BIOGRAPHICAL PORTRAITS
A photograph can record what you look like, but a biographical portrait is about who you are, and who you are becoming. Bring together into a single powerful image the people, the values, the visions that are important to you, that remind you why you are here.
A biographical portrait is the perfect way to mark a special birthday, a wedding, or other turning point. As a memorial, a biographical portrait is the perfect way to celebrate the life of a loved one.
HOW IT WORKS
The process is designed to bring out what needs to appear in your portrait, while also protecting your privacy.
The Questionnaire
When you click on the link below, I send you a two-page confidential questionnaire to help me get to know you better (or the person the portrait is for, if a gift). You also receive a full set of templates to give you a first idea of the range of possibilities for your portrait. Four sample templates appear below.
The questionnaire asks about your values, your life, your loved ones, who and what inspires you. It takes from 15 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on how much time you have to give it. In cases where the portrait is to be a gift or a memorial, you can answer based on your knowledge of the person to be painted.
The Conversations
When you send me the completed questionnaire I will contact you to arrange a first online interview, via Whatsapp, Skype or Zoom. For clients in the southeast of England a personal appointment can sometimes be arranged as well. We will go through the questionnaire together, and also consider which templates appeal to you most. (The templates are only a starting place—your portrait will be completely unique.) I will ask you to send copies of any relevant photographs.
After the first conversation, I will send you a quotation, and a deposit of 20% of the total cost will be payable by bank transfer.
I will produce several sketches, working out how the different elements can come together in a single image. In no more than a week, I will send you copies of the sketches, and we arrange a second conversation.
In the second talk, you have the opportunity to give feedback about the sketches and any other relevant information or images. During this conversation, I generally also need to take screenshots of you, and might need also to draw you.
During the next 7-10 days I arrive at a compositional sketch, and send you that.
If necessary, we have a third conversation to make any last adjustments before I start the actual painting.
The Painting
The Painting will be done in oil, and will take from three to six weeks, depending on the scale and complexity of the image. I will let you know the starting date for painting, which will depend on how many other portraits I have on at the time. Once begun, I will send weekly progress reports so that you can watch the image in process. Sittings: The portrait can usually be done on the basis of sketches or photographs I take during the conversations or photos you provide, but as the painting develops I may also need to see you again online or in person, generally for no more than 20 minutes.
The Delivery
When the painting is finished, I will arrange delivery by courier (or will deliver personally if you live relatively close). The remaining payment is due upon delivery.
Prices depend on size and complexity.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
SAMPLE TEMPLATES
Below are just a few options of the templates that can be considered for your biographical portrait.
