COMMISSIONS

Would you like a custom portrait of yourself, a loved one, your children, your pet, your house, your world.......?
Below are some examples of portraits and other commissions I have done. All I need is a photo that clearly shows the details of what you would like me to paint. A portrait of a loved one, pet or special place makes a unique and special gift that will be treasured for years to come. I also offer gift certificate vouchers if you would like to give someone the option of choosing their own photo. If you would like to commission me to do a painting especially for you please read the info below and contact me here or through my fb page MelTing

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MORE INFO

Reference Photo

The ideal photos are those taken in outside on a slightly overcast day and show the features and colouring clearly. Avoid harsh, direct light as much as you can. Morning or afternoon light is best rather than midday. If you can't take it outside then have them pose near a window with the sun or light source behind you, that way the light falls on the subject clearly and the features can be seen. For pets that just won't stay still, burst mode or continuous shooting mode, allows you to take several shots within seconds. I prefer painting animals without their collars on so please remove it for the photo unless you have a strong preference that it is included in the painting.

The eyes are so important as they are indeed windows to the soul. The best poses for a painting are like the photos above with the animal looking directly at you, either taken from above the animal for a dog or cat or at the same height as their face. Close is good but not so close that it distorts the nose and mouth. Maybe give them a treat or hold one in your hand while you take the shot to get them to focus their unwavering attention on you!
The photo that you send should be high resolution and fairly large, ideally the file should be at least 6 or 7mb, but at least 4mb. Resolution is the detail an image holds, ie pixels per inch. Save the photos in the highest resolution possible. Taking a photo on a phone should be fine, although if you do have an actual camera the photo quality will usually be better. The lower the quality of the photo is the less details will be in the final  painting. It's best if you can send me several photos as that gives me a good frame of reference. Sometimes it is not possible to take photos, in which case I will do my best with what you have. If you have any changes that you would like made to the portrait that are not in the photo please notify me at the time of ordering and we can discuss the possibilities. Feel free to ask if you have any questions regarding the photo.
My email is meluk98@yahoo.com

Price

This depends on various factors, such as size, medium, complexity and number of pets or people in the portrait. I usually paint on canvas board using either acrylics or oil, and draw and paint on high quality paper using ink and watercolours. My work starts from £40 / €45 for an 8" x 8" ink drawing or stylised colour painting on paper and £95 / €105 for an 8" x 8" (20cm x 20cm) acrylic painting on canvas board. These prices are for the head and shoulders of a person or animal against a plain background of your chosen colour. If you would like a larger painting, more than one subject or a different background, the price increases. I also do reduced prices for people on benefits and low incomes, please enquire for details. I request half the payment upfront and the rest on completion, this is to protect me against a client changing their mind after I have already spent many hours working on the painting. Payments can be made directly into my bank account or through paypal. Click here to see my price list.

Completion

Usually within three to six weeks depending on my schedule, however if you need it sooner for a birthday or other special event please do let me know and I will do my best to complete it in time. Please note that oil paints have a much longer drying time than acrylics so the painting will need to dry for at least three to five weeks after completion before I can package it for delivery.

Framing and Varnishing

I do not offer a framing service but I am happy to advise you on frames to compliment your painting. If you would prefer the painting done on a box canvas with the sides painted ready for hanging please let me know when ordering. If you are going to frame your painting under glass then it is better if the painting is not varnished. However if you are not going to frame your painting and would like me to varnish it please let me know when you make your order and I will do so at no extra charge. Please note that varnish takes at least two weeks to dry before the painting is able to be shipped.

Delivery and Returns

Shipping within the UK is with Royal Mail using their standard rates. The price obviously varies with weight and size but to give you an idea, for an 8 x 8' painting, postage and packing is £5. I wrap my paintings carefully with bubble wrap and cardboard. As all my commissions are non-refundable, if you would like to pay extra for insurance for on your item against loss or damage during shipping please let me know and I will arrange it. I am able to ship to the rest of the world, prices vary depending on the size of the painting, please enquire for details.

Copyright

Please note that while you will own the drawing or painting based on the reference photo you provide, as the artist I will retain the copyright of the image and retain the right to reproduce it. It is possible that the reference photo you provide will be used in conjunction with the finished drawing on my website or in promotional posts on my social media etc. If you would not like the photo you provide used in this way please notify me at time of purchase. If you as the client reproduce the painting you have purchased for profit it will be a violation of copyright. Commissioning me to do an artwork means that you agree with these terms.