Commissioning a portrait is a unique expression of love from one person to another and an intimate heirloom to pass down through the family. I can gather my source images at family reunions or separate sittings can be combined. Significant items can be incorporated such as locations, jewellery etc. Please scroll down for an explanation of my process.
The process:
A portrait starts with an initial sitting in natural light when pencil studies and photographic notes are collected (depending on the subject’s age.) Sittings for child portraits can take place in their own home where they may feel most relaxed. They can also be arranged in my studio in Bath if this is more convenient (if the portrait is a surprise for example.)
I will produce a photographic plan of the painting in advance, taking a fifty per cent deposit only after this plan meets with your approval. There is another viewing nearer to completion when adjustments can be made. Once the final portrait is approved the second fifty per cent payment is due.
I use professional watercolours on a “canvas” of acid-free watercolour board – maximum size 76 x 56cms, or clay /wood panels are also possible as a surface. There is more detail about my techniques here.
Giclee prints: Professional art prints can be taken from your painting and make excellent gifts for loved ones.
What clients have said:
“When we saw Catherine’s work at a gallery in London we knew we wanted three portraits of our children commissioned with Catherine. She has done an outstanding job from start to finish. From coming over to take pictures of the children in their home environment, to jointly selecting the poses from the pictures, to keeping us posted along the way and allowing us to refine her work with feedback. Three magical watercolour pictures in similar light blue tones are the result and a daily delight for us to look at. Such a wonderful gift and we are truly thankful for Catherine’s work! We would recommend her work every day of the week. Thank you Catherine!” Harold 2022
“We were utterly delighted with 2 childrens portraits she did for us.” Renata 2021
“We absolutely love the portrait that Catherine painted for us – I feel it really captures my character and she is an extremely gifted portraitist. Also a delightful person to interact with – sitting for her was a pleasure.” James 2021
“Lovely Cathy did a watercolour commission for us of our kids as a “significant birthday” celebration for my wife. It’s beautiful! We still look at it every day and go…wow…!” Fraser
“Thanks again Catherine, you’ve been a joy to work with and you’ve captured the girls beautifully. We will treasure the painting for many years.”
“So very pleased with the portraits – you have captured them both perfectly.”
“P absolutely loved the painting…There were quite a few tears shed by all concerned. Thank you again for such a lovely painting.”
“I just had to write and say how thrilled we both are with the portrait – it is amazing. I was so wowed by it when I saw it, I was speechless…I can’t wait to get the picture home.”
“absolutely beautiful portraits…I have just opened them and was in tears…I couldn’t have wished for more…thank you”
Please email me for enquiries.