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  Commissioning an original work of art  

The price of an original picture will be based upon the number of hours required to complete the picture, the level of detail and complexity as well as the size of the picture.

A larger size is advised with more subjects (animals or people), to get the full effect of my detailed style of work.

A background can be quite plain, an appropriate setting, a modified one or a completely made up. The price is determined by the complexity.

The following pictures are examples. Please state if you would prefer the framing to be done by my chosen framer.

A quote is provided prior to commencing work and the below are just a guide. If you want something different please contact me to discuss your ideas and requirements.

 
 


Price of a typical animal portrait

Actual portrait size 36 x 46cm (14 x 18inches)
to fit a 20 x 24inches standard frame size
My usual 7.5cm (3inches) mount board all round
 
  White paper background Simple coloured background Detailed setting
A head or
full body portrait
£500 £550 £650
Add a 2nd head or
2nd full subject
£150 £150 £150
Each additional
subject thereafter
£75 £75 £75
 
 
Please be aware that commissioned works are very often an unusal size in order to maximise the picture composition. Please state at the start of your commission if you would like the picture to fit a specific frame size!

These portraits are drawn and presented better with a mountboard edge inside the glass, I typically use a standard 7.5cm (3 inches) wide mount in cream unless stated otherwise.

Please ask for a quote for other sized portraits.
 
 
  Pricing examples for Animal Portraits  
A head portrait - white paper background
 
Fudge
£400 - measuring 29.7 x 42cm
(12.5 x 16.5inches
)
 
  One head with detailed background - detailed setting  
 
Golieth at Blair Castle
£700 - measuring 52 x 50cm
(21 x 19.5inches)
  Two subjects - simple coloured background  
 
Archie and Whisper
£650 - measuring 29.7 x 42cm
(12.5 x 16.5 inches)
  Two subjects - detailed setting  
 
George and Quentin
£800 - measuring 54 x 35cm
(16.5 x 21.5inches)
 
  Three heads - simple coloured background  
 
Our Three Kings
£950 - measuring 42 x 59.4cm
(16.5 x 25inches)
  Pricing examples for Architectural Studies
House or Business Premises portraits and studies
 
A simple part drawn style house portrait
 
Osmaston Cottage
£450 - measuring 2 9.7 x 42cm
(12.5 x 16.5inches)
 
  Property portrait with 4 outer details and plan views  
 
Holmfirth Railway Station
£1500 - measuring 70 x 50cm
(23.5 x 19.5inches
)

£950 - main study with 2 outer details

Note: A larger area and much more hours and research are quite likely to make this kind of drawing possible and effective
 
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Frequently Asked Questions  

Q. Do you work from photoghraphs
or life?

A. I work from good quality photographs, this gets the most accurate results and avoids the sitter getting bored! It also helps to keep my prices reasonable. I do like to meet the subject if possible, and I really need a selection of sharp photos not just the one you want the portrait to depict. I am quite happy to work from either digital pictures by email or off a CD.

Q. What are they produced in?
A. Most of the examples of my work are drawn in graphite pencil and fine grade colour pencil, this is absolutely the best medium for me to show the fine detail characteristic of my style. However if you want a piece in a different medium I am happy to discuss
your ideas.

Q. How long does it take?
A. The highly detailed portraits I produce can be time consuming taking in excess of 30 hours each even for the smaller pictures and up to 150 hours for some larger works. In terms of delivery time I like to allow 3 to 6 weeks per picture.

Q. Is there a waiting list? How soon can I get a picture?
A. I do have a diary and I have to allow each picture a time slot to be produced and then time to return and refine, Certain times of year, especially September to December, are very busy so if you want your picture to be ready for a specific date then book early! A slot in my diary isn’t secured until I receive your deposit.

Q. Can you do a picture for a special occasion or as a surprise?
A. Yes, a lot of my work is commissioned as a present but please give me details so that I can help you keep the secret and ensure timely delivery. I am also hoping to offer gift vouchers soon.

Q. What if I want more than one subject in the same picture?
A. This is no problem, I can put two or more animals, people or a mixture of the two on one picture. You don’t even need to have a photograph of them together I can work from separate photos.

Q. When do you need the photos?
A. I don’t need the photos immediately when you book, if you choose to supply photos I will agree a date when you must supply the photos. If I am taking the photos I will arrange an appointment in good time. Please note that failure to supply photos as agreed may lead to forfeiting your deposit.

  Q. I’m not a very good photographer, what should I do?
A.
I can take the photographs for you, in fact I prefer to. But you get the final say on which photos we use. I will quote a price for this service when you commission a picture.

Q. Can you frame the picture for me?
A.
Yes, this is something you can decide at the start or go away and think what frame design would best suit your taste. If you don’t want the picture framing then let me know at some point before I am ready to finish the picture. Framing is not included in the price unless specifically agreed.

Q. Can you do other subjects?
A. Yes, I am always looking for exciting new ideas! If you would like a picture of ANYTHING you don’t see here let me know, I might be able to offer a special rate for
new ideas.


Q.
What should I do if I want to commission a picture?
A. Speak to me in person or contact me by e-mail or phone to discuss your requirements. I have order forms available but these are two way agreements and we need to ensure that your individual needs are met.

Q.
How much is a portrait?
A. It depends upon the size and complexity of the picture (see above). A price has to be agreed after we have discussed your requirements. The price list at the top of the page is a starting point for each type
of picture.

Q.
How do I pay?
A. At present only by cash or cheque (subject to a guarantee card), I am hoping to use Google checkout on my website in the future.

Q. Do I need to pay a deposit?
A. At the point of booking I like to take a £100 deposit. If you would prefer to pay more at the outset then this is fine. Once you have paid your deposit I will book you a slot in my diary. The balance does not need to be paid until completion.

Q. What is a Giclée print?
A. A Wikipedia explanation: Giclée. I have been very impressed by the quality, Giclée is definately as good as old printing processes.

Q. How do I get in touch with you?
A. Preferrably by email to my Belper studio:
mark@mark-langley.com
 
  To contact me, please email: mark@mark-langley.com
alternatively my telephone numbers are: 07849 657898 or 01773 820515

If we are not able to answer, I would be very grateful if you could please leave a message,
and either me or my wife Katherine will contact you back.

My studio is at my home address:
57 Becksitch Lane, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 1UZ
 
 
Copyright © 2012 Mark Langley Fine Artist. All rights reserved.