Question 1

How much does a pet portrait cost?

Accepted Answer

Pet portrait commission prices start at £195 for a standard sized painting of a single pet, unframed. And £225 for the large size. Click here for all prices including multiple pets and framed paintings

Question 2

How much does a portrait of a person cost?

Accepted Answer

Portrait commission prices start at £295 for a standard sized painting of a single subject, unframed. And £340 for the large size. Click here for all prices including multiple pets and framed paintings

Question 3

What animals do you paint?

Accepted Answer

It will come as no surprise that the common requests are for cats, dogs and horses. However, I am also happy to paint a portrait of your rabbit or parrot, or any animal family member.

Question 4

What paints do you use for portrait painting?

Accepted Answer

I paint in acrylic. I like the vibrancy of the colours, the texture and the speed with which acrylic dries. I use a combination of Daler Rowney System 3,(https://www.daler-rowney.com/system3-acrylic-paint) Windsor & Newton Galleria (https://www.winsornewton.com/uk/shop/acrylic-colour/galeria-acrylic)and Jackson’s studio range.(https://www.jacksonsart.com/search/?q=studio%20acrylic%20paint) I mix and match depending on the levels of opacity I need to achieve for a particular colour palette. Paler skin tones often need a few layers to build up the colour over my preferred cadmium red underpainting.

Question 5

What brushes do you use for portrait painting?

Accepted Answer

My go-to-brush is a Jackson's No. 5 flat, black hog bristle brush (https://www.jacksonsart.com/jackson-s-black-hog-bristle-brush-flat-no-5)or a Windsor & Newton Monarch Round No. 4.(https://www.winsornewton.com/uk/shop/brushes/oil-colour/monarch-brushes/monarch-brush-round-long-handle-size-4-brush-5503004) I like to get as far into a painting as I can with one of these chaps before moving to a No. 8 Silver Stick flat shader (https://www.jacksonsart.com/silver-brush-silver-silk-88-synthetic-brush-series-8801s-flat-shader-size-8)for a little bit of carefully chosen detail.

Question 6

How long does it take to paint a portrait?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, things go smoothly from the off and a portrait can be completed in a couple of days. Sometimes, I’m not so lucky and a I can get into a bit of a battle with a painting. I find it helpful to have several works on the go at any time so I can jump between pieces. This way, I can keep painting, yet avoid getting stuck when what you should really do is step away and give yourself the possibility of coming back to it with what feels like a fresh pair of eyes.

Question 7

Can you paint a portrait from a photo?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. This is how I work. It makes things very simple. All you have to do is send me the photo and I’ll get busy. For help on photo reference for a portrait click here.(javascript:void(0))

Question 8

Do you paint puppies and kittens?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If it’s your pet, I can paint a portrait - however young, or old, they might be.

Question 9

Do you paint children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can choose from painted children’s portraits to delightful charcoal and pencil drawings. All I need is a photo.

Question 10

Are your portraits framed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if that’s how you’d like them. It’s up to you. I can frame your painting in a 20mm pewter finish frame with a white window mount as standard. Click here to see how it will look.(javascript:void(0)) Or, see here for prices.(javascript:void(0)) Or I can deliver to you, mounted only and sized to fit into either a 20” x 16” or 16” x 12” standard frame. Click here for help with sizes.

Question 11

Can you paint a portrait to fit a frame I already have?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All I need is the size of the frame you want to use and the size of the mount, and I can price up your painting to fit. Just email me on hello@carlrussellart.com or call me on 07956 658428.

Question 12

How much is delivery?

Accepted Answer

The delivery cost to Mianland UK for mounted artwork is £9.95, whilst a framed work will cost no more than £25 depending on which size you go for. Please get in touch for prices further afield.