To commission me please email me at kateoleska@gmail.com or use the contact form.
Commission process
There are two ways that we can proceed with the commission:
1. Painting from a photo provided by the client.
One option is to work from photos provided by you. These need to be of good quality. That means that it should be a high resolution, crisp image with good lighting (not over- or under-exposed, or using flash). If you have a photo that you would like me to work from or you need to consult about, please include it in the email.
2. Painting from my photos + reference sketches
The other option is to travel to your location to take my own photos and draw reference sketches. Meeting the sitter is helpful to me in many ways because I get to know their personality, we can discuss how they'd like to be painted and we can explore different ideas on site. I also believe the best place to take reference photos is at one's home (or office/garden etc) where you will feel most relaxed and comfortable. This will show in the photos and final image. Depending on the time, I may ask you to sit for a couple of quick sketches. It's a very good way for me to get to know you and you can get to know me better as well. (Please see Covid update here)
Choosing the right Mood and size
The size and type of the painting should be decided depending on a several factors. I am always happy to advise on the size, style and ambiance of the portrait. If you are unsure what kind of a portrait would suit your home or office, please let me know in the email and we can discuss it together.
Payment & PRICING
Pricing depends on the commissioned subject, complexity of the painting and size. For quotes please use the contact page.
I ask for a 50% deposit before starting the work and after we've agreed on the details of the commission. The remaining 50% is to be collected once the painting is completed and accepted - prior to any varnishing, framing or shipping. Any extra fees (shipping, framing) will also be payable at this time.
Timescale
Depending on the number of commissions secured and the size of the commissioned painting, it may take me from 1-6 months to deliver an unvarnished portrait (or 2-7 months with re-touching varnish applied) depending on the size and complexity of the painting. If you would like me to varnish the painting with the final varnish, this will extend the time between completion and delivery as an oil painting needs to cure for 6-12 months before a varnish can be applied. If you decide that you would like to have the painting in an unvarnished state, you will still have the option of outsourcing the varnishing to a reputable restorers after 6-12 months or return it to my studio for varnishing.
FRAMING
I am happy to advice on framing or to arrange to have a frame build for the painting. You may also decide to receive an unframed painting and have it framed at your local store.
Delivering the painting
Depending on the size of the commission and/or distance from my studio to your home, I can either deliver the painting personally or I can ship it in a reinforced box or in a crate. All the packages are tracked and insured. If we decide that the best way is to deliver the painting personally, this can be done at the cost of travel expenses. (Please see Covid update here)