Commission Bespoke Artwork - Drawings & Paintings
If you're considering commissioning a pencil portrait, a fine art drawing, or a watercolour & ink painting, please feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation chat. I'd be delighted to discuss your ideas, answer any questions you may have, and provide a quotation.
If you decide to go ahead, I will guide you through the process to ensure I create a piece of art that 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
I give a portion of proceeds from all commissions to support projects in Burma (Myanmar). Why Burma?
Portraits
All of my pencil 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
Drawings that don't include a subject's face or drawings of botanicals can sometimes be done for a reduced price. Feel free to email me your photographs and I will let you know the cost.
Watercolour & Ink Paintings
Using professional-quality paints and materials, I create bespoke watercolour & ink paintings of family homes, buildings, and special places, capturing their character and preserving cherished memories in a unique piece of original artwork.
Price for Watercolour & Ink Painting
£250 for a painting of your chosen building.
Giclée prints
If you would like a reproduction of your drawing or painting to give to family or friends, high quality Giclée prints are available on request.
I use a specialist fine art printer who uses archival-quality paper and pigment-based inks to ensure true Giclée reproduction. In fact, they are produced to such a high standard, it’s often difficult to tell them apart from the original drawing.
High Quality Giclée Prints
£45 for Giclée mounted print (to fit in 30 x 40 cm frame)
Commissioning Process
Below is a step-by-step guide to commissioning a drawing or painting. You’ll also find some helpful do’s and don’ts to make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible, and to ensure I can create the best possible artwork for you.
Photograph selection
To produce a high quality and detailed drawing or painting, I generally work from a single good-quality photograph, which we agree on before I begin. Sometimes it takes a few emails back and forth to select the right image, but it is always worth the effort, and I will guide you through this process.
Photo quality is very important, as I often zoom in to capture fine detail and achieve a good likeness in portraiture. This can only be done effectively if the photograph is clear and high resolution. Most modern smartphone cameras are perfectly suitable.
For portraits of people or pets -
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The subject should be in focus with good lighting so that the detail is easy to see when zoomed in.
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Please choose a photograph where the subject is in the foreground and clearly visible. If the subject is too small or distant, I will not be able to capture enough detail for an accurate drawing. A close-up image, such as a head-and-shoulders or full head and torso shot, works best.
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Photographs taken outdoors in natural light (avoiding harsh direct sunlight) often produce the best results.
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Choose an image that you feel truly captures the subject well, as this will always translate into a stronger and more accurate portrait.
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I only draw what is shown in the chosen photograph, and I am unable to alter facial expressions or features.
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For portraits where the subject is facing the camera, it is essential that the eyes are clearly visible, as this is key to capturing the character and essence of the person or pet.
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It is not possible to create an accurate portrait by combining multiple photographs, so I work from a single image. Choosing the right photograph is therefore very important.
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Please email photographs in the highest possible file size. If your device offers to compress or reduce the file size, please do not select this option.
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While I can work from printed photographs, a clear digital image sent by email is always preferred.
People
If your commission is of a person, they don't have to be looking directly at the camera. Photographs that capture someone naturally, perhaps enjoying an activity or caught in an unguarded moment, can often reflect their personality just as well as a posed portrait. Both approaches work equally well and are simply a matter of personal preference.
Pets
It’s important to get down to your pet’s eye level when taking the photograph, as this usually creates the most engaging portrait. Aim for a clear head-and-shoulders shot, ensuring your pet is as still as possible to avoid blur. The focus should be on the face, but the entire head and neck should be included in the image.
Please try to take the photograph from approximately 1–2 metres away. If the image is taken from too far away, there may not be enough detail visible when I zoom in to work on the portrait. If it is taken too close, the perspective can distort your pet’s features, making the head appear larger than it is in relation to the body.
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 create my drawings and paintings on fine art paper that fits mounted within a 30 x 40 cm frame. If you would prefer a different size or have a particular requirement in mind, please contact me for a quotation.
Quality materials are an important part of my artistic process. My pencil drawings are created on Stonehenge 100% cotton paper using professional-grade drawing pencils, while my watercolour & ink paintings are produced on Arches cold-pressed 100% cotton paper, valued by artists for its beauty, strength, and archival quality.
How long will it take
I would normally expect to complete your artwork within 3–4 weeks, although this may vary depending on my current workload. Certain times of the year are naturally busier than others, so lead times can occasionally be longer.
If your drawing or painting is a gift that is needed for a particular date, please let me know when you enquire and I will do my very best to accommodate your requirements.
Sign off
Once I have completed your commission to my satisfaction, I will email you a photograph of the finished artwork for your approval. If there are any minor adjustments you would like me to make, just let me know. I always want to ensure that I have created the best possible piece and that you are delighted with the final result.
Once approved, your artwork will be carefully prepared for presentation and dispatch. Pencil drawings are protected with a fixative spray to help preserve the finished piece.
Mounting your drawing
If you would like your drawing or painting mounted, please let me know when placing your order. I am happy to provide this at no additional cost.
Mounts are off-white, and both mounts and backing boards are produced by Daler-Rowney, sourced from FSC-certified sustainable forests and manufactured in the UK. They meet Fine Art Trade Guild Conservation standards (Level 2), ensuring your artwork is protected to a professional archival standard.
If mounting is not required, your artwork will be carefully presented on a backing board and placed in a clear, biodegradable protective sleeve.
Payment and Delivery
Final payment
Once you have approved your artwork, I will request payment of the remaining 80% balance. Postage and packaging will be added to the total cost and typically ranges up to £12 for Special Delivery within the UK, or around £17 for Tracked and Signed delivery outside the UK. Your finished artwork will be sent once the final payment has cleared.
Payment can be made by bank transfer or cash on collection.
I also donate a portion of the total price of each piece to support ethnic minorities living in Eastern Burma. Why Burma?
Delivery
Post: All drawings and paintings are sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery within the UK. International commissions are welcome, and I recommend Royal Mail’s Tracked and Signed service for secure delivery overseas. Each piece is carefully packaged and clearly marked as fragile to ensure it arrives safely.
Collection: You are very welcome to collect your artwork in person if you prefer. I am based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Website & social media
I would love to share your finished artwork on my website and social media (Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest) as part of my portfolio and to help promote my work.
If you would prefer that your artwork is not shared, please let me know and I will of course respect your wishes.