Information and Testimonials

Do you have a favourite picture that you would like reproduced in miniature? I'm happy to discuss your ideas. I have undertaken a variety of miniature pet portrait commissions, particularly cat portraits and reproduced many "old masters". To own a miniature masterpiece is a popular request amongst dolls house enthusiasts. May be you would like to commission a portrait miniature of a person close to you, or have a memorable landscape painted. (Please read some testimonials from satisfied customers below). A miniature painting also provides an unusual birthday or christmas gift to a loved one. Please contact me to discuss your requirements, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Prices may vary according to complexity and size. Commissions usually take 3-4 weeks to complete and can be supplied framed or unframed.

Example: Before and After

Price List

From Photograph to Miniature Painting

Most of my paintings are derived from photographs of actual paintings or just photographic images. Some are exact or as near to exact copies that I can make, in some, alterations need to be made in order to produce a more pleasing painting. For this exercise to demonstrate my technique of painting, I have decided upon a cat portrait (my favourite animal to paint). Using a photographic image, but changing it slightly. The title is going to be,”Sleeping in the Spring Sunshine”. I usually print out an enlarged image from which I can work from as it helps me to see the fine details.I then draw a grid across picture to help with the proportions when scaling down the picture for a miniature painting. The work begins….. Lightly drawing out a scaled down grid on thick watercolour paper, I sketch on a rough image of the subject in very soft lead. Here, I have to add in both cats ears as one is chopped off from the photo and miss out the other cats paw which is in the foreground of the photo. Stage 2.... Once I’ve got enough drawn detail in the main subject, I start colour washing; the background first. I work with acrylic paint because it will water down to resemble watercolour or used thick you can create deep textures. Stage 3..... Working down through the picture I “block in” with colour creating the basic under tones. Covering up all traces of pencil and rubbing out guide lines. I’ve added in some flower colour to the foreground, so that the cat appears to be sleeping outside. Stage 4..... The painting is now taking shape, as I tighten up on the detail, looking really carefully at the original photograph. Highlighting the lighter areas and working in more detail to the fur. I’ve decided that the flowers are to be primroses. Stage 5..... The painting is finished having added in even more details - whiskers, fur, more leafy/flowery details to background and foreground. Hopefully the cat does seem to be “Sleeping in the Spring Sunshine”! Once I’m happy with the painting I coat it with a light varnish to for protection. Stage 6..... Now for the frame I always make the frame to fit the painting then I’m always sure of a perfect fit. I use rebated wooden picture moulding, which has to be cut to size, mitred, glued and set. Once the frame is ready, I cut the painting down to size, to fit into the frame and back with thin card and paper. All ready to sell!

Testimonials