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Life Drawing in Soft Pastels by Hettie Rowley
Charcoal Portrait by Hettie Rowley
Bob Wetherall in Soft Pastels by Hettie Rowley
I am a portrait artist from Sydney who recently moved to Newcastle NSW. Apart from painting portrait commissions - pets and people!, I will also start teaching portrait painting here in Newcastle and surrounding areas. As well as holding workshops. For people thinking about having a portrait of a loved one - or themselves done, I've put together a few frequently asked questions to make the process of commissioning a portrait not such a daunting experience.
I work with watercolour, soft pastels, charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, and oils. The choice of medium is entirely up to you. I will guide you through each option, highlighting their unique characteristics, so you can choose the one that best fits your subject matter and budget.
The price will depend on the medium used, the size of the painting and the complexity of the commission.
A small graphite drawing of a head and shoulder portrait can be created relatively quickly - and therefore a lot cheaper than an oil painting that includes a background and maybe even the full figure.
Please view my price list for options.
The size is ultimately your choice, but I’m here to offer guidance. When deciding on the dimensions of your painting, consider the space where it will be displayed. Measuring the area where the artwork will hang can help you visualize how different sizes will impact the overall look of the room. Additionally, think about the scale of your subject matter and how it will relate to its surroundings. A larger piece can make a bold statement, while a smaller one can create a more intimate atmosphere. I'm happy to discuss your ideas and help you choose a size that complements your vision.
The painting will not come framed, but I’m happy to provide a quote for framing if you’re interested. It’s important to note that works on paper, particularly those created with soft pastels, should be framed as soon as possible to protect them from damage. Additionally, keep in mind that larger paintings will typically incur higher framing costs. If you have any specific preferences for framing styles or materials, I’d love to discuss those with you!
Shipping within Australia is at a flat rate of $30
International delivery will be quoted for separately.
Yes, you can request changes to the painting, but there are some limitations. I’m happy to accommodate one major change while the artwork is still in the development stage. After that, only minor adjustments can be made. As the painting approaches completion, typically around the three-quarters mark, making significant changes becomes more challenging. Once I share an image of the final work and receive your approval, I won’t be able to make any further alterations. Your satisfaction is important to me, so I encourage open communication throughout the process!
Yes, I work from both photographs and live sittings. When providing photographs, it’s essential that they are clear and in focus. If a photo is difficult to work from, I may have to decline the commission or adjust the pricing accordingly. Regarding live sittings, I only conduct sessions for adults, as children and pets can be challenging to keep still for extended periods. I appreciate your understanding in this matter!
After our initial consultation, I will send you an invoice. I require a 50% deposit before beginning the work. The final payment will be due once you are satisfied with the final iteration of the painting and before I ship it to you. This ensures that both parties are aligned and that you are happy with the finished piece!
Commission a Painting - Form
Feel free to contact me with any request or question regarding commissions
Question 1: Where and how do I find an artist?
Friends and Family
Maybe you already know an artist. Or maybe you have a friend or family member who is an artist and you’re familiar with their work and love his or her style. Great! Just a little word of caution. Just because you know the artist – do not assume that he or she should do a portrait for you for free. Remember that this is most probably the artist’s only income. Keep it businesslike and professional to safeguard both parties.
Artists Online, Websites, Art Groups and Galleries
If you do not personally know an artist, there are a few ways to find one. Online is most probably the best source. Look for artists (visit their website and social pages) whose style of painting fits your idea of what you want. If you want your portrait done in a photorealistic style then you should not choose an artist with a loose whimsical style, and vice versa.
After all, a portrait painting is a gift to someone else or yourself to be enjoyed for years to come - a gift that will last a lifetime and beyond! It is an investment in time and money.
Local art galleries and art groups are also sources for finding an artist to work with.
Ask to see Examples of the Artists Work
You should always ask to see a portfolio of work before making a commitment choosing an artist. At the end of the day, choosing an artist is instinctive. You will know instantly If an artist’s style of work connects with you or not.
Make a Shortlist
I would suggest though that you make a shortlist of artists who appeal to you. Your first choice might not be available in your timescale or might not be inside your budget.
Location is Not Critical
Just one more note. Don’t let location of the artist influence the final decision. It is better to commission the right artist than someone you are not completely happy with but they just happen to live near you. Finished work can always be posted or couriered to you.
Question 2: How much will it cost you?
Portrait in Watercolour by Hettie Rowley- Portrait Artist
Portrait in Pastel by Hettie Rowley- Portrait Artist
Question 3: You’ve found an artist you like, now what?
Every artist works differently. My process is this. Once you’ve contacted me, I will go through the options with you. This just means a lot of questions so that I can get the context of what to quote on. For instance:
- What size do you want? (If you measure the space, please keep in mind that the painting might need a frame and that will impact on the actual size of the artwork)
- What shape? To help answer that - think of where it will hang? Is the space for it long and narrow or wide and flat? (this will determine if the painting will work better in a portrait or landscape format)
- How many people (or pets) in the painting?
- Head and shoulders only or full figure?
- What medium would you prefer the painting to be in?
- Do you have a certain colour range you want to adhere to? (for backgrounds and clothes etc)
- Is the person to be in the portrait local and can she or he sit for me or is it a surprise and you are giving me photos to work from.
- And very importantly. Completion date. Don’t commission a huge oil painting a month before you want it – it won’t happen.
Pet portrait - Maggie in pastel -Hettie Rowley - Portrait Artist
Pet portrait - Narla in pastels - Hettie Rowley -Portrait Artist
Question 4: What is the next step?
Now that I have all the information, I need from you, I will quote you for the work. If you accept the quote, I will either ask for photos to be emailed to me or arrange a date for an initial sitting. Think of this as getting to know each other. It might take several emails and conversations to sort out this stage but it’s well worth the effort.
If I am to work from photographs, I will ask you to send me more than one from different angles. You can tell me which your preferred photo is but if I feel that another photo/pose will work better then I will discuss it with you.
If the portrait is to be done from life we will arrange for a place and time for the sitting(s). The initial sitting will be to work out the best pose, I will do some initial sketches and take some photographs. We can decide on the background and colour scheme in this session.
I will then present you with ideas/initial sketches for final decision and you will pay a deposit to confirm the commission.
Once the deposit is paid, I will start the painting. Work in progress photographs will be taken and emailed to you once I feel that the work is at a stage where changes can still be requested if needed. Please note, depending on the medium, changes should not be too radical. Asking for radical changes might incur extra fees.
Finally! Your painting is finished.
I will email you a photo of the finished artwork and an invoice for the remainder of the fee. When you approve it and pay the fee, I will package the painting and post/courier it to you or arrange for a pickup if you are local. I never deliver a painting without receiving payment in full first. If it needs to be shipped then shipping charges must be paid at the same time.
Full payment details can be found on the commission page of my website. You can also see more of my portraits on this gallery page
Paintings will be flat packed and drawings will be roll up in a tube unless it’s framed.
Want to find out a bit more? Visit The Royal Society of Portrait Painters.
