Commissioning a portrait

A portrait typically requires between twelve and twenty hours of painting time, depending on scale, complexity and the number of sittings involved.

Sittings usually last around two hours. Breaks are taken as needed and the schedule can be adjusted to suit the sitter’s age, health and other commitments.

This is flexible. A formal oil portrait will often involve three to six sittings. Smaller, more informal works can be achieved with fewer. The number of visits is agreed at the outset.

The setting is agreed in conversation with the sitter. It might be the studio, a domestic interior, gardens or a formal institutional space. The aim is to choose surroundings that support the sitter’s character rather than distract from it.

Clothing is chosen together. Simple shapes and harmonious colours tend to reproduce best in paint. You are welcome to bring several options to the first sitting so that we can decide what works best on canvas.

Yes, when necessary. Working from life is always preferable, but photography is invaluable for young children, busy sitters, overseas clients and posthumous portraits. Often the final work combines observations from life with carefully planned reference photographs.

No. The physical painting becomes your property on completion and payment, but copyright normally remains with the artist. For any reproduction, including catalogues, websites or publicity, please contact .

Many portraits are painted at her studio in London, but she is also happy to travel to the sitter, including overseas, when the commission requires it.

Fees depend on size, number of figures, setting and location of sittings. Because each commission is individual, a tailored quotation is provided rather than a fixed tariff. For an outline of likely costs, please get in touch with the studio.

Where travel is required, reasonable travel and accommodation costs are charged in addition to the fee. Delivery and installation of the finished painting can also be arranged and are quoted separately.

Paintings are normally supplied unframed, allowing you to choose a frame appropriate to your setting. Binny can recommend specialist framers and is happy to advise on styles that complement the work.

Yes. A limited number of one-to-one sessions are offered each year, usually in the studio. These are tailored to the individual and can focus on drawing, oil painting or portraiture. Please enquire for availability.

Yes. In addition to portraits, she also paints houses, personal objects and landscapes. If you have something particular in mind, the studio can advise whether it is suitable for commission.

Yes. Posthumous portraits are usually created from a selection of photographs and from conversation with family or friends about the person’s character and presence. The initial discussion is handled with particular care so that the commission feels comfortable and considered.