Nicola works to commission predominently in two main styles. Animal portraits and wildlife compositions are executed with watercolour in a ‘superrealist’ style on high quality watercolour board. It is a very controlled process with the emphasis being on accurate detail. The subject study is usually executed on a plain background so that the focus is on the animal. A single head portrait will take approximately 30 hours to complete, sometimes using a 000 brush to complete the finer details.

In contrast, the village/coastal scenes are produced in a heavily textured acrylic on a canvas board using a unique masking technique. Texture is incorporated using acrylic mediums, glass beads, sand and tissue paper. A commission can include features of a particular village/place or a favourite building.

Overview

Commissioning a painting is a simple process. First, select a size for your portrait/ composition. Then, in the case of a pet portrait or village/coastal scene, supply a few photo’s of your pet or favourite village/building and Nicola will sketch out a provisional layout.

Once you agree on the initial sketch work will begin on the final piece. At this stage a 25% deposit will be required. There after regular updates of your painting will be e-mailed to you as work progresses.

Use the order form below or contact the artist to further discuss your project.

Photographs

Nicola works mainly from photographs, usually supplied by the client in the case of pet portraits and village/coastal scenes. All photos will be returned on completion of the painting. Digital photos are acceptable but they must be high resolution (preferably jpg. format supplied on cd) and a print of your pet (either a pre-printed digital image or a ‘normal’ photograph) that you consider to be a true coat and eye colour match will also be required.

Tips On Taking Photos:

• Ask someone to help control your pet and capture his/her attention.
• Get down to the same height as your pet - eye level works well.
• Take several close-ups of your pet’s face, focusing on the eyes. It is very important that your pet’s eyes can be seen clearly.
• Photograph your pet in natural light. Using a flash tends to alter your pet’s true colouring. Try to avoid direct sunlight, however, as this creates dark shadows. If you take photos indoors, place your pet near a window.

Framing

Pet and wildlife compositions are framed, if required, in a suitable moulding and double mount to enhance colours of the painting.Village/coastal scenes are double mounted in cream and white with a simple light frame.

Completion Time

Waiting times vary depending on the time of year. Please expect your order to take between 4-12 weeks once it has been confirmed in writing. Shorter deadlines can sometimes be met for special occasions, please ask.

Copyright

All pictures on www.nicolaplummer.co.uk are the copyright of Nicola Plummer and must not be reproduced in any form without the express permission of the artist. Images of commissions undertaken may be used for designs of prints or cards.

Ordering A Painting

If you would like to order a painting please contact the artist . If you are purchasing a painting for a friend, you may prefer to buy a gift certificate.