Frequently asked questions

Q. Do you work from photographs or life?
A. Producing an artwork from your photographs is very often the most practical way. I will take my own source photograph where practically possible for a subject, whether a landscape or portrait.

Q. What are they produced in?
A. My landscape artworks today are painted in oils or acrylics. I also work in pencil besides other media.

Q. How long do paintings take you?
A. The highly detailed bigger paintings I produce can be time consuming taking anything from 10 hours up to about 100 hours or a lot more.

Q. Is there a waiting time? How soon can I get a picture?
A. I do keep a note of your details and what is required of your commission, and it is first come first served generally. I allow each commission a time slot to be produced. I would allow time for you to look at the artwork and for any needed reasonable alterations. September to December can be busy, so if you require your picture to be ready for a specific date, then please 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.

Q. When do you need the photos?
A. I don’t need the photographs to work from 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.

If I need to take photographs of the subject to work from at quite a distance from my studio I might ask for a small charge for distance and time. The amount is at my discretion according to location and time involved. This charge will be part of the total cost of the finished piece of art. The photography part is a none refundable part of the process towards the final piece of art where I include travel, time and expertise in acquiring what I need. You are not required to go ahead with the commission after this stage.

Q. I am not a very good photographer, what should I do?
A. I can take the photographs for you, in fact I prefer to where possible. I will quote a price for this service when you commission a picture, and this depends on time and distance to obtain the photographs I can use.

Q. Can you frame the picture for me?
A. As standard I prefer not to do so now and moulding requirements, price bracket and transport can make it awkward. But if you need me to do it, I can but would need to know what is needed. But posting out pictures framed can be costly and risky. 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.

Q. What should I do if I want to commission a picture?
A. Speak to me in person at a show or contact me by e-mail or phone to discuss your idea for a commission.

Q. How much is a portrait?
A. It depends upon the size and complexity of the picture. A price has to be agreed after we have discussed your requirements. The brief price examples further up the page is a starting point, a specific quote is given when I know what you require.

Q. How do I pay?
A. A Bacs payment works best, but I can take cash or use my card machine in person.

Bacs:   Mark Langley   39957051   608371
 
Q. Do I need to pay a deposit?
A. At the point of booking me to produce the piece of art, I like to take a 30% deposit to secure you a time slot. This date may change if there is a hold up in relevant source material or a change of mind by either of us on when due to start work. The balance amount does not need to be paid until completion.

Please remember I take an amount for photography if my services for this are needed over a significant time and distance from my studio, if rather than using your supplied photographs. This amount is part of the total work involved in producing a commission.

Q. How do I get in touch with you?
A. Preferably by email to my Belper studio: mark@mark-langley.com

​Telephone: 07849 657898

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I don't have a gallery or shop but I work from my home studio in Belper, Derbyshire. You will find my artworks for sale in a number of galleries listed under News and events, Art galleries. And track me down in person at Events and exhibitions listed!

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