2015 Commissions Special Offer...
When carrying out commissions I prefer to work on site directly from life - this tends to lend a certain energy to the work, also you
can easily double check details as you go. The relationship between the work and the person who has commissioned it is enhanced by
this proximity - you cannot beat seeing the drawing develop from a few tentative pencil lines to the finished article. Providing it goes well
of course. Wind and rain will often stop play, and too much sun can reflect too brightly off your paper and dry the ink up! Conversely
when working exclusively from a photograph, while you have all the comforts of home, you can lose touch with your subject.
Where possible I will often use a balance of the two - more in the field, less in the studio.
can easily double check details as you go. The relationship between the work and the person who has commissioned it is enhanced by
this proximity - you cannot beat seeing the drawing develop from a few tentative pencil lines to the finished article. Providing it goes well
of course. Wind and rain will often stop play, and too much sun can reflect too brightly off your paper and dry the ink up! Conversely
when working exclusively from a photograph, while you have all the comforts of home, you can lose touch with your subject.
Where possible I will often use a balance of the two - more in the field, less in the studio.
All commissions are executed on either Bristol Board or Watercolour Paper.
I draw onto either of two paper sizes -
A4 210mm x 297mm / approx 8 1/4”x 11 3/4”or
A3 297mm x 420mm / approx 11 3/4” x 16 1/2”
- depending on the subject matter.
Generally single animal portraits, are drawn onto A4
Tractors, Cars and Steam Engines might be on either A4 or A3
House Portraits, Architecture, Landscapes & Narrowboats on A3
Superhero Portraits, Sketches & Comic Strips on A3
If for one reason or another I employ a larger piece of paper - say for
presentation, the drawn area will generally be A4 or A3.
Since you cannot always rely on a cat or dog to remain still to draw them, I often work from high
resolution photos which can be emailed to me at [email protected]. Preferably a selection of
views so that I can get a better idea of the character and appearance of your pet.
While buildings and other inanimate objects can always be relied upon to stay still - other factors
such as the weather and changing environment conditions often makes it impractical to produce an
entire drawing from layout to completion - inks and watercolour - from life.
Where possible, having agreed the view of the subject, I will establish the layout and composition
on site using an easel and drawing board. More than likely I will complete the artwork - inks and/or
watercolour - using reference photographs I have taken, in the studio. If I find that I need more
info I will revisit the site for additional reference or sketches.
All finished artwork subject to client approval. All artwork dispatched in display portfolio.
Artwork available for collection from Hilgay studio or market stall - no charge. Artwork available for shipping at current rates.
Artwork available for delivery by special arrangement - charges may apply.
For all enquiries please contact 07986 555006 or email [email protected].
