Question 1

How do I commission a portrait?

Accepted Answer

Please see my guide to commissioning a portrait, it will take you through step by step how the whole process works. Here you can also find my guide to taking a good photograph (if applicable) for helpful tips to get the best photo possible.

If you know exactly what you want that’s great, but if you need a little help deciding I can advise you as much as you need.

Question 2

How do I send you my photos?

Accepted Answer

You can email your photos to nikcourtney.portraitartist@gmail.com, or you can send me a social media message on Facebook or Instagram. If you only have physical photographs, you can scan them to get a digital image to send by email or direct message. If this isn’t possible, please message me and I will give you a postal address.

Question 3

How long does the portrait take to finish/what is your lead time?

Accepted Answer

My average lead time is six months. If you have a deadline within this time frame then please get in touch and I’ll see what I can do, but in general the more notice you're able to give me, the more likely I'll be able to meet your deadline.

Question 4

What materials do you use?

Accepted Answer

All portraits are drawn on high quality artists paper, usually either Bristol Board smooth or heavyweight cartridge paper.

Pencils – 0.5mm mechanical pencils, Hb and 4B leads

Charcoal – charcoal powder and charcoal pencils, various brands

Colour pencils – Caran D’Ache Luminance and Faber Castell Polychromos

Biros (ballpoint pens) – Bic Cristal Multicolour 1.6mm and Schneider Slider Edge XB

Acrylic Pens – Posca, Tooli-Art and Artistro branded pens

Question 5

Will my portrait be framed?

Accepted Answer

I don't include frames as they're such a personal choice, and there is an added risk of damage in the post.

I work to standard sizing (usually A4 or A3) so frames will be readily available for you to buy, with/without pre-cut mount.

However, for optimal results and longevity I would advise taking your purchase to a professional framer – this is essential if you have asked for non-standard size paper.
 
On receipt of your portrait please handle with care, and do not touch or brush anything against the surface of the paper. Work should be stored in a cool dry environment, and out of direct sunlight. I would strongly recommend framing at the earliest opportunity, leaving it in the sleeve until then.

Question 6

How much does a potrait cost?

Accepted Answer

Please see my Price Guide for more information.

Question 7

Can you use separate photos to do a group portrait?

Accepted Answer

There is no simple answer to this unfortunately. Generally speaking it is possible to combine photos into one portrait but it really does depend on the photos you provide. Please get in touch to discuss options.

Question 8

Can you make amendments to a finished drawing?

Accepted Answer

Once I've completed your portrait, I will send you a digital photograph of the completed work for your approval before final payment.
 
I shall make every effort to execute the commissioned portrait to your satisfaction, based on the agreed details of our discussion beforehand. However I totally understand that small tweaks may need to be made to get things just right. If you do need me to make any amendments, please inform me before approving the digital image.
 
An extra charge will be added for any large-scale alternations (such as the addition of an extra subject) that I should have been informed about before commencement of the portrait.

Question 9

Can I make copies of my portrait?

Accepted Answer

No. All commissioned portraits and other original artwork done by myself are copyrighted in my name – Nik Courtney.
 
I also retain ownership of all rights to any preliminary drawings or sketches which may be made in connection with the execution of the commissioned portrait. The copyright to reproduce the works in copies/prints, derivative work based on the copyrighted image, and to distribute copies is retained by me.
 
Purchase of a copyrighted portrait does not transfer the copyrights. You may not make any copies of any type of the commissioned work, only I can do this for you. I outsource my printing to get the best quality giclee prints. Please get in touch to discuss print options and prices.

Question 10

Will you share photos of my portrait online?

Accepted Answer

I generally publish artwork, and sometimes reference photos, on my website, on my Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as on advertising flyers etc.

If you would like me to delay this (eg it is a present, to be kept secret before a given date), or not do this (for whatever reason), please let me know when you order.

Question 11

I have a question not listed here. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any queries, I’m always happy to help.

FAQ