How do I commission a painting?

A large body of my work is created 'on commission' from client's photographs. I can combine several photographs to create a portrait showing any number of animals, or produce just a single head portrait. Please have a look at the different styles available in my galleries; if there is a specific breed you are looking for, please contact me as I only have a small selection of my work on the site.

What do I need?

I need a selection of good, clear photographs with the main pose marked. (You can send me digital images via email, or the good old paper style photographs to work viayal mail.) If you don't have good photos, I can arrange a visit for a photo session, please contact me for further details......
If your animal has passed away and you only have a few photographs, please don't lose heart, I will give you my honest opinion on whther I can produce a quality portrait from them. I often use photoshop to enlarge and sharpen images- it's wonderful what modern technology can do!
Please see my photography tips in the main menu bar, if you are about to take some images of your animal for a portrait; these should make it an easier experience for both of you!
Decide on the media ( watercolour, acrylic, pencil or ink) and the size of portrait you require.
Complete the order form and email it to me or send in the post along with your images and a non-returnable deposit- cheques payable to E J Lazenby, paypal account via email [email protected]. See postal address in 'contacts' on the main menu bar.
I will then contact you to confirm details, any changes to the animal needed (tidy mane, remove collar etc) and give you an idea of timescale (deadlines can be accommdated- 3 weeks minimum notice required.)
At no point are you obligated to purchase the completed painting unless you are 100% delighted... I pride myself on capturing a strong likeness and like to offer my customers this guarantee for their peace of mind......
You can ask for progress updates and I can send you digital images of the painting's progress as it is created....

Secret gifts......
Your painting can be completed in top secret and presented framed and ready to hang. Just give me a 'safe' telephone number or email on which to contact you when the need arises.....

Christmas orders.....
As you will understand, the months running up to Christmas become very busy. Please book or reserve a place for your portrait well before December as I hate to disappoint.....

Framing options.....
I can arrange framing at cost price. I use a local framer, www.impactframingltd.co.uk who are affiliated with The Guild Of Master Craftsmen. They offer a wide selection of frames and have excellent attention to detail, use archival materials and have a fast turnaround time. And they are really nice people, which I like!

Delivery or collection.....
I can arrange to deliver the painting within a 15 mile radius of S75 5DY. I have never had any problems using the Special Delivery service from Royal Mail for those which live a distance away or live out of the UK. My studio is always open for customers who would like to view their painting and/or collect when complete.

Private collectors.....
I now have work in private collections in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, The Arab Emirates, Germany and Austria, as well as throughout the UK.

Below is a slide show showing the step by step progress of my acrylic painting of Nashwan, now in the collection of HRH Sheik Hamdan Bin Rashiid Al Maktoum in Dubai.