Having outlined your ideas, however minimal, Murray will make his own suggestions which are an extension or interpretation of your own initiative and will usually do a sketch for you to think about. He will also give you an idea of cost and the amount of time involved.
Murals are traditionally done in situ, but Murray can paint canvasses ‘off site’ in his own studio in Kent. The canvas can then be fixed to the wall by a small team of experts in a very short time to avoid the lengthy stay of an artist with attendant scaffolding, holding up of building work and inconvenience.
This can often be a cheaper option as it cuts the cost of accommodation. Unbelievably, it’s almost impossible to tell that the painting is not done on the wall itself and the polyester fabric is stronger than any plastered wall surface and completely waterproof for use in swimming pools. The paint – a final coat of varnish is usually applied so that the surface is uniformly coated with a soft sheen.
Another technique is for Murray to do a smaller scale painting which can be photographed in a very high resolution and then digitally reproduced on suitable material – vinyl for indoor use, or aluminium sheet for exterior display, at the required size. The original colours are exactly matched and the definition is excellent.
This works particularly well with large public areas where the painting is seen from a distance and where speed is needed for fixing the image to the wall. The reproduction at a large scale looks identical, when viewed from a distance, to the smaller original work and it has the additional advantage that the work can be reproduced if any damage is sustained.
Making a contract with Murray to paint a mural for you is done after discussion about the project, preferably on site and before he provides a scale drawing of the painting for approval. This scale drawing can be changed or modified but once the mural painting has started, although small modifications are bound to happen as the painting progresses, the agreed design constitutes the basis for the contract and is binding on both parties.
It is usual for him to require a deposit of 50% of his fee before work begins and for the customer to be responsible for all other costs – travel, accommodation, materials, insurance, transport of the work etc. Murray estimates his fee on the basis of his time spent doing the work, so the surface area covered is incidental…. it’s the detail in the painting which takes time and therefore costs money! Small highly detailed paintings are more expensive than large walls with masses of sky!
Once the painting is finished, varnished and approved, the balance payment will be due immediately.
About Commissioning a Fine Art Portrait .
Murray is currently accepting portraiture commissions for adults, children or pets. Whatever portrait commission you may have in mind, a brief of your requirements would be the first important step to assisting you.
Typically, portraits evolve from elements such as written and verbal briefs, meetings with, or photographs of people. These I then develop into a concept and format which you are comfortable with. From there the portrait evolves in my studio. I do not consider a portrait finished until the brief is fulfilled and you the client are completely satisfied.
Advice is available to individuals wishing to commission a Portrait. Once the consultation is complete, the final cost can be quoted. There is a rolling scale for fees and it is dependent on many factors such as size, medium of choice and complexity of concept.
To those residing outside of the U. K. I have on occasion traveled to various other countries to carry out commissions or start the commissioning process. Other than that, I am comfortable working from the photograph and can achieve good results, several of the pastel drawings you see above were drawn from the photograph.
Procedure
There is an initial sitting at the artist's studio or in the client’s home where Murray can get acquainted with and photograph the sitter. This includes making color and written notes relating to the subject. Angle, expression, coloring etc. are discussed at this point.
If a meeting isn’t possible due to distance or time constraints good results can be had with a consultation by telephone and photographs from you for color preferences and so on.
The portrait is then begun and worked up to a certain stage, before arranging a completion sitting from life. Again, if this is not possible because of distance or time constraints you will be notified and consulted with the use of photographs of the work in progress.
It is usual practice to have Interim sittings arranged for oil portraits, if possible, to capture the coloring and spirit of the sitter, resulting in a sensitive and informed portrayal.
Commission fees.
Drawings
Single head and shoulders
Pencil, conté, pastels and watercolor from £400
Portraits in Oil on Canvas
Single head and shoulders from £900
1/3 length. Prices on application.
Full length. Price varies according to pose, background and size.
Group portraits Price varies according to number of sitters, background and size.
Animal Portraits: In the media of your choice. Prices on application.
Back to top |
