Commission FAQ’s

1. Photos

One of the most frequently asked questions is “what photos do you need”. The simple answer is that the better the photo, the better the final drawing will be.

A clear, sharp and detailed photo enables me to zoom in close and incorporate lots of detail into your picture. If you only have low resolution photos or photos where the subject is not near to the camera, then the final drawing will lack detail and be a little softer.

We will discuss this when you send images through.

Obviously if you still have the animal then you can take new photos, but for memorial pieces I will do my best with the photos you can supply. It is useful in these cases if you can supply a number of different photos so I can see variations in colour/markings in different light conditions.

I can also visit you to take photos if you are local and government restrictions allow – this will increase the cost of the portrait slightly to cover my time and diesel costs.

2. Variations in Pastels

I use both soft pastels and pencil pastels, along with different types of papers, but what’s the difference to you?

Soft pastels are blocks/sticks of pigment, so you get great colour and quite a soft effect in the portrait. Pastel pencils are the same pigments, but in a pencil format – whilst still being much softer than a graphite or coloured pencil, they can allow for far greater detail in the portrait.

In terms of papers, pastels require a paper with “tooth” which means that the paper can hold different layers of colour. A smooth paper like you’d have in your printer at home or work, wouldn’t hold the pastel and it would fall off, so pastel papers often have quite a rough surface. A standard pastel paper may show this roughness through the colour, giving texture to the portrait.

Pastelmat is a specialised paper which has a unique coating which allows for multiple layers of colour whilst still having a smooth appearance.

Both options allow for fantastic portraits, but the decision is yours as to which you prefer. Feel free to discuss this with me and I can send additional samples for you to view so you receive exactly the finish you desire.