Thank you for visiting my portrait commissions page. I’m based in stunning rural Shropshire and am a watercolour artist. Therefore, I create your unique portrait commission using professional watercolours. I create your portrait painting directly from photographs. Also, I receive portrait commissions from various countries, including the UK, Europe, Middle East, US, Hong Kong and Australia and I use a courier for all portrait painting deliveries.
About Helen Parry Artist, Watercolour Technique and Style
I only work with professional watercolours, using just three colours (red, blue and yellow) to create all my colour mixes. My painting technique is unique, as I also don’t use white paint, the paper is the white in the painting. I love to paint fine detail so lots of small brushstrokes are applied to your portrait painting. The watercolour paper I use is cotton rag heavy-weight archival paper. The way I paint is technically challenging and requires a lot of focus and precision. The paintings I create have a very realistic style, with extremely fine detail.
I like to capture the personality of the person I paint and hopefully my portrait paintings reflect this. I also love to show all the fine details, such as the delicacy of necklace chains and the folds and disruption of patterns in blouses and shirts. Each portrait commission I do is very individual, and I feel it’s important to portray a sense of the person’s character and individuality.
Good communication is very important to creating a beautiful portrait painting that can be enjoyed for generations. So, I like to keep in touch with you throughout the whole commission process, either by phone or email. Also, I love to hear from you, if you have any questions or want to share more information about the person I’m painting. All of this helps with creating a very personal portrait. I always aim to offer a professional and friendly service and look forward to working with you.
Commissioning a Portrait Painting
I try to offer as much clear information as I can on my website, so for more information see Commission Process page, it explains how I work.
I’ve also put together information and ideas on what makes a good photo for a portrait painting and best tips on portrait photos. Therefore, please visit the Portrait Photography Tips page that I have put together. From all the photos you send me I’ll choose one main photo to work from. I’ll also make adjustments depending on what you’d like. The more photos you send, the more information I’ll have for your portrait commission. I can also discuss painting a memorial portrait from old printed photographs. Don’t worry too much about facial blemishes, eczema, ruddy cheeks or child dribbles, these can be removed in the painting process!
If you require a portrait painting quickly, it may be more suitable to purchase my gift vouchers, which are available in different amounts. It can take a minimum of 8/10 weeks from when you place your order, to your portrait painting being complete.
Framing a Portrait Painting
Watercolour paintings have to be framed to help preserve them. Normally I provide your portrait painting unframed, however, if you would like me to sort framing, then please get in touch, let me know what you would like. Framed commissions that have glass, instead of acrylic, need to be collected from my studio, based in Shropshire.
Extra Giclée Prints
All my watercolour paintings are also professionally photographed. Therefore, I am able to offer you beautiful quality archival fine art Giclée prints of your portrait commission painting. You can order as many as you like and are a wonderful gift for family and friends. Please contact me if you’re interested and would like further information.
Other Information
For more information please see Commission T&Cs , Delivery Service and Commissioning FAQs pages.
There is a lot of information throughout my website, but if you have any further questions about a portrait painting commission, then please contact me, I’m always happy to help.