Children’s & Family Portraits
The process
Commissioning a portrait of your child is much simpler than most parents expect. I paint children’s portraits in oil and charcoal from my studio in the Surrey Hills. There are no long sittings, and your child doesn’t need to sit still. All I need is about five minutes of photographs in the studio, and I’ll take care of the rest.
As a mother myself, I know how children are, so I keep things short and relaxed. They can laugh, wriggle and be themselves, and that’s often when I capture their most natural expressions. Before we start, we’ll have an informal chat about what you’d like, from the size and setting to what they’ll wear. I’ll keep you updated as the portrait comes together. I’m happy to paint siblings together, too.
How does a children’s portrait commission work?
Studio photo session: a short, relaxed session in my Surrey Hills studio, where the natural light makes a real difference to the finished portrait.
Painting: I work from the photographs in oil or charcoal, keeping in touch and sharing progress so you’re happy at every stage.
Framing and delivery: I’m happy to advise on framing or arrange it for you.
What is sitting with children really like?
It’s never picture-perfect stillness, and it doesn’t need to be. Children laugh, shift and forget the pose, and that’s usually when the real expressions and the real connection happen. These are some of my favourite moments in the studio, and they’re always full of laughter.
Does my child need to sit still for hours?
No. Unlike portraits of adults, which usually take two or three sittings of about two hours, children’s portraits are painted from photographs I take in my studio. As a mother, I know what children are like, so I keep the photo session as short as possible, usually around five minutes.
Is a children’s portrait a good gift?
Many of my children’s portraits are commissioned as gifts: for a grandparent’s birthday, a family milestone or Christmas. If you have a date in mind, get in touch early so we can plan around it.