WELCOME
Kay Ashton Fine Art
COMMISSION YOUR OWN FINE ART PAINTING
Each commission request will be assessed on an individual basis. There are certain factors that will affect the final piece which are crucial as the painting should be able to stand alone as a work of art in itself and not just 'a sketch of a photo' (direct copy of the reference picture).
As an artist, having the technical skills to complete a painting is essential in producing a decent painting - no question - however, it is the painter's own personality, creativity and inspiration that can bring out different aspects of the painting that contributes to the end result and it's this important element that Kay will add to your piece, giving the painting it's uniqueness.
That said, once Kay has agreed to take on the project, she will work with you and, working from one or more clear photographs, will walk you through the process to make sure that you will be happy with the end result. During the paintings development, you will be kept up to date with a periodic emails and pictures when appropriate so you can see it come together.
Alternatively, if you are after a personal still life painting where no photographs are involved, Kay can do your painting from scratch where she sets up the composition and paints it. Again, she will lead you through the process from beginning to end to ensure your commissioned piece is unique and just how you imagined it.
Kay can also come and make her own sketches and take photos for portraiture, too, should you live locally. See "A Magic Moment" and "Police Family" (below) for examples of this kind of commission. Don't hesitate to get in touch with your ideas; you wouldn't believe what she gets asked to paint sometimes!
Only artist's quality materials used in a traditional manner which will ensure the longevity of your artwork and can be painted on
-
Italian canvas hand-stretched on 2" deep stretcher bars which will be ready to hang or
-
primed mdf board which has a smooth finish and will need framing.
Every painting is undertaken with artistic integrity, creativity and attention to detail to ensure that you will be delighted with the end result. You will also be getting a unique piece of art that non-one else in the world has that will be treasured for generations to come.
Your painting can be posted anywhere in the world (Kay already has paintings in private collections worldwide and if you live locally to her in Cheshire, you are more than welcome to collect in person once your painting is completed.
It could not be simpler to commission your own piece of fine art.
Below, you will find further information regarding things to consider when choosing size, tips on photographs, pricing and other useful hints regarding your commission.
Anything you are not clear on - just ask!
POPS'S GIRL
16" x 20"
oil on box canvas
This beautiful piece was taken from a reference picture that Yvette so beautifully captured of her husband, Paul and their granddaughter, Ivy. This was shipped to Western Australia once it was dried and it happily hangs in their home for all to see.
"Amazing work from our Kay! Ivy is immortalised with her grandad forever! Your work is beautiful! Thank you."
Yvette, Paul and Ivy Hogg, Perth, Western Australia
POLICE FAMILY
12" x 16"
oil on primed mdf, framed
Inspired by a similar painting Kay had done for a colleague, Karolyn was inspired to have her own still life portrait done; creating lots of memories of her career before she retired in 2018.
"I always knew that artists can express their feelings through their work; what I didnt know was how the finished piece would affect me; it evoked memories from 1992 at the start of my chosen career, along with the exhilaration, anxiousness and excitement that I experienced as a young probationary constable.
Kay's work is fantastic."
Karolyn Papaspiridis, Northwich, Cheshire
NOTRE PETITE COCHINELLE
24" x 18"
oil on box canvas
24" c
This piece was commissioned for this young lady's 18th birthday, as a surprise by her grandma in Bournemouth. Her half-Portuguese and half-English grandaughter lives in Switzerland so the three flags depicted in the background represent her heritage.
"She has been dancing since she was a little girl, when she was nicknamed Our Little Ladybird, and this oil painting shows her in a ballet show not so long ago. How far our little ladybird has come, don't you think?"
Anne Cross, Bournemouth, Dorset
A MAGIC MOMENT
30" x 30"
oil on canvas
A specially-commissioned piece by the global flower texture artist, Clare Sykes for her mum's birthday. A plethora of colouful blooms bursting from the delicate vase where they vye for the spotlight. Clare knew exactly what she had in mind when she commissioned the piece and we worked through the early stages of composition, etc, together before settling on this one. The rest was left to me.
" Wow - my beautiful painting was delivered and now has pride of place thank you so much !" - Anita Sykes
Clare Sykes, Worthing, Sussex
TIPS ON PHOTOGRAPHS
-
Please email good, clear photographs and, if you are sending more than one, please Indicate the main photo you wish Kay to work from.
-
Photo sessions for personal still life portraits and people portraits can be arranged if local.
POINTS TO REMEMBER:
-
The clearer the photographs are, the better to work from which results in a better painting. Avoid small fuzzy pictures (usually old ones) as these prove problematic and will be rejected.
-
Pictures taken on smartphones are usually acceptable - depending on quality.
-
Consider the light and shade in your photographs. This is what makes paintings look "real".
-
If you are unsure whether your photograph can be used for a commission send them to Kay and she can advise from there.
Sometimes, what may appear a dull and boring photograph can be transformed into a beautiful painting. Painters don't have artistic license for nothing, you know. 😊
-
A deposit of at least 20% is required with every order.
-
The balance is due on completion once you are happy with the online preview.
-
Bank transfer (internet banking) is preferrable, however, should you live locally, cash on collection is also accepted.
-
Payment in installments can be arranged although the artwork will not be released until full payment has been made.
PAYMENT
-
Waiting times can vary depending on work load – an approximate completion date will be given at time of ordering but please allow at least six weeks from order date.
-
Shorter deadlines for special dates can sometimes be met but on average my waiting list is around three months long.
-
Christmas orders should be booked as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
-
If you have chosen primed mdf then your artwork will need framing.
-
You can arrange this yourself or if you want to take the hassle out of it, for an extra fee (size dependent), Kay can arrange this for you through her trusted professional framer, Mike Hough, at Cheshire Framing Limited.
-
Should you choose the latter, Mike and Kay will select an array of mouldings and send you photographs of the sample frames against your artwork so you can choose which one you prefer before he goes ahead with the framing.
-
Please note that framing can take an extra 2-3 weeks dependent on Mike's workload.
FRAMING YOUR ARTWORK
PRICING
-
Pricings are based on standard sizes, however Kay can work in most dimensions up to 30" x 40".
-
Kay tries to keep her pricing as competitive as possible, however, please do bear in mind that they do reflect not only the many hours spent creating your painting but also include the cost of artist quality materials used on top of all peripheral work included (sanding and priming mdf or hand-stretching the canvas onto bars, etc).
-
These prices DO NOT include framing - see above 'Framing' section
