Commissioning a portrait of yourself, a loved one or friend would make a fantastic present, centrepiece for a room, and ultimately a family hierloom. Don's work captures the person's personality and character of the sitter which will endure and delight generations. Unlike other mediums, oil paints do not fade or alter; canvasses will survive for hundreds of years. Therefore commissioning a completely original bespoke portrait is special and rewarding, and Don aims to make the process as enjoyable and straightforward as possible.
1. How do I commission? You probably have some initial ideas about the type of portrait you would like. Great! Feel free to contact us with your ideas via email - york.portraits@ntlworld.com, or preferably via our Contact Us page. Don will email/telephone you back for an informal chat and answer any questions you may have. It will go from there!
2. What type of portrait can I commission? It is entirely based on your requirements. Don will happily undertake couples, children, pets or a group as well as individual portraits.
3.What is the commission process? After the initial chat about ideas and requirements, Don will visit the sitter in their chosen background to take photographs for the final image. He uses professional quality digital equipment and will take many shots of the individual, then you can help him select later the image to be painted. Don does not usually work with just a normal photograph because they often lack quality of detail. Digitally photographing the sitter means he gains an insight into their character, can make recommendations, and have dozens of images to work from. You do not have to sit for the portrait, making the process easy and efficient. You can also discuss a range of backgrounds or settings you would like the final portrait to include. One subject wanted the same background as the Mona Lisa. Rather enigmatic! He will then begin the painting at home, and could even email you images of work in progress if you wish! Don will normally request a deposit to cover the cost of materials before he begins work, and the remainder will be paid upon satisfactory completion.
4. How long does a portrait take? It depends on the number of works on the easel at any one time! Normally a few weeks, though Don will make every effort to complete a work in time for Christmas, or a birthday, etc. Time to complete a given commission obviously depends upon size and content.
5. Do you frame the portraits? Not normally, though we can recommend some excellent framers in the York area who we regularly work with. One such is
Mark Azopardi, of The Three Ps, Danes Mead Centre York, telephone 07748814854
Don's view is that the choice of picture frame is a personal thing. It is often the link between the portrait and its place in your home environment. Mark has a wide range of samples and is sensitive to customers' needs. He is also a successful local artist - telephone him for a chat.
If you would prefer Don to choose and fit a frame then this can be added to the commission price if it is easier for you.
6. Do you varnish the portraits? It is advisable to varnish portraits to protect them for the long term, although not immediately. It is recommended that varnish is not applied to oil paintings for some months after they are completed to enable the paint to become really dry right through. These days there are a range of turpentine soluable varnishes available, matt or gloss, which can be brushed on or sprayed later. Don will assist or advise if required.
7. How much does it cost? Commissioning an oil painting - a unique "custom built" work of art - is never cheap, but Don's rates are very reasonable and affordable. It will depend on the size and number of sitters in the portrait. Please contact us for a no-obligation quote!
York Portraits Capturing character in Fine Oils Don Lodge York
Portraits - FAQs Page
