COMMISSIONS

Commissioning a portrait

Commissioning a piece of artwork, particularly a portrait, is a deeply personal experience for both the sitter and the artist.

My goal is to foster a memorable and enjoyable collaboration. A key part of my process is building a connection with the sitter, as well as with the person commissioning the piece, if they are not the same individual.

With every commission, the work I create is inspired by our meeting and the conversation we have.

I offer two ways to commission a portrait: a multilayered portrait and a line portrait. You can find details on the process and pricing for each option below.

Further enquiries? Please complete the contact form for more information or to express your interest in a commission.

MULTILAYERED PORTRAIT

Process and Pricing

The commissioning process begins with a conversation to learn about the subject of the portrait. My process focuses on creating portraits of individual subjects.

A sitting is then arranged, during which I create initial studies from life and take reference photographs. Depending on the sitter's availability, the preliminary drawing for the portrait - the underdrawing - may be done from life or based on the studies and photographs.

The final portrait is developed through layers of coloured pencil, capturing the sitter’s movement, form, and emotional depth, with stronger lines to anchor the subject.

I use museum-quality, lightfast, oil-based coloured pencils. Typically, the portrait takes 8-10 weeks to complete, unless a specific delivery date is agreed upon.

Guide Price

  • 59 x 42 cm (A2) or smaller £3,000

  • 84 x 59 cm (A1) £4,000

  • 119 x 84 cm (A0) £5,000

  • 120 x 120 cm £6,500

  • 150 x 120 cm £8,000

LINE PORTRAIT

Process and Pricing

Line portraits are unique, spontaneous drawings created from life during a single sitting with the subject(s).

A sitting lasts for up to six hours, during which I produce a series of line drawings in various poses. I can draw individuals or up to four people, with each subject drawn separately.

I work with museum-quality graphite and coloured pencils on paper sizes ranging from A2 to A3. We will discuss your preferred paper size in advance.

The sitting can take place at my studio in South London, at your home, or another suitable location. Should we be unable to meet in person, an online sitting can be arranged.

The price of the session is £2,000

This includes four drawings from the sitting.

Additional drawings from the sitting may be purchased. The prices vary based on the size of the work:

  • 59 x 42 cm (A2) £400

  • 30 x 42 cm (A3) £300

 FAQs

British artist Curtis Holder drawing at the National Theatre during his artist residency

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