If you have any unanswered questions not answered below please contact me.
How long before I receive my order?
I typically take around 6 weeks to complete a portrait (from receipt of photo/s), depending on size and content.
I will send your order only once full payment has been received. UK orders will be with you within 2-3 days of receipt of payment. International orders will take longer. If you have a pressing deadline to meet, e.g. a birthday or anniversary, please let me know.
How much does it cost?
The price is dependant on a number of variables - size, medium (painting or pencil drawing) and the number of figures in the portrait. Please see my price guide. I can also provide quotes for bespoke portraits.
How do I place an order?
Please either complete the contact form or telephone me. More on how to place an order.
When do I pay?
A 50% deposit will be required before starting work on a portrait. Final payment will be due upon completion of the portrait.
Is the deposit refundable?
The 50% deposit is non-refundable once the portrait has been completed to my satisfaction. In the event of cancellation, the deposit will be returned in full only if work has not commenced on the portrait. In the event of cancellation, if work has commenced on the portrait but the portrait is uncompleted then 50% of the deposit (25% of the overall fee) will be returned to the customer and 50% of the deposit (25% of the overall fee) retained by the artist.
Can I make secure payments?
Yes. I accept secure online payments via PayPal.com.
Can you paint or draw portraits at sizes other than those listed?
Yes. Please contact me with your requirements. Non-standard size canvases may need to be ordered so will take longer to complete.
How do you complete a portrait?
I work in traditional methods. Paintings are produced in artist-quality acrylics or oils on canvas in an Impressionist influenced technique. Black and white images are produced in pencil on cartridge paper.
What's the difference between oils and acrylic?
Acrylic colours dry at the same rate, through evaporation of water contained in their binder. Oil paints dry very slowly through absorption of oxygen by vegetable drying oil binders. I often use acrylics rather than oils because the quick drying time of acrylic paint allows me to produce work more quickly. Though oil paintings tend to look richer than those painted in acrylics, acrylics are more permanent than oils, are more resistant to the effects of ageing, do not yellow or crack, and remain flexible - an acrylic painting may be re-stretched or rolled-up for future storage without its' paint cracking.
Do you have a gallery I can come and visit?
No, but you can see examples of my portraits on this web site and on my other web site, Birtall.co.uk, which also features landscapes and illustrations.
Which countries will you ship to?
Outside of the UK I have shipped work to Northern Europe, USA and Australia.
How do I choose my photo?
You'll find some tips on choosing your photos here.
Can I combine more than one photo into one portrait?
Possibly. Consider that the light will need to be coming from roughly the same direction in each photo for your portrait to look convincing. If in doubt, I'd be happy to take a look at your photos and give you my considered opinion.
Can I change certain features in a photo?
Possibly, but normally difficult. I can make a judgment once I have seen your photo.
Can I change the background?
Backgrounds can be changed if required but involved backgrounds may incur extra charges.
Can you produce a colour painting from a black and white photograph?
It may be possible depending on supplemental colour reference supplied.
What's the difference between canvas board and stretched canvas?
Please read my canvas guide.
How will the portrait be sent?
Smaller portraits will be sent to UK addresses via Royal Mail Special Delivery. Larger portraits and international orders will be sent via a delivery service such as DHL, Fedex or Parcelforce, depending on current prices and availability of services.
Do you frame the paintings or drawings?
No.
How should I hang the canvas?
Stretched canvas is light and may be hung without being framed. Canvases should be hung in an area exposed to natural, but not direct sunlight.
Can I see the portrait before it is shipped?
Yes. Once the portrait is completed I will e-mail you a scan. If something needs changing it can be changed at this point.
