How to commission a painting
I paint in oils and specialise in portraits - especially in costume. I can be commissioned to paint individuals or groups. I work from my own photographs, and am currently only able to travel within the UK. Please see below for more details, and contact me if you have any queries.
Process
Once you have contacted me (via email jane@janegardiner.co.uk, messenger, instagram, or hand written letter), we would agree on a rough idea, size and time scale and then arrange a photoshoot, which normally takes at least a couple of hours - this includes time to get to know you and for costume changes if needed. As above, I'm only travelling within the UK currently, although I would like to attend Venice Carnival 2022, and will be willing to accept commissions for this or other events closer to the time. A 30% deposit will be due after initial talks and before the photoshoot.
Time Scale
After the photoshoot I will make small sketches/paintings working out ideas before getting the go-ahead on one composition. However, they way I work means that things are likely to change during the making of the final work, and I will be happy to send work in progress pictures if desired. In general, I would expect to finish the work within 3 months of the photoshoot, but this can be subject to change - and will be longer after events if I have more than one commission. If so, I will keep you up to date. I would be grateful if you could tell me if there is a deadline during the initial discussions.
My Work
I am very happy to include favourite costumes, patterns, birds and plants - or any other ideas you have - and this will be discussed as we go along. One of the delights of painting for me is in not copying a photograph, which allows a lot of freedom for the imagination within the final image. I often change things as the painting demands, but leave evidence of the painting process within the final work. This lends itself to suggesting detail, rather than photographic realism, and means the person will be portrayed in an imagined space. Meeting new people is a joy, and it is a delight to paint new faces, from the very young to the very old, with every possibility in between.
Prices
Price depends on size, and I tend to work life size or smaller - the below is a rough guide.
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A small head (approx 30x30cm) £800
Head and Shoulders (approx 60x40cm) £1500
Half Figure (approx 100x80cm) £3500
Full Figure (at least 120cm high) £5000 upwards
Multiple figures as above plus 50% per additional person (except very small children)
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This includes all my expenses, tax and delivery, but not framing - which I can arrange or advise on as needed.