Frequently Asked Questions









1
How do I commission a portrait?
The best way to start is to give us a call and we'd love to chat through your ideas and vision. Together, we'll recommend the best style, artist, composition and size based on your preferences. If you'd like to go ahead, we'll then introduce you directly to your preferred artist who will be in touch within 24hrs to arrange dates for sittings and / or photography!
2
Where did your artists train?
Portfolio London pride ourselves in selecting some of the most personable and talented artists in the UK. Many of whom are classically trained and have trained at the top establishments around the world. These include Charles H. Cecil Studios in Florence, London Fine Art Studios, Central Saint Martins and more.
3
What's the difference in approach between adult and children's portraits?
No two commissions are the same and we're always keen to create an experience as memorable and bespoke as the final painting. In general, many adults prefer to be painted from life, as it's a truly unique experience, sittings are incredibly fun and it's a wonderful way for artists and sitters to get to know each other and truly capture personalities in paintings. Sittings can either take place at home or in Portfolio London studios.
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Typically, we're mindful children might find it a little trickier to 'sit' for a portrait. As a result, we'd usually love to visit children at home, and capture more candid and relaxed photographs from which we will paint / draw from, when back at our studios.
4
Do you work with international clients?
Yes! Portfolio London have the pleasure of working with international clients around the world - including Dubai, Germany, America, Australia, Ireland and many more. We can paint from photographs, travel to visit you at home, or alternatively paint from our studios if / when you next visit the UK.
5
I'd like to be painted from life but am time poor / don't live in the UK, how can we make this work?
We're conscious everyone has very busy lives. As a result, we are more than happy to arrange sittings entirely around you. We usually like to complete paintings within 6 months and so we can arrange sittings on weekends, in the evenings (so long as the light holds) and throughout the weekdays.
6
Can your artists paint from existing photographs?
Yes! Many of our artists are more than happy to paint from existing photographs and will always let you know if the quality / clarity isn't quite right or if further examples are required to ensure the best possible painting. Our artists can combine multiple photographs (for example, if painting a family portrait but with cousins based around the world), use a single photograph, replicate existing photographs or indeed, visit to take their own. We can also start paintings from life and then complete them from photographs.
7
Do you arrange framing?
Absolutely. Portfolio London works with two London based framers who are experts in their fields. Having worked on Royal commissions and with the likes of Christies and Sotheby's, we're very lucky to work with such quality and personable individuals. Ordinarily, we'll take your finished piece to our framers and send across 3-5 options that we think might look best. Once you've decided which you prefer, it typically takes 2 - 4 weeks to frame from then!
8
How much does it cost to commission a portrait?
The price of commissioning a portrait really does vary depending on artist, style, size and medium. No two commissions are the same and so we recommend sending us an email or giving us a call; once we know more about what you'd like, we can share a view of prices live.
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Very importantly, Portfolio London and artist prices are exactly the same. Arranging your portrait through Portfolio London means you benefit from choosing your preferred style and artist from a select group of the very best. Portfolio London can then arrange framing, courier and act as additional support throughout the whole process - at no extra cost.
9
Where are your artists based?
Our artists are based all around the UK. We have a number based in London, others based in Wiltshire, Scotland, Oxfordshire and more. Our artists are always very happy to travel to meet clients at home and so their location will never impact the quality or experience of your commission.
10
What's the lead time for a typical portrait?
Lead time varies by artist. Typically, waitlists range from 2 - 9 months. If you'd like to commission a portrait, we therefore recommend confirming this as soon as you're able, to ensure no unnecessary delays in getting your painting underway! However, we recognise there are always exceptions and so if there is a more immediate timeline in mind, do get in touch and we'll always try and move things around to accommodate!
11
What's involved in being painted from life?
Lots of tea, podcasts, music, conversation and the most magical experience you've likely had to date! Many of our artists employ the technique of sight-size. This is where the sitter is sat next to the canvas and painted from sight, to the scale of life and only under natural light. This follows the techniques of the Old Masters (including Titian and Van Dyke).
Depending on the size of the portrait, we recommend x5, 2.5hr sittings for a head and shoulders portrait and anywhere up to x11 sittings for a full length portrait. These sittings can be organised entirely around your diary. Whether it be starting and finishing within the same week or finding a morning a month for 6 months. We'll make it work for you!
12
Can you arrange family portraits to be painted from home?
Absolutely! Our artists love visiting clients at home and together, creating a composition that is most meaningful to you. We can incorporate any and all symbolic objects, colour match the background / furnishings to the room your painting might hang in, and bring to life a really wonderful final piece you'll treasure.
13
Why Portfolio London?
Portfolio London is one of the leading portrait and bespoke fine art commissions businesses in the UK. Our reputation is for creating the most astonishing works of art that are both current and timeless and most importantly, are the result of hugely personalised and unique experiences. We have more testimonials than we can count.
Whilst we can tailor communication across any preferred channel, so much of what we do is via phone call, WhatsApp or in person. This is since we want to associate the incredible experience of commissioning fine art with fun, friends and memories. Whilst the important things are shared on email, we find this personal nature makes us both extension of family and friends as opposed to more 'official' channels, largely associated with 'work', 'bills', and more!
Bouquets of flowers, chocolates, thank you cards and much more have all been so generously (and very unexpectedly) shared to Portfolio London and our artists over the years. Each testimonial never fails to make us beam with pleasure and thank you to each and every one of our previous clients for making this such a special business.
14
I'd like to commission a landscape. Can you paint from a photograph and / or visit the setting to paint en plein air?
Portfolio London works with many clients, creating beautiful and meaningful landscapes. Typically, these are bringing to life favourite holiday memories, the place couples became engaged, the view from home and much more. We'd be pleased to either paint from your photographs or bring our easels to paint en plein air!
15
Do you do animal commissions?
Absolutely! We represent artists who specialise in animals and wildlife. Similarly to children, we can either paint from existing photographs or visit to take our own, before painting from our studios.