Often Commissioned to Draw or Paint People or Dogs; I do Portraits of Cats, Horses and even Hamsters.
How to commission a portrait
The photograph
High quality photographs with visible details are best. See my advice good photograph for tips on what works best.
Unable to capture the perfect photograph? Often I commemorate loved ones and pets. I do this by using multiple lower quality photos to capture all necessary details.
Can’t decide which photograph? Please send 3 to 6 pictures and I will advise the best to use.
Depending on your location I offer an additional photography service.
Taking my own photographs allows me to capture facial details. I get to understand the sitter, resulting in more expressive portraits.
The Sitter
I aim to capture the essense of the people or animals in my artworks. Please share their character when contacting me.
Protecting the Artwork
I seal charcoal and pastel work with an artist spray to prevent damage and varnish all paintings.
Timeframes
In most cases, I can complete the portrait within 4-6 weeks. If you have any special dates, such as an anniversary or significant birthday, please mention them when you contact me, as sometimes I can get the work done quicker.
Email or What’s App me Photographs
When you have choosen a reference photograph, please send it to me, along with answers to the following questions.
Questions?
- Black & White charcoal or colour?
- Size - Standard A3 (42cm x 30cm) twice this size A2 or half this size A4 (21cm x 30cm).
- Framing – Yes or No? (framing price start at around £100 for A3, excluding postage)
- Posted or Local collection? N.B. All commissioned artworts sent via tracked postal service.
Cost and Payment
The prices vary depending on size, photograph quality, colour options, framing choice. The first step to obtaining an accurate quote is to send a reference photograph via email to me at hello@karenvandegraaf.com
Before I start the work a £50 non-refundable deposit is required. The remaining amount is payable upon completion and your satisfaction.
Case Studies
Case Study A
Meeting this adorable Boxer puppy allowed me to really capture Piper’s boundless energy. View more examples
Case Study B
I took this photograph, meaning I got all the details needed to produce a detailed portrait. For tips on pictures see Good photograph
Case Studies
Case Study A
I drew this portrait of Nina in soft pastels. See below for feedback about this portrait. To see more example of full coloured portraits click here
Having produced hundreds of portraits over the last 7 years for clients across the globe, you are in good hands.
Testimonials
“I am so unbelievably happy and over the moon with the portrait of my beautiful baby girl Piper. Thanks again Karen you just captured everything I love about her so perfectly, couldn’t have wished for any better!..”
Emma Rae Fox
“Karen did a fabulous portrait of our pup Oscar! It was such an amazing likeness and also captured his cheekiness! Would highly recommend. A very talented artist.”
Alisa Westwater
“Karen just completed a beautiful portrait of our 5 year old daughter. We really appreciated her approach to drawing her – a mixture of garden visits and photos – meaning she go to know Nina – which really shines through in her portrait. You’re amazingly talented Karen”
Jill Keegan
“I got a portrait of my Boxer dog for a Christmas present and it’s superb – the best present ever. I haven’t seen such a good drawing of a boxer before. It’s away for framing at the moment and I can’t wait to get it back… thanks so much Karen.”
Ruth McCall