This section offers a brief insight into Alastair's working methods. By clicking on the sub-headings you can follow how Alastair produces a portrait.

For further, more specific information please feel free to contact Alastair by email or by telephone.

Stage 1 - Briefing

• Visit to Discuss Enquiry

As part of my service I offer an initial no obligation consultation to interested parties. […more]

• Plan Possibilities

The initial consultation also serves to offer an insight into specific approaches… […more]

• Decide on the number of Sittings

If at this stage the client wishes to proceed with a commission… […more]

• Initial Stages of the Composition and Nature of sittings

Depending upon the outcome of the first meeting I will either arrange a return visit… […more]

• Discuss Composition

After selecting a few suitable compositions I visit or supply the sitter and commissioner… […more]

• Dialogue over Choices

Once advice has been given and a suitable composition… […more]

Stage 2 - Sittings

• Drawing up and starting painting

Initially the painting is drawn up from the working rough drawing with further reference being added from life (see opposite). Once completed I work quickly, building up layers of paint and incorporating slight alterations and improvements as they emerge (see below).

Often during sittings a further insight is gained into the subject and I like to be able to allow for these and incorporate them into the painting.

 

• Sittings

If sittings are to be set in busy surroundings, a work place for instance… […more]

• Work in Studio in the Interim

Time between sittings back at the studio is very important to me. […more]

Stage 3 - Unveiling

• Portrait Completion and Final Consultation

Once I feel that I have produced a concise and finalised solution for the painting… […more]

• Additional Advice on Framing and Framing Service

Depending upon the commissioners requirements, a framing service can be offered… […more].