Information
What’s in a kit?
Every thing you need!
Up to 40 tubes of high quality artists oil paints. The colours are ready prepared by me - you don’t need to mix any shades. The template for the painting is printed onto linen textured acid free oil painting paper. Brushes, a reference sheet to refer to if you should make a mistake and a practice sheet are also included. There are detailed instructions and tips on producing a really high quality painting.
Who are the kits suitable for?
Anyone with a reasonably steady hand and good eyesight can produce a painting to be proud of if they follow the instructions. I have even supplied a colour blind customer and they were delighted with the result! However most children under about 11 would probably struggle with the finer details.
Choosing a photo
It’s worth taking time to choose your photograph to base the painting on. It's difficult to predict what will produce a good painting so you can send me an image and I’ll let you know if it is suitable. Generally bright clear photos work best, though an oddly lit, badly taken photo may translate into a lovely painting. The main thing is that it is in focus. School photos work really well for childrens' portraits.
Here are some helpful tips:
- For portraits, a simple head shot with the face(s) taking up most of the picture is best.
- It needs to be in focus.
- For portraits don’t worry about the background - I usually cut
around the image and replace it with a plain colour - this focusses attention
on the face.
Sending me a photo
Feel free to send me more than one image if you a not sure which one is best. You can email picture(s) using the 'request a quote' button. If you want to send a paper print please use registered post if it is your only copy. I will return it in the post with the kit via registered or special delivery. Or you can send me a CD labeled clearly with your name and address (a copy, or via special delivery). Please see ordering page for the address
Prices
A straight forward kit, up to 30 by 48 cms in size is between £45 and £65 plus delivery.
the price depends on how many colours and other variables - see below. The ready made kits are £28. There are other sizes and options (see how to order), please request a quote.
Delivery
Delivery is by 1st Class Royal mail.
- Within the UK £2
- Europe £6
- Most of the rest of the world £10 (subject to Air Mail conditions
How to order
You can order a ready made kit or a gift voucher directly on this website. To order a painting from a photo use the order form to send your photo(s).
There are a few options which may cost a little extra - these include:
- Colour matching the background or part of the image to suit your decor - you will need to send me a colour swatch. I can’t guarantee an exact match but it will be pretty close.
- More than one subject - this may mean a higher number of colours..
- Including the background on a portrait. Generally I replace the background with a plain colour so if you would like it included let me know. This adds to the number of colours.
- I include general retouching in the price but if you would like me to really change the image in some way I may need to charge a little more. I have in the past airbrushed out teenagers tooth braces and moved two people closer together to fit them in.
- Larger sizes look fabulous and are available on request. So if you
would like a bigger project to get your teeth into let me know!
Please do feel free to be creative with your ideas, you can email me for a quote.
How long will it take?
You should receive your kit within 3 weeks of ordering. (a little more if you are outside the UK). If there is any reason for it to take longer than this I will inform you. If you have a particular delivery date let me know and I will try get it to you in time.
Money back guarantee
It’s very unlikely you will want to send your kit back but if you finish your painting (with reasonable care!) and are not happy with it you can send me the painting and I will refund all but £18 of the cost (to cover materials). This is in addition to your statutory rights.