Portrait Commissions

If you would like to commission a portrait of yourself, a loved one, or maybe even a family pet, please get in touch with me via the contact form or by emailing hello@simonmilesart.co.uk.

I've broken down the process of commissioning your portrait into several simple steps. This should give you a good idea of what to expect and how to proceed.

Step 1 - Enquiry

First of all make an enquiry via the contact form or email me at hello@simonmilesart.co.uk. It helps to know what size you are of thinking of for the portrait, who the subject will be, or if there is more than one subject. From this we can arrange a phone call or virtual meeting to discuss your requirements, I paint from photo references so it is handy to have a good quality photo of the subject. In the pricing secton below is a table of starting prices for various popular portrait sizes, the final cost will depend on the size and complexity of the painting, i.e. the number of subjects and any specific background requirements.

Framing and shipping aren't included in the prices, I can ship the portrait unframed so you can get it framed at your local framers, or I can arrange to have a frame built for you. Shipping costs depend on the size of the portrait and your location, I can deliver the painting personally if you are relatively local.

Step 2 - Proposal

From our discussion I will then provide you with a proposal, with details of the composition, portrait size, expected timeline and pricing. If you are happy to proceed I'll require an upfront deposit of 50% then I can get started.

Step 3 - Painting

Depending on my current workload it can take from 1-3 months to complete your portrait. I'll keep you updated on the progress at various stages throughout the process.

Step 4 - Completion

Once complete I will share high quality images with you for your approval. When you are happy and the oil has dried (this can take up to a month after the painting is finished) I will carefully package and deliver your artwork upon receipt of the final payment. At this stage I will also arrange framing if it was requested.

Pricing

Below are a selection of starting prices for popular square and portrait format canvas sizes. Multiple subjects and more complex compositions/backgrounds will increase these prices slightly.

Square Format		Portrait Format
Size	Price	Size	Price
8″x8 (20x20cm)	£400	16″x20″ (40x50cm)	£800
20″x20″ (50x50cm)	£1000	20″x24″ (50x60cm)	£1200
24″x24″ (60x60cm)	£1400	24″x30″ (60x76cm)	£1600
30″x30″ (76x76cm)	£2000	30″x40″ (76x100cm)	£2500
39″x39″ (100x100cm)	£3000

Further information

If you have any questions, please get in touch!

Materials used

I use Windsor and Newton Professional or Jackson’s Premium stretched cotton canvasses depending on the canvas size required. These come in either a 19mm or 21mm depth. I will paint around the edges so that if you use a floating frame to display your portrait the edges of the canvas don’t show. If you want to display the portrait unframed I can use a deep edge box frame if required. I paint using Michael Harding oil paints, which are some of the finest quality oil paints handmade here in the UK.

Varnishing

Traditional varnishing can only be done after the oil has fully dried, generally 6-12 months. I can either supply the painting unvarnished, with a temporary retouching varnish over which regular varnish can be applied after 6-9 months, or with a synthetic varnish such as Gamvar which can be applied once the painting is dry to the touch.

Framing

I can build a handmade floating frame for your portrait in a range of wood colours, or I can arrange for a frame of your choice to be made. Alternatively I can supply the portrait unframed so you get your portrait framed at a later date.

Delivery

Delivery is priced separately depending on the size of the portrait and your location. If you aren’t too far away I can deliver it myself. Your portrait will always be well packaged to avoid damage during transit, and will be fully insured and tracked.