subject to: order@gjpetportraits.co.uk. You can also use the online booking tool at the top of the page.
The photograph must be sharp and of high resolution, so that it can be zoomed on the computer screen for fine details. For animal and people portraits it is recommended that the photograph is not taken in direct sunlight or very close to the window which may affect the quality of the photograph, light, colours and shades on the subject. Also, photographs of the head should not be taken from a very close distance as it will make the front of the face (especially nose) look disproportionately large in comparison with the rest of the face. The best way to take a photo for a portrait is to stand a distance away from the subject and zoom the lens onto the head. All this is to ensure that all the important characteristics of the subject can be accurately reflected in the portrait.

Mobile phones are commonly used these days to take pictures. This works well for most objects that are still, but may not work so well for fast moving subjects like animals.
Having said this, whatever equipment you use to take reference photos, as long as the photograph is of good quality, it doesn't really matter! However, if the photograph is of poor quality, it is very difficult (if not impossible, sometimes) to create a good quality art piece. In such cases I reserve the right to refuse accepting commissions from bad quality photos.
Once I have received your pictures, I will look through them and discuss with you which one is the best to draw from.

In creating my art pieces I use the highest quality materials, which are light fast and have archival properties. This means that they will last and last for many years. This is, of course, reflected in my prices.

Depending on the size and the type of the commission, it can take anything from a few to over 40+ hours to complete.

All portraits are made using professional pastel pencils, graphite or watercolour pencils/graphites, on professional paper. They come unframed. I draw mainly on standard size paper (A4 & A3) for which ready made frames are widely available.

Special requests may be accomodated (unusual sizes), wherever possible, subject to availability of the materials. These will be priced on individual basis.

The artwork is adequately packed to prevent damage during shipment.

To book your commission 50% unrefundable deposit will be required for the work to commence, payable via PayPal. This option will also allow you to pay by credit/debit card.

Once the portrait has been completed you will receive a digital photograph of the portrait via email or Facebook message. If you are happy with it, outstanding balance will have to be settled in the same way before the artwork can be shipped.

Within UK Mainland all portraits are posted free of charge via Royal Mail 1st class 'Sign For' service (this is to ensure that the portrait is not forced through your letter box when you are not at home!). Unusual sizes (especially large ones) may be shipped via courier.

Completion time is approximately 4 weeks. That said, during busy times, such as Christmas, it may take considerably longer so please allow plenty of time if you are planning to order a portrait. You will be informed if a delay is expected.

Please take a look at my price list by clicking on the tab at the top of the page.

Please also visit 'Artwork for sale' where you can purchase ready made drawings of pets and wildlife.

PLEASE NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, drawings will be published on this website and on my Facebook page. Occasionally, reference photographs may be published with owner's permission.