Commission A Custom Portrait Or Drawing
If you’re thinking about commissioning a pencil portrait or drawing, please feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation chat. I'm more than happy to discuss your requirements, answer any questions you may have and provide a quotation.
If you decide to go ahead, I will guide you through the process to make sure I create a drawing you’ll love and cherish.
Below are the details of prices as well as a step-by-step overview to help explain the process.
Prices For A Commission
Portraits
All of my portrait commissions focus solely on the subject. I do not usually include a background but this can be customised depending on personal preference.
Prices for People & Pet Portraits
£350 for one subject (person or pet)
£650 for two subjects - in either one drawing or two separate drawings
£870 for three subjects - in either one drawing or three separate drawings
I give a portion of proceeds from all commissions to support projects in Burma (Myanmar).
Drawings
Drawings of memorable places, botanicals etc that don't include a subject's face, can sometimes be done for a reduced price. Feel free to email me your photographs and I will let you know the cost.
Giclee prints
If you would like a reproduction of your drawing to give to family or friends, high quality giclee prints are available on request.
I use a specialist fine art printer who uses archival-quality paper and pigment-based inks to ensure true giclee reproduction. In fact, they are produced to such a high standard, it’s often difficult to tell them apart from the original drawing.
I always arrange for a high resolution scan of your completed drawing prior to mailing it to you so that giclee prints can be requested in the future.
High Quality Giclee Prints
£35 for mounted giclee print (to fit in 30 x 40 cm frame)
Commissioning Process
Below is a step by step guide to commissioning a drawing. Here you'll find some some helpful do's and don'ts which will help to make the process quick and easy - ensuring that I can produce the best possible drawing for you.
Photograph selection
To produce a high quality and detailed drawing, I generally work from a single, good quality photograph – which we agree upon before I start. Sometimes it can take a few emails back and forth to pick the right photograph, but it’s well worth the effort and I will work with you in that process.
Photo quality is so important because I tend to zoom in to capture the delicate detail of the subject, thus enabling me to get a good likeness. This is difficult to do if the photo quality isn’t good enough. So, higher resolution photographs are preferred. Nowadays, these can often be captured on a good smartphone camera.
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The subject should be in focus and there should be sufficient light to enable me to see and zoom in on the detail.
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Choose a photograph where the subject is in the foreground. If the subject is distant and too small, I will not be able to see enough detail to produce a good likeness. So, a close-up photograph of a full head and torso shot is always best.
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Photographs taken outside in natural light (but not in direct sunlight) often produce a better image to draw from.
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Choose a photograph that you feel beautifully and accurately captures the subject. This will inevitably make for a better portrait.
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I will only draw the subject as displayed in the photograph. I am not able to change the facial expression or features of the subject.
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For portraits where the subject is looking at the camera, I need to be able to see the eyes clearly - this is key in being able to capture the essence of the person or pet.
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It is not possible to create an accurate portrait by attempting to combine multiple photos. I need to work from just one photograph and so it’s really important to choose the right photo!
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Please email me any photographs in as big a file size as possible. If your computer or phone asks you to reduce the file size to send, please don’t!
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I can work from printed photographs but a digital image emailed to me is always preferred.
People
If your commission is of a person, they don’t necessarily need to be looking at the camera. Sometimes a photograph of a person doing something enjoyable or caught ‘off guard’ can express the unique character of the person you know and love. Either works well - it very much depends on your personal preference.
Pets
It’s important to get down on the same level as your pet to get a good 'head and shoulders' shot. Ensure your pet is still to avoid blurring the photograph. Focus on the face but always include the whole head and neck in the photograph.
Please try and take your photograph at a distance of about 1-2 metres away from your pet. If the shot is too far away, when I zoom in, I won’t be able to see the definition. But if it’s too close, it will distort the face, making the head look disproportionately large and the body too small.
Sending photos
Digital images can be sent electronically via email to: info@kellybarnesportraits.com
Paying the deposit
Once we have agreed on a photograph and an estimated completion date, I’ll email you to confirm the price and ask you to pay a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total price.
Please note that your slot is not guaranteed until the deposit has been received.
Creative Process
I usually draw on 28 x 36 cm paper and mounted drawings generally fit within a 30 x 40 cm frame. If you would like to commission a drawing of a different size, or have a specific request, please contact me for a quotation.
All of my drawings are done on Stonehenge 100% cotton paper, manufactured by Legion, a fine art paper mill. I only use the best quality drawing pencils.
How long will it take
I would normally expect to complete your drawing within 3-4 weeks, although this does depend on my current workload and I am always busier at certain times of the year.
If you need the drawing for a specific date, please let me know and I will do my best to meet your needs.
Sign off
Once I have completed your commission to my satisfaction, I will email you a photograph of the drawing for your approval. If there are any small amendments you would like me to make, just let me know. I always want to make sure I have created the most accurate portrait and that you’re delighted with it.
Once completed, I will then set the drawing with fixative spray.
Mounting your drawing
If you would like your drawing mounted, please let me know as I would be happy to do this for you at no additional cost.
Mounts are off-white. Mounts and backing boards are produced by Daler Rowney, sourced from FSC accredited, sustainable forests and manufactured in the UK. Mounts conform to the Fine Art Trade Guild requirements for Conservation (level 2). This is the gold standard for protecting your finished drawing.
If mounting is not required, your drawing will be presented on a backing board in a clear, biodegradable sleeve.
Payment and Delivery
Final payment
Once you have approved the drawing, I will request payment of the remaining 80% balance. The cost of postage and packaging will also be added to the price of the drawing. This is usually no more than £12 for Special Delivery within the UK, or £17 for Tracked and Signed outside the UK. I will send you the finished drawing once the final payment has cleared.
Payment can be made by direct bank transfer, Paym or cash on collection.
I donate a portion of the total price of each drawing to support ethnic minorities living in Eastern Burma. Why Burma?
Delivery
Post: All drawings are sent using Special Delivery within the UK. If you live outside the UK, you can still commission a drawing. Royal Mail's Tracked and Signed service is recommended to ensure safe delivery for international commissions. Your drawing will be securely packaged and marked as fragile to ensure it arrives in good condition.
Collection: You’re very welcome to collect your drawing in person if you'd prefer. I am based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Website & social media
I would love to display your finished drawing on my website and on my social media (Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest) to promote my business.
If you would prefer to not have your drawing used please let me know.