How to Commission a Watercolour Portrait (And What to Expect)

17 March 2026

2 min read

Last Updated: March 2026

Thinking about commissioning a watercolour portrait? Here is exactly what the process looks like — from brief to finished painting — so you know what to expect.

Key Points

‣ A watercolour commission begins with a brief submitted via the commission form — describing the subject, size, timeline and budget — and a strong reference photograph is essential for portrait and pet work.

‣ A sketch stage before paint goes down is where composition decisions are made and where changes can be requested without cost; once paint is laid, adjustments are much harder.

‣ Two revision rounds are included in every commission; revisions mean thoughtful adjustments — not starting again — and are most effective when based on specific, concrete feedback.

‣ Painting on cotton-rag paper with archival-quality pigments means a properly cared-for watercolour commission will last for generations without fading or deterioration.

‣ Commissions make exceptionally personal gifts — a painting of someone's childhood home, a beloved pet, or a favourite landscape carries meaning that a purchased object rarely can.

Commissioning a painting is a deeply personal thing. You are asking an artist to translate something that matters — a place, a moment, a face — into something that lasts. It is not a product you pick off a shelf. It is a conversation.

I get a lot of enquiries from people who are curious about commissioning but nervous about the process. They are not sure how it works, how much it costs, or what happens if they don't like the result. This post is for them.

What Can You Commission?

I work in watercolour on cotton-rag paper. I specialise in landscapes and places, animals and pets, portraits, florals, and buildings. I do not take commissions for abstract work or anything requiring styles far outside my practice.

How It Works — Step by Step

Step 1: Submit Your Brief

Everything starts with the commission form. You describe what you'd like, attach a reference image if you have one, choose a size, and tell me about your timeline and budget. I review every request personally within 48 hours.

Step 2: Quote and Deposit

If I'm happy to proceed, I'll send a quote. Current pricing: A5 from £150, A4 from £250, A3 from £350, A2 from £500. A deposit of 25% or 50% secures your slot.

Step 3: The Sketch Stage

Before I put paint on paper, I work up a pencil sketch. I share it digitally — this is your chance to make changes before the paint goes down.

Step 4: Painting

Once the sketch is approved, I paint. Depending on size and complexity, this takes two to eight weeks. Two rounds of revision are included.

Step 5: Review and Final Payment

When the painting is finished, I send high-resolution photographs for your approval. When you are happy, you pay the balance and I post the original with a certificate of authenticity.

What Makes a Good Reference Photograph?

For portraits, I need natural light, in focus, photographed at eye level. For pets, candid photographs are often better than posed ones. For landscapes, multiple reference photographs are fine.