How to order
Choose what type of portrait
Do you want a pencil drawing or a watercolour painting?
Choose the size
Do you want a small or large portrait? Double and family portraits are recommended to be larger. Bear in mind that both drawings and paintings will need framing which will add approximately 3" all round to the overall finished size.
Email your photos
Send your high resolution photo(s) to info@racheldrakeart.com or use the contact form.
Pay the deposit >
A deposit of £100 is required for all painting commissions (£75 for drawings). You will be sent a copy of the finished portrait to approve before the balance is due. This allows any minor changes to be made so you are completely happy.
**Before placing an order please email me in the first instance to discuss your ideas using the contact form.**
Please note: Portraits can take up to 6-8 weeks to complete due to the time consuming nature of painting so please bear this in mind if you are wanting one in time for a particular date or event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find information about the commission process including price guides. I will help you through the process from start to finish so please contact me for an initial discussion of your ideas. The following information will hopefully answer some of the questions that you may have.
What style of portrait would you like?
Most portraits are painted in a traditional head and shoulders pose. However, you may wish to have a zoomed in, cropped portrait of the face which will look more dramatic and contemporary.
If you are unsure of what style you would like your portrait commission or would like to get some ideas please take a look at the galleries to see examples of my work. The portrait gallery has a range of commissions in pencil, biro, watercolour and acrylic with various compositions.
What media?
The most popular choices for portraits are either pencil drawings or watercolour paintings. I can also do acrylic paintings and biro drawings. Drawings and watercolours are worked on paper so will require mounting and framing by the client; acrylics will be painted on canvas.
Read my advice on choosing the right frame for your portrait commission on my blog page.
Watercolour
Watercolours are ideal for portraits as the translucent nature of the paint creates beautiful skin tones. Fine details can also be achieved for the realistic style I am known for.
Pencil drawings have a timeless quality and many people like the simplicity these black and white portraits offer.
Pencil Drawing
Photographs
I generally work from photos for portraits as most clients find this more convenient. The final result is dependent on good quality photographs being supplied so please read the information on what makes a good image and some do's and don'ts regarding lighting and pose.
Open mouths should be avoided as most portraits look better with a more serious pose or a smiling closed mouth.
I usually work from one main photograph but having additional pictures also helps me to understand the subject in more detail so sending several is preferable. If you are wanting a double portrait please supply an image that includes both subjects together. Although I can amalgamate two different photos into a single painting the results are never as good.
Photography guidelines
- Photographs need to be clear and taken in good light.
- Natural light is advised as indoor lighting can effect colours.
- High resolution digital images should be emailed to me.
- Most people use phone cameras which are acceptable as long as the photographs are good quality, clear and are high resolution. This differs between handsets so using an actual camera is still preferable to ensure good quality pictures.
Examples of unsuitable photographs
Prices
Prices start at £85 for a small drawing and £120 for a small painting. As each commission is unique an individual quote will be given to you during the enquiry stage.
What size of portrait you require can depend on which medium you wish me to work in.
All portraits will be supplied unframed.
Post and Packing - All portrait commissions will be sent by tracked delivery and will require a signature. Delivery in the UK starts at £10 and will be determined by size and weight.