Zoom Portraits
The opportunity to commission a unique portrait online.
At the start of the first Lockdown (in the UK, the 17th March 2020) I began a project that involved painting nineteen portraits for exhibition at the end of the restrictions.
I had already started using Zoom by then, for a writing class. The viewpoint it gave me of each of my co-attendees sparked an idea that I could use this technology to record this unusual period of time. I was taken with the odd perspectives I was seeing and the unguarded expressions and gestures on display in the constrained environment.
It occurred to me that I could draw anyone, anywhere, from the comfort and safety of my studio in Swansea and that they would be, in turn, at ease in their home surroundings.
I set the portraits up on a 16:9 ratio to match the screen I was viewing the sitter on. This necessitated blanking off the top and bottom of the canvas as I could not get the correct proportion from suppliers at the time. I decided to paint the edges uniformly black using a matt blackboard paint which I later sprayed with satin varnish. This also acted as a nod to the computer screen surrounds, especially so, when framed.
Co-vid Portraits
Sit for me
If you've ever considered having your portrait painted, or to have a loved one commemorated, I am taking in person sittings or online commissions via Zoom. Contact me to arrange a session where I will make sketches and take photographs/screenshots while we talk. I will then paint an original portrait on stretched wrapped-edge canvas using the source material. The service is available for Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia.
Prices
Small (300x400mm) - £850
Medium (400x500mm) - £1,250
Large (500x600mm) - £1,750
Three-quarter length (500x800mm) - £2,500
All prices are unframed and do not include postage. Framing can be arranged on request.
Testimonial
"I have know Simon for many years. I have never been drawn before nor commissioned a 'portrait' from a figurative artist. When Simon offered this service when lockdown happened I thought it would be fun to 'push one's boundaries a bit'. Simon is an accomplished artist and I am very pleased with the framed result which is now hanging on my office wall. The 'Zoom sitting' was fun and went quite quickly. I would happily recommend Simon to anyone contemplating having a contemporary portrait undertaken"
Bill
(Posted with the sitter's permission)
Conventional Portraits
Portraits are painted in oil paint on a range of substrate including canvas, linen and wood. They are edged with a gilt foil and can be supplied framed or unframed.
Most are around 400mm high. Slightly smaller than life size.
Framing
Portraits can be supplied framed if required. The photograph shows a comparison of the three sizes offered and the two styles of framing. The black frames are painted wood and the silver are brushed aluminium. Other styles/materials can be sourced if preferred. Frames are supplied with hanging wire already attached.
I recommend a tray style frame (custom sized to each portrait, as each canvas varies a little in size from another). These do not include glass and are therefore easier and lighter to ship.