painted portraits: original
photograph reference and
the finished oil portrait

There are three types of canvas option you can choose for a painted portrait. They are all included in my prices so you can select whichever you prefer.
Click on the images to enlarge them

TRADITIONAL STRETCHED OR 'BOX' CANVAS These canvasses are available in various thicknesses - typically either 38mm (1 1/2") or 18-20mm (3/4") deep. They can be hung directly on the wall  for a more modern look, or framed as normal. If you intend to have the canvas framed, it's best to go for a thinner option or you will need a deep frame to hide its edges. It has the most textured weave of the three.		CANVAS BOARD This is a convenient option for a painting that you are going to have framed as it is only a few millimetres thick and doesn't require a deep frame. Canvas board consists of traditional cotton canvas, stretched and glued over a stiff board panel. They are very portable and durable, which may be a consideration if paying for international postage. Canvas board has a medium - textured weave.		CANVAS 'PAPER' This is a very  useful option if you already have a frame in mind and would like me to work to particular dimensions. It is a heavyweight paper textured with a canvas weave, designed for oil paintings, and remains entirely flat when paint is applied.  If you select this option, I will mount the paper to board for strength and to prevent creasing. Canvas paper has the finest weave of the three.

You can read a lot more general advice about photos on my commissioning a portrait page. In relation to painted portraits, as opposed to pencil portraits, if you want more than one person in the photograph then it really is a good idea to supply me with a photo of those two people together, rather than two photos taken at different times. A person's colouring - their skin, eyes and hair - can vary tremendously from photo to photo! And this may look odd in the finished work. It's really worth taking some new shots if you can. This also applies if you want multiple, separate portraits say of a couple of children. Ideally, you want the lighting and tones to still be fairly consistent from painting to painting.

framing

I supply portraits unframed, however I can offer advice on what kind of frame an oil portrait requires and what will suit your portrait. My framing a painting page has some tips on how to frame and look after an oil portrait