1 .
Get in touch
We can chat by email or phone to discuss your portrait, the subject/s, preferred size, pose and medium (pencil or pastel). I'm also open to more unusual requests so just ask away if you have an idea.
2.
Your reference photo
Sophie works exclusively from photos.
The reference photo is the most important part of the whole process. The clearer, brighter and better quality the image, the more detailed she can make the portrait.
How to take the best shot:
* The subject should be the focus, filling the lens without too much background and most importantly with their eyes open.
* The image should preferably be taken at or near their level.
* Try to find an image that captures your beloved's spirit and personality.
Once you have taken your photos, please email them to sophie@sophiewbart.com. Feel free to send a few, Sophie can discuss with you which is best for the portrait.
Before commencement, a £50 deposit must be paid. The balance is due on completion.
3.
Finishing touches
All original portraits and silhouettes come mounted in a classic black, white or natural frame. Should you prefer to choose your own frame, it can be sent unframed. Alternatively, I can advise on bespoke framing.
4.
Delivery
As soon as your portrait is finished, Sophie will email you to arrange delivery/shipping. Please be advised that although your drawing is sprayed with a fixative that prevents smudges, it should never be touched as it is still possible to smear the graphite which sadly is irreversible.
Packaging:
All original portraits are elegantly wrapped in black paper and ivory ribbon or raffia, before being placed in a protective box to ensure safe transit.
Shipping:
UK: Free Royal Mail tracked delivery on all bespoke commissions
Europe, USA and further afield: please contact for a quote as it depends on the size and destination.
For international orders, Sophie often sends A3 and A2 portraits in postal tubes to ensure their protection. However framed portraits can also be sent. A5 and A4 can be sent framed.
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How long will my portrait take?Please allow two to three weeks from agreeing all aspects of your commission to dispatch. I will advise you immediately if additional time is required for complex commissions or during busier times, such as pre-Christmas.
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What media do you use?I draw portraits in graphite pencil on heavyweight cartridge paper and coloured pastel pencils on Clairefontaine pastelmat.
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Can I combine a multi subject portrait with different photos?It is preferable to work from a single reference photo to ensure the correct relative sizes of the subjects and also that they have the light sources and shadows. However, sometimes this is not possible, especially with memorial portraits, so please get in touch and we can discuss what photos you have and how best to use them.
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Can you alter reference photos?Yes and no. I am able to change details such as hair and clothing (and in fact during the Covid lockdown had to give a number of haircuts!) but I am not able to change facial features, such as to make a subject smile for example. This is because the process of smiling alters every muscle in the face as well as entirely changing the view of the eyes.
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Is my portrait framed?I always feel the unveiling of a portrait is much more powerful when in a frame so I offer a classic box frame in black, white or natural as standard. I am also happy to provide a quote to have it professionally framed if you prefer, or to send it unframed for you to frame yourself. Portraits A3 and larger being shipped internationally are sent unframed: pencil portraits in a secure postal tube and pastelmat in a hardback sleeve.
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What payment methods do you accept?I accept most major credit cards and Paypal on my website, I do not pass on the processing fee to my clients. I also accept online bank transfer and cash.
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Am I required to pay a deposit?I always ask for a £50 deposit before starting on a commissioned work
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Do you offer refunds?I do not offer refunds on bespoke work but in the unlikely event that you are not satisfied with your portrait, I am happy to work on this to ensure that you are
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What subjects do you draw?Anything you want! My subject range is extensive: children and pets, buildings, cars and boats, wildlife, watches and jewellery.