Commissions
Buying a pre-existing painting, gives you the obvious advantage of being able to see exactly what you are getting, but commissioning an original work is an opportunity to make it more personal and relevant whether the painting it is for you or a present for someone else. I enjoy working with people to achieve this and I love the opportunity commissions bring to travel to some of the most beautiful and private places in the country.
You may want to capture a quiet, reflective spot on your farm where you always feel completely at peace; a special drive on your own or someone else's shoot; a memorable shot - a first pheasant or a right and left at woodcock - or, quite simply, a favourite bird or animal. I have painted a wide variety of subjects for customers from simple studies of, say, a partridge to a portaloo on a grouse moor (long story) and I have also produced illustrations for Gamecards and Gamebooks. Commissioning a painting allows you to discuss your ideas so we get closer to the picture in your head.
If it is a particular place you would like painted, I can walk the ground with you whilst we discuss the various options. Equally, if you trust my judgement, I am quite content to wander around on my own until I find the right spot. It is usually more important to capture the essence of a farm or moor - a distinctive view as opposed to a favourite drive. The best drives in the world are not always the most inspiring to look at but there might be an absolutely stunning view through a gap in the hedge behind the pegs. It may not be a view of a drive but the birds will pass it at some point. Commission prices are the same as my exhibition wall prices. I may need to add travelling expenses if I have a great distance to cover but I can usually tie in the visit with another commission or or some other trip nearby.