Original oil paintings take several weeks to months to complete. This includes drying time between layers and the final protective varnish.

To provide broader context, I have had years were I have painted diligently but only produced half a dozen works in a year. The works were ambitious in nature and involved taking an idea from concept to realisation which involved sketches, tests, taking reference images, editing reference images, and then the final painting itself. ‘A full mind’ took three months of painting to complete for example, but there were weeks of planning and drafting before painting began.

I have also had years where I’ve painted prolifically but the works were smaller and more intuitive. As less planning was required to make them possible e.g. my stream-of-consciousness works, I created just under 40 works in year.

• A Certificate of Authenticity

• Details on paintings materials for archival purposes

• Optional: Annual updates on the value of original artwork for your insurance purposes

I am open to doing commissions provided they align with my values and suit my contemporary style or portraiture style.

Before creating custom work I supply a PDF proposal outlining our goals for the project, estimated timeframes from concept to final delivery and the costs associated.

If you’re interested in a Commission please contact me for more information.

I recommend consulting with your local Custom Framer. A professional framer uses archival materials and adhesives whereas ‘store bought’ frames (or what we will call “standard” frames) are not required to follow archival standards. Consequently store bought frames often contain cheaper acidic materials that can cause art to prematurely degrade and yellow.

Drawings on paper are better protected behind glass framed in such a way that the paper is allowed to expand and contract (as materials naturally do with changes in temperature and humidity) with minimal damage - A professional framer will be able to do this.

Archival framing is the standard museums use to preserve art for the ages. Archival customised framing will create the best protection and the best presentation of your new artwork.

For the frame colour I would recommend either:

• Picking a colour from the artwork and matching it. I think this works especially well if it’s not the main colour but is present e.g. if the dominant colour is red, matching the frame to the olive green in the painting.

• Choosing a timbre / metal / colour finish that matches your furniture

• White to match the white border of Limited Edition prints (if applicable)

• Store and display away from direct sunlight to preserve colours

• Avoid extremes and dramatic changes in temperature and humidity as this can cause materials and pigments to crack, delaminate or distort over time. The best humidity and temperature to store art works is conveniently also the range most comfortable for humans: 40-60% humidity, and between 20-25 degrees celsius.

• Dust can be removed from art or frames by wiping gently with a lint free clean cloth

• If possible store / display work on an interior wall to avoid moisture

• Store or display in a dry environment as moisture can cause mould and can cause timber frames, supports and materials to distort

• Human hands have natural oils and an acidity that can damage artworks in the long term. Avoid excessively touching the artwork

• Present the artwork in an Archival Frame

Original artworks come with a list of materials used and a care guide on the Certificate of Authenticity which can assist future conservators in caring for your artwork.

Paintings are sealed with a varnish that forms a layer protecting the paint from direct contact with dust and grime. A trusted conservator can remove this protective varnish and apply a fresh coat in decades to come so that the original painting is fortified as best as possible.