Commission a Custom Watercolour or Pencil Portrait
Every portrait I create is more than just a likeness — it’s a personal work of art that captures personality, emotion, and story. Whether you’re looking to commission a portrait as a heartfelt gift, a keepsake of a beloved pet, or a way to celebrate family, I hand-paint each piece in watercolour or draw in pencil from your photographs.
Based in Scotland, I create custom portraits for clients across the UK and beyond, working in a realistic style with attention to fine detail.
How to Commission Your Portrait
Commissioning a portrait should be simple, inspiring, and enjoyable. Here’s how we’ll bring your idea to life:
Choose your medium
Watercolour painting or pencil drawing?
Pick the size
From intimate head-and-shoulder portraits to larger family pieces. 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 photoographs
High-resolution images work best.
Confirm your booking
Pay a deposit to secure your commission.
Personalised Pricing
Every portrait I create is a one-of-a-kind artwork, carefully hand-crafted to capture personality, emotion, and story.
To give you the best value and ensure your portrait perfectly suits your needs, I provide personalised quotes based on the size, medium, and number of subjects. As a guide, pencil portraits start from £150, and watercolour paintings from £225.
- All artworks are supplied unframed, giving you the freedom to choose a frame that complements your home and style.
- Post and Packing - UK delivery via tracked Royal Mail Special Delivery (signature required). Typically £15 - £20 depending on size and weight. Overseas delivery quotes available on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my portrait take?
Each piece is created entirely by hand, so please allow 4–6 weeks for completion.
If you need your portrait for a special occasion, I’ll let you know if I can accommodate your deadline before confirming your booking.
Which style should I choose?
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.
Which medium should I choose?
Watercolour portraits — perfect for capturing vibrant skin tones, subtle shading, and the fine details that bring a face or pet to life.
Pencil portraits — ideal for a timeless black-and-white finish with beautiful texture and depth.
If you’re unsure, take a look at my gallery to see examples of both styles.
Are my photographs good enough?
The better the photograph, the better the final artwork.
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Use high-resolution images in good lighting.
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Natural daylight works best — avoid harsh flash or deep shadows.
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A clear, sharp focus on the subject’s face is essential.
- For the best results, choose photos where the subject has a relaxed, natural expression — either a gentle smile with a closed mouth or a thoughtful, neutral pose.
If you’re not sure whether your images will work, email them to me before booking and I’ll happily check.
Can I combine people or pets from different photos?
Yes, I can combine subjects from different images, although it works best if the lighting, angles, and image quality are similar.
Examples of unsuitable photographs
