Adult Portraits

The sitting

If you’ve never commissioned a portrait before, it’s natural to wonder what’s involved. The good news is that it’s far simpler, and far more enjoyable, than most people imagine, and I’ll guide you through every step.

It starts with an informal chat, where we talk about what you’d like: the size, the mood, the setting and what you’ll wear. Once we’ve agreed on the details, I’ll confirm the price.

I paint in oil and charcoal, ideally from life in my studio in the Surrey Hills, where the natural light makes a real difference, though I’m happy to paint on location too. A head-and-shoulders portrait usually takes two to three relaxed sittings of about two hours, filled with easy conversation and breaks along the way. The Surrey Hills are right on the doorstep if you fancy some fresh air. If time is tight, a shorter studio session or photographs can work too.

You’ll see the portrait develop along the way, and I’ll check in with you at each stage.

How does commissioning a portrait work?

It starts with an informal chat about what you’d like: the purpose of the portrait, where it will hang, the size and mood, what you’ll wear and the background or setting. We’ll plan where and when the sittings will happen, and once we’ve agreed on everything, I’ll confirm the price.

How many sittings does a portrait take?

A head-and-shoulders portrait in oil or charcoal usually takes two to three sittings of about two hours each, with regular breaks. A couple of consecutive sittings is ideal, because time together is what lets me capture depth and character as well as a likeness. I understand life is busy, though. For many people I’ve painted, it has been a single studio session of a few hours, or a photograph session. We’ll find what works for you.

What is it like to sit for a portrait?

Much more relaxed than most people expect. We chat, take breaks, and the time passes quickly. Many sitters say it feels like catching up with a friend over coffee. Ideally we work in my studio in the Surrey Hills, where the natural light makes a real difference to the finished portrait, and you’re welcome to visit beforehand. I’m also happy to paint on location if there’s enough natural light.

Can a portrait be painted from a photograph?

Yes. I prefer working from life, but if live sittings aren’t possible, I can work from photographs, ideally ones I take in my studio, where the light is right. For children, I always work this way: a short photo session in the studio of about five minutes, with no long sittings.

How much does it cost to commission a portrait?

The price depends on the size of the portrait, the medium and how much is involved in the composition. I’ll confirm it after our first meeting, once we’ve agreed on the details.

How long does it take to paint a portrait?

Most portrait commissions take around x weeks from our first meeting to the finished portrait, depending on the size, the medium and how the sittings fit around your diary. Oil portraits also need time to dry before they can be framed. If you’d like the portrait for a particular date, such as a birthday, anniversary or Christmas, let me know early and we’ll plan around it.

Do you frame portraits?

Yes. The right frame can make a real difference to how a portrait looks, so I’m happy to advise you on framing or arrange it for you. I can also deliver the finished portrait. For large commissions outside SW London and Surrey, travel to deliver is charged separately.

What should I wear for a portrait sitting?

I always tell my clients this: the best portraits happen when I get to know the person behind the facade, not a carefully curated version of them. It's always best to skip the "does this look appropriate" outfit and wear the thing that actually feels like you. The pattern you love but never quite dare, the colour that makes you feel like yourself, the fabric with some life and movement in it.

I love painting brightness. I love a bold print, a fun texture, something with a bit of flair to it. So please, be as out there as you like. The only real rule: it has to be authentically, unmistakably you. That's what I'm painting... Not the outfit, you in it.

Testimonials

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.”
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

“There is a power in my eyes I have never seen before, and I love that.”
General Dame Sharon Nesmith

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to have my portrait painted by Caroline. Her talent and professionalism are clear to see from the artwork displayed. Thank you for seeing us for who we are.”
Francesca Lever

“I love it so much and I hope it inspires others to get theirs done too...”
Sophie Cruz

“Thank you, I’ve never felt so comfortable in front of someone.”
Sally Phillips

“It’s amazing the way you can capture a long period of time in one moment.”