As a reference for my animal drawings, I use photographs. Please send as many pictures as possible. Preferably digital and I will select a few which I think are suitable. You will have the final decision.
When making pictures of your animals there are a few guidelines to remember:
- If possible make pictures outside or otherwise near a large window.
- Have the light coming from the side when you are facing the animal.
- If possible, make the picture at your animal’s eye level.
- Try to avoid poses where head, shoulders and body are in one line. (frontal pictures)
- Keep the head clear of strange shadows.
- Make sure the eyes are not in shadow.
- Don't make pictures from above.
- Don't make pictures when there is not enough light.
- The quality of the painting depends on the quality of your photographs.
Here are some samples of good photos:
Here are some samples of less favourable photos:
I will keep you up-dated on the progress through email and/or my Facebook page. When I've finished the painting I will e-mail you a digital photo of it. If you like it, I expect payment before posting it out to you. If you really don't like it, you don't have to buy it.
A question often asked is “What size shall I take”. Sometimes it's difficult to choose what size to take. I always advise customers to bear in mind the place where the painting will be hung; is there ample place and will a large painting suit that space, or is it better to have a smaller painting.
Another advise is to look at photographs/paintings you already have. Do you want everything to be the same size, or do you rather fancy all kind of sizes on the wall.
When you can't visualize the size, have a look around you. Look at sizes of other paintings you see. Which size does meet your wishes.
Here are some guidelines for size and price. It is difficult to put a fixed price on a painting, as every portrait is unique.
25 x 35cm - € 125.00 - Fits 1 cat, horse or dog head, or full body of a small pet (rabbit etc).
50 x 35cm - € 195.00 - Fits 2 to 3 cat or dog heads, 1-2 horse head, or full body of cat or dog.
50 x 70cm - € 395.00 - Fits multiple cat/dog or horse heads, or multiple full body cat/dog/horse.
The above prices are for commissioned work done in pastels and excluding delivery. For delivery guidlines please check out the “Art for sale” page. Payments can be done in Cash (Ireland only), Cheques (Ireland only), Bank transfer and Credit Card. If you'd like to pay with Credit Card, I'll send you a PayPal invoice.
Prices for non commissioned art may vary. Examples can be seen at the Art Gallery "Meet you here" in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, Ireland, tel. 00353(0)863002803
Commissioned paintings come with double mount and are not framed. I can have it framed for you. Frames start from euro 30.00 upwards.
I reserve the right to use a scan of my drawings on my website, for prints or for advertising purposes.
Customer emails, in whole or in part may be used as a testimonial. If you would prefer me not to display these, please let me know.