Commission Kate

Below is the final portrait of Abi, a miniature schnauzer, the pose of which was taken from one photo but the colouring and texture was referenced from additional photos. It was completed on mdf gesso primed board with the use of texture paste and impasto acrylics to create a textured effect.

If you are unsure whether your photos are of adequate quality or have any other queries...

Call Kate on 01903 202780 or

contact Kate via email

How to Commission a Portrait or Painting

1. Choose a photograph of the person, pet or place as you would like it drawn (supply more if you would like a combination). It is also helpful to send a few extra pictures of the subject, particularly close-ups, to show colour of eyes and other details etc. These can be sent by email, on a CD or post your originals. Please ensure that your camera is set on the highest quality setting and ideally take the photos outside in natural daylight as flash tends to distort colour.

2. Choose a size. Bear in mind that the size you choose does not include a frame and the more subjects you choose, the smaller they will be drawn in order to fit them onto the paper. Unusually shaped canvases, box canvases and oversize portraits or paintings are all possible - please contact Kate for a quote.

3. Choose a medium. Kate works in colour pastels and acrylic paints but also uses watercolours, charcoal, graphite pencil, collage and other mediums.

4. Choose your preferred background. This can be a specific colour to match a room’s decor or a more detailed setting like an outdoor scene or favourite chair. Detailed backgrounds may incur a small additional fee of up to 20%. For pastel portraits you have a choice of paper colours which Kate can advise you on.

5. Email or post Kate your preferences plus a non-returnable deposit of 25%. Include any special instructions ie. additional collars for pets. Your picture will take from 2 to 8 weeks depending on the size but may take longer in the run up to Christmas, so please book early. Kate will of course endeavour to meet deadlines for birthdays and other special dates. Payments can be made by bank transfer or send a cheque made payable to Kate Tugwell.

6. Choose a frame. Kate will advise you on how to frame the work and can arrange a complete framing service if preferred. She uses a local framer who offers an extensive selection of mounts and frames for reasonable prices. Tailor-made quotes can be obtained in order for you to choose.

7. When your artwork is in progress photos will be posted on the blog to view. At the end of this process you can make final changes if necessary. If you are not satisfied with the final product there is no obligation to buy. Hopefully you will be very happy, in which case please pay the final balance plus postage and packaging. On clearance of the payment your finished piece of art will be posted to you and all original photographs returned. Alternatively, if you live in the south of England and would like to pick up from Kate, arrangements can be made.

Case Example

This is a portrait of a well-loved pub licensee in Brighton. His friends wanted him painted behind the bar and sent me a great selection of photos showing him in various poses which enabled me to get a sense of his character and the atmosphere of the pub. Here are a few photographs I chose to use as my main references. The final piece was 28” x 24", acrylic paint on board and was framed.