FAQ

Please see my guide to commissioning a portrait, it will take you through step by step how the whole process works. Here you can also find my guide to taking a good photograph (if applicable) for helpful tips to get the best photo possible. If you know exactly what you want that’s great, but if you need a little help deciding I can advise you as much as you need.

You can email your photos to nikcourtney.portraitartist@gmail.com, or you can send me a social media message on Facebook or Instagram. If you only have physical photographs, you can scan them to get a digital image to send by email or direct message. If this isn’t possible, please message me and I will give you a postal address.

My average lead time is six months. If you have a deadline within this time frame then please get in touch and I’ll see what I can do, but in general the more notice you're able to give me, the more likely I'll be able to meet your deadline.

All portraits are drawn on high quality artists paper, usually either Bristol Board smooth or heavyweight cartridge paper. Pencils – 0.5mm mechanical pencils, Hb and 4B leads Charcoal – charcoal powder and charcoal pencils, various brands Colour pencils – Caran D’Ache Luminance and Faber Castell Polychromos Biros (ballpoint pens) – Bic Cristal Multicolour 1.6mm and Schneider Slider Edge XB Acrylic Pens – Posca, Tooli-Art and Artistro branded pens

I don't include frames as they're such a personal choice, and there is an added risk of damage in the post. I work to standard sizing (usually A4 or A3) so frames will be readily available for you to buy, with/without pre-cut mount. However, for optimal results and longevity I would advise taking your purchase to a professional framer – this is essential if you have asked for non-standard size paper. On receipt of your portrait please handle with care, and do not touch or brush anything against the surface of the paper. Work should be stored in a cool dry environment, and out of direct sunlight. I would strongly recommend framing at the earliest opportunity, leaving it in the sleeve until then.

Please see my Price Guide for more information.

There is no simple answer to this unfortunately. Generally speaking it is possible to combine photos into one portrait but it really does depend on the photos you provide. Please get in touch to discuss options.

Once I've completed your portrait, I will send you a digital photograph of the completed work for your approval before final payment. I shall make every effort to execute the commissioned portrait to your satisfaction, based on the agreed details of our discussion beforehand. However I totally understand that small tweaks may need to be made to get things just right. If you do need me to make any amendments, please inform me before approving the digital image. An extra charge will be added for any large-scale alternations (such as the addition of an extra subject) that I should have been informed about before commencement of the portrait.

No. All commissioned portraits and other original artwork done by myself are copyrighted in my name – Nik Courtney. I also retain ownership of all rights to any preliminary drawings or sketches which may be made in connection with the execution of the commissioned portrait. The copyright to reproduce the works in copies/prints, derivative work based on the copyrighted image, and to distribute copies is retained by me. Purchase of a copyrighted portrait does not transfer the copyrights. You may not make any copies of any type of the commissioned work, only I can do this for you. I outsource my printing to get the best quality giclee prints. Please get in touch to discuss print options and prices.

I generally publish artwork, and sometimes reference photos, on my website, on my Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as on advertising flyers etc. If you would like me to delay this (eg it is a present, to be kept secret before a given date), or not do this (for whatever reason), please let me know when you order.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any queries, I’m always happy to help.

Giclée is a French word meaning to spray ink or other liquid. It is the invented name for the process of creating incredibly rich and detailed fine art prints from a digital source using a specialist printer, archival quality paper, fade-resistant inks and acid free fine art/photographic papers. Giclée prints are environmentally safe as the inks are water-based and the paper is acid-free. Long-life archival UV-safe pigmented inks are used, however, a Giclée must be treated as fine art and placed away from direct sunlight.

I outsource to a printing company - they have the digital image on file and print to order. Please allow a week to receive your print.

For UK customers, I send all portraits by Royal Mail Special Delivery, the cost of which is included in the price of your portrait. For international customers, please get in touch to discuss payment and shipping options. If you live in Bristol or surrounding areas you are more than welcome to come and collect your portrait.

Yes, please get in touch to discuss shipping options and prices.

Portraits will be posted flat, in a clear plastic sleeve, and covered in protective packaging.

Payment can be by bank transfer or PayPal (there will be a small extra charge for this), details will be given once I have received your photograph. I will require a 50% deposit, upon receipt of which your order is guaranteed. I can take payments by installments, in this case I will draw up a contract for you to sign once we have agreed on the amount to pay every month. Once the portrait is finished I will send you a digital copy of the drawing for your approval. I will then ask you to pay the remaining balance before shipping your portrait to you by Royal Mail Special Delivery. If you are outside the UK, please get in touch to discuss payment and shipping options.

Please see my Price Guide for general information and average prices. I would have to see your photos and know exactly what you want drawn in terms of size, medium and style before I can give you an accurate quote, with no obligation to proceed any further.