Commissioning a portrait
Perhaps it’s a milestone birthday, a retirement, or a wish to capture your children just as they are now. A portrait holds a moment in time that you’ll keep for years to come.
I paint in oil and charcoal, mostly from life, in my light-filled studio in the Surrey Hills. Sitting for a portrait is far more relaxed than most people expect. We talk, we laugh, and I get to know you as I paint. If live sittings aren’t possible, I’m happy to work from photographs.
Every portrait is different, so the price depends on the size and how much is involved in the composition. I’m always happy to chat through what you have in mind and give you a quote. The right frame can make a real difference to how a portrait looks, so I’m glad to advise you or arrange framing for you too.
Everything you need to know…
Testimonials
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![A black-and-white sketch of a young girl with short hair, smiling, wearing a bow in her hair and a top with rounded collar.]()
Jessica Peters
“My sister and I were overwhelmed by the portraits of the children for my fathers 60th. Caroline made the whole experience very enjoyable and easy - she takes photographs of children instead of requesting live sittings. We really will treasure them forever! Thank you Caroline.” - Jessica Peters
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![Painting of a young girl with curly brown hair, blue eyes, and a pink bow in her hair, wearing a blue garment.]()
Lucy & Thomas van Straubenzee’
“Thomas gave me a portrait of our daughter Mary as a Christmas present. Caroline had previously been commissioned to paint Thomas's father and did such a wonderful job that she was the obvious choice. The painting fills my heart with joy each time I look at it. She has captured Mary's energy and spirit, alongside an uncanny likeness. Caroline communicated regularly with us on the progress and made sure we were completely happy throughout the process.”
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![A young man with glasses, wearing a leather jacket over a checkered shirt, sitting on a leather couch with his arm resting on the armrest.]()
Mark MacLaine
“It all begins with an idea - I’ve never sat for a painting before so I wasn’t sure what it’d be like. Sitting for Caroline is like hanging out with a friend for tea/coffee. I wasn’t sure if I could sit still for that long but it wasn’t like that. I had no idea it’d be so much fun sitting for a portrait, it is not what you’d imagine. I haven’t laughed that much in ages…and the result is absolutely stunning.”
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![Painting of three young children sitting on a sofa, holding hands. All three have blonde hair and are wearing colorful clothes.]()
Catriona Palmer
“The picture is a moment in time which I have wanted to capture and Caroline has caught it perfectly. The children's personalities shine through. She has managed to paint the naughty sparkle Poppy's eye, the specific rather unique way Arabella crosses her legs and looks after her little sister. Hugo was very young so who knows how she managed to paint his so perfectly. I will treasure this picture and know it will be enjoyed by the children forever, always.”
