How long is a piece of string? This is dictated by multiple factors such as the number of subjects, the level of detail and the quality of the reference images provided. I will spend as long your piece needs never rushing the job at hand. In general I spend a minimum of 16 hours for a small piece and anything up to 60 hours on large pieces with multiple subjects!

No. Soft pastel is a delicate medium which requires a very specific method of packaging. Simply put, there is too much space within a frame for the pastel to move, so I could not guarantee that your piece would arrive in the same condition it left me. I always recommend visiting a professional framer in your area who is familiar with soft pastels and can use their expertise to guide you in picking out the very best frame for your artwork and surroundings.

I work to a waiting list on a first come, first served, first deposit paid basis, however if you do find yourself needing a rush job for a specific date, please speak to me as soon as you can. Although I can’t make any promises, I will see what I can do to move things around.

Yes! I want to ensure that your artwork arrives with you in tip-top condition, no less. When putting delicate artwork through the post it will be subjected to knocks, bumps, and less-than careful handling. I want to ensure that the soft pastel remains on the paper where I put it! I use an outstanding archival quality fixative called ‘Lascaux’, and I spray four coats all together. This stuff is made in Switzerland and is very expensive, but in the case of fixatives you get what you pay for. It does not alter the colours of your portrait even a little bit and gives you peace of mind to know that you are getting the very best of the best.

These luscious sticks of Joy are pure professional pigments with the tiniest amount of binder added to allow the powder to hold its shape. These are the same pigments used in the most prestigious brands of oil paints, but stronger and more concentrated because they aren’t diluted with oil! This also means that they don’t have the same drying time as oils so you will receive your portrait much quicker.

Not at all, soft pastels are a different beast! Chalks are made of exactly that- chalk. Calcium carbonate with dyes added which are subject to fading in the light. Because calcium carbonate is white in colour, this gives everything a washed out appearance. In comparison, soft pastels give an unparalleled depth of tone and colour, allowing me to create the darkest darks and the lightest lights. The professional brands that I use stand the test of time; they last hundreds of years when properly cared for

Like a toolbox where each tool has a different job, such is the same with soft pastels. Different brands behave in different ways, so i keep a multitude to hand for all scenarios. My favourite workhorses are Unison Pastels which are hand made here in the UK in Northumbria. I also use Terry Ludwig’s from the US, Henri Roche, Girault and Sennelier all from France.

Soft pastel is a dry medium so if you touch it- yes, it will smudge. This is why it’s important to frame behind glass. I ship your piece protected with a layer of glassine paper which protects the artwork. Once you have lifted the glassine ‘flap’ to view your piece, lay it back down and keep the piece within the packaging I shipped it in until you are ready to frame.

My two favourite papers are Pastelmat by Claire Fontaine and Velour paper my Hahnemuhle. Which paper I choose is dependent upon the subject and the composition. Pastelmat lends itself to sharp, defined images, whereas velour has a softness which is great for out of focus effects.