Frequently Asked Questions
1. What's your turnover time?
Sketches can often be fitted around other portraits - please enquire. (Updated 29th January 2012)
2. How much does a pencil portrait sketch cost?
Portrait prices can be found above.
3. Which photos do I send and how?
Please realise that your portrait's quality depends on the photos.
A photo taken in natural light gives the best portrait result.
For a good portrait photo, look across at your subject rather than up or down.
Red-eye, poor contrast etc. can be rectified by the artist.
Emailed photos or a disc are preferred.
4. Can you combine more than one photo into one sketch?
Often yes, but not if the lighting or quality differs greatly between photos. Example.
5. What about payment?
Final payment is due on approval of an emailed image of your completed portrait sketch.
Methods: Paypal, cheque, bank transfer.
Portraits cannot be dispatched without cleared funds.
6. Can I cancel my portrait?
I'll confirm before beginning your portrait.
Orders for portraits may be cancelled any time prior to starting work.
7. How will you send my sketch?
Portraits are sent in firm postal tubes unless otherwise requested, with emailed instructions on handling.
Royal Mail Special Delivery is the securest mailing option,
but you may receive your sketch via Recorded Delivery if preferred.
8. What if I don't like my portrait?
Please read my Returns Policy.
9. Can I order a portrait from outside the UK?
Portraits are posted worldwide. Read More.
10. Can I buy a gift token?
A gift token secures your portrait commission and gives an estimated delivery date (Sample.)
Please enquire.
11. How do you draw your sketches?
The pencil drawing tutorial explains techiques and show photos of detailed portraits in progress.
It also has notes about sketches. Please see the "Pencil Portraits" link under "Portrait Tutorials ."
12. What kind of paper will you sketch my portrait on?
I use a very smooth paper for sketching portraits.
13. Will my pencil portrait be shown on your website?
Portraits and, occasionally, small photos may be displayed unless
I hear a contrary preference from you. Commemorative portraits shown at request of client only.
14. Will you frame my portrait?
I don't offer framing but have compiled advice on framing pencil and coloured pencil portraits.
Please see the link under "Other Pages."
15. Will you sketch my pet?
Sorry, but I only sketch people; pet portraits are in detail (see commissions pages).
Minimal Sketch - Pencil Portrait
Testimonials
A selection from past pet / family portraiture clients.
“This has been very therapeutic for me. Thank you for the sensitive way in which you have dealt with my request.” (Gloria - Commemorative Baby Portrait, ’08)
“Thanks once again for your great work. I know all of us lucky people who've had something done appreciate the portraits of friends, family and pets, but our link to the art isn’t the only thing that makes them so special - you have an amazing talent to capture the emotion of a moment, not just the details.” (Terry - Pencil Portrait '10)
“Your picture has evoked so many emotions in me. You have given me the photo I never got the chance to take. You have also made Luke look so serene. I can see in your portrait how Luke would look today, if he had not been so ill and I could not ask for more.” (Jacqui - Commemorative Baby Portrait in Pencil, ’08)
“I have just received the portrait and I couldn't be more pleased with it. I am having a coffee morning for Swiss Mums next Thursday and I shall proudly be displaying the portrait.” (Lizzie – Children’s Pencil Portrait,’08)
“I have to say it took many hours of searching on the net to find someone who I thought could do this portrait. In fact I think you have exceeded the high expectations I had based on the examples on your website.” (Graham – Commemorative Portrait, Coloured Pencil, ’08)
"I must thank you for the 2 pet portraits of lurchers my husband commissioned for me. It was the best surprise he ever gave me." (Su - Coloured Pencil Pet Portraits 1 2 '07)
"It's great, and you’ve got the babies very well – although I think your portrait is a little bit prettier than we are IRL! Thank-you!" (Sophie - Pencil Portrait, '11)
"I cannot put into words how fantastic it is. You've captured my wife's sparkle perfectly. If you would like to use the portrait on your website I'd be honoured for others to see this masterpiece. This means more to me than you could know." (Lee - Commemorative Pencil Portrait, ’12)
"I love it! The eyes are very expressive and the smile's lovely. I love the background too. Thanks for doing such a lovely drawing of her :) " (Stanley - Coloured Pencil Portrait, '09)
"The portrait is better then I could of imagined!! I know it was a strange request but it's turned out so amazing! I cannot wait to see my mum's face! You've been a pleasure to talk to and so helpful. Every time I look at this portrait I will laugh and smile. It's so Zola!" (Katrina - Character Pet Portrait '11)
"It looks so much better than the actual photo. You've also been an absolute pleasure to deal with! Thank you for saving us from boring-present hell!" (Jo - Pencil Drawing '09)
“My work colleagues were amazed at the likeness and the quality.” (Caroline – Baby Pencil Portrait ’08)
"Thank you for your suggestions about which photo to use and what should be included in the portrait ... Your portrait will certainly be the centerpiece of our collection." (Dave - Pet Portrait '10)
“I received the portrait today and I’m over the moon, I’m going to give it to my sister and her husband today, I can’t wait to see their faces. I’ve had a little plaque engraved with the baby’s name and I’ve put it at the bottom, it looks lovely!” (Rachael – Commemorative Baby Portrait, Coloured Pencil, ’08)
“That's fantastic - the portrait's still totally like Nathan but just slightly enhanced - perfect!!!” (Lizzie – Pencil Children’s Portrait, ’08)
"It’s almost as if you can reach into the portrait and feel the texture of his skin. The only problem is waiting to give them the portraits. I feel like a kid waiting to open presents at Christmas!" (Terry - Children's Pencil Portraits 1 2 ’10)
" This portrait is more than I could ever ask for. Rodrigo was the most beautiful dog we've ever known. I love him so much, and now I can see him forever in this drawing." (Amy - Commemorative Pet Portrait Coloured Pencil, '07)
“Wow - You really are a terrific artist. She may look better here than she does in person, ha ha! Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with me!” (Paulina – Coloured Pencil Pet Portrait ’08)
“The portrait's just arrived - it's stunning! I'm sure I will back!” (Nadine - Pencil Portrait’08)
8x10" Sketch
Pencilsketch.co.uk
Pet Portraits; Portrait Drawings: Children, Families and Weddings; Sketch Artist, Nudes, Figurative, Non-figurative
UK Pencil and Pet Portrait Artist.
This Artist uses
