Commissions and pricing
Commissioning a portrait is a dynamic and exciting project to undertake. Special occasions take on an extra significance when something so unique is being created for you. An original, beautiful piece of art will be enjoyed and appreciated for many years to come and can add an air of dignity and prosperity to your home.
I have been drawing and painting animals for many years, and I still love the process of seeing a portrait come to life on paper. Animals are as much individuals as people, and this is one of the reasons that we love them so much. I work from photographs, ensuring a highly detailed finish, and will assist you in the process of choosing your image and background. Once you have placed an order, you will receive progress reports and photos as the creative process gets underway.
I work in graphite, watercolours, acrylics and coloured pencils. Each medium has its own qualities and strengths.
Graphite portraits are striking. They accentuate tones and are particularly suited to images with unusual lighting.
Coloured pencils are surprising, they make fur look so real that you want to touch it! I use an extensive range of colours and brands to achieve many different effects, they are particularly effective for colourful subjects.
Watercolours have been around for a long time, and I find that the application of many smooth layers of paint looks wonderful on horses, or similar larger animals or scenes.
Pets, Animals, Food and More!
I don’t paint just pets – what about a famous race horse, Australian wildlife or a favourite breed of cattle? My passion for food is also beginning to feature more and more in my work, I really enjoy the challenge of working with a different range of colours and surfaces to achieve lifelike looking drawings of different dishes and ingredients.
Portraits generally take between 2 – 5 months, depending on the time of year (allow more for Christmas orders) and the size and complexity of the picture.
My portraits are drawn and painted from photographs. I love painting details – whiskers, noses, and eyes – and in order to get these as accurate as possible, I need clear, close up photographs. If you have yet to take yours, here are some points to bear in mind.
Portraits are unframed, because of the restrictions of sending framed works, but they are beautifully presented in a cream coloured mount.
If you would like the animals name on the portrait, please let me know.
General tips of taking a great photo:
- Colours are more accurate outside.
- Avoid taking photos from above, it distorts body shape. Crouch down to the level of a smaller animal, and take a photograph straight on.
- Rope someone in to help you. They can hold your animal, wave brightly coloured toys, or take the photograph!
- Smaller animals can be held over an arm or shoulder – you’ll get a great head shot!
“Thank you Jo for the amazing portrait of our beloved Cleo, we now have our beautiful girl back home with us” – Kylie
How much will it cost?
To make it easy, I have included a price estimation guide below. I work in many different shapes and sizes, so for the most accurate pricing, please submit a quote form. If you still have questions, you can read the FAQ’s or submit a query.
| Graphite/one colour tonal drawing | Full Colour (coloured pencils, watercolour or oils) |
| A4 21 x 30 cm – $350 | 30 x 40cm (12″ x 16″) – $840 |
| A3 42 x 30cm – $600 | 40 x 40cm (16″ x 16″) – $1160 |
| A2 60 x 42cm – $1400 | 40 x 50cm (16″ x 20″) – $1450 |
| A1 85 x 60cm – $2800 | 60 x 60cm (24″ x 24″) – $2520 |
| 30 x 30cm – $450 | 60 x 75cm (24″ x 30″) – $3150 |
| 40 x 40cm – $800 | A4 21 x 30 cm – $600 (coloured pencils or watercolour only) |
| 50 x 50cm – $1250 | A3 42 x 30cm – $840 (coloured pencils or watercolour only) |
| 60 x 60cm – $1800 | A2 60 x 42cm – $1500 (coloured pencils or watercolour only) |
| 70 x 70cm – $2300 | A1 85 x 60cm – $3000 (coloured pencils or watercolour only) |
Fees
The cost includes consultation and development of your composition, design and sketching of the images, completion of the portrait, presentation in a complementary, pale-coloured matt, and carriage (including insurance).
I require a 25% deposit on confirmation of your commission, with the final balance being paid upon completion. A high-resolution photograph will be sent prior to payment for approval.