Custom and Commissioned Portraits, Drawings and Artwork
The art of realistic drawing includes drawing in small details to give portraits the most effective and realistic look.
It’s an art form that takes patience, and slow but steady progress. Pieces can take anywhere from 15-80+ hours to create depending on size and details of whom or what I am drawing.
The most realistic look in a drawing means they start with a good reference photo that clearly shows details, has good contrast within the image, and the closer up, the better. Realistic drawing has the capability to show off small details, so the more close up a subject is drawn, the more enhanced an overall piece will look.
What’s your creative vision?
I take commissions each year for individual portrait creations, private collectors, business & organizations, and product branding ideas.
All portraits start with a good reference photo.
A good reference photo will make the difference between a good portrait, and a great portrait.
The better a reference photo is, the better a finished piece will look.
Get your free guide with tips for good photo submissions for your portrait idea, below.
How to Order & Details
Original and custom Pencil Portraits take an average of 2-8 weeks to create depending on size, subject, details & drawing style (described below).
*A confirmed quote is best determined after seeing your reference photos. Please confirm your portrait creation well in advance, especially if you are ordering for a special occasion. Christmas portraits take priority Sept-Nov.
Confirmed quotes may vary depending on quality of reference photos, details and subjects.
All portraits include:
Option of framed or unframed.
Framed portrait option - professionally framed with art glass, black or white wood frame with double matting, and upgrade options.
A digital image
A guide to caring for your artwork
Local delivery/shipping within Toronto, ON and GTA. (Shipping outside of these areas is $15+) Shipping - your completed artwork is securely wrapped, packaged and insured, and sent with tracking so you can know when to expect delivery.
Rates in CDN $ + hst
Portrait subjects
Subjects can be anything you wish and for any occasion. Custom sizes are always available.
Original compositions including the use of multiple photos to create a portrait are always available.
Portrait subject ideas:
Pet portraits
Favourite people/loved ones/family
Wedding themes and portraits
House portraits
Business associates
Father / Daughter connection
"Dear Sarah, Thank you for the beautiful portrait of me and my father. My father is the most important person in my life and you captured the moment perfectly. This portrait brings tears to my eyes every time I look at it, so beautifully done, it's perfection. Sarah you are truly one of the most talented artists I know. Thank you so much, this portrait means so much to me!" Chantelle Cherry
Step 1
Send me your photo/s.
Send me your best reference photos for your portrait idea to sarah@sarahkelly.ca attached as the largest size possible.
I can work from a selection of photos, send as many as you like.
For very large files and multiple photos you can send through WeTransfer. It’s a free service.
Please feel free to call me to discuss your idea over the phone at 416-894-7671.
Fill out the form below to tell me the details behind your portrait idea.
Step 2
Choose your preferred drawing style, size, and framing options.
Drawing styles, sizes and quote guide are described below.
I will provide you with a few sizes, compositions and price tiers that work best from your reference photos.
Options will be sent to you by email from your initial inquiry.
Add ons and options:
Choose to have your portrait conveniently framed and ready to hang, or unframed wrapped securely.
Choose to have a custom name plate made for your portrait.
Step 3
Confirm your order
Send a deposit, purchase in full, or sign up for payments over time, to get the creation of your portrait started. Deposits are 30-50% of the total price, with the balance due upon completion.
You can purchase in person, with e-transfer, or credit card.
You will receive an invoice with details and progressive image updates as I work through your portrait.
Please read and submit the client consent form by clicking the button below and scrolling to the second form on the page.
It’s a friendly form that lets me know your comfort level for sharing. Thanks in advance.
Review
Your Review
The best part of creating an original piece of artwork for you is when it’s on its way to you.
When you have received it, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Please share a review by sending me a message below, or on Google or both.
Photos of you with your new piece of artwork or that show how you have displayed in your home, are welcomed! I would love to see any you would like to share.
Drawing Styles
HIGH DETAILED DRAWINGS
High detailed drawings
include as much detail as possible to give the finished piece as much of a realistic look as possible, working from high resolution reference photos.
11” x 14” - 1400 unframed | 1560 framed
9” x 12” | 10” x 12”- 1025 unframed | 1185 framed
7” x 9” - 625 unframed | 725 framed
7” x 7” - 575 unframed | 675 framed
6”x 8” - 500 unframed | 600 framed
*larger and custom sizes available upon request
MINIMALIST & LOWER DETAIL
A minimalist drawing
is done in high detail, with less of the whole subject, giving it a more creative or illustrative look.
A lower detail drawing includes less detail if I can’t see the definition in the photo submissions (as in the case sometimes with older photos) or if you are requesting more subject/s included in a smaller space.
Works best for profile, 3/4 views, and parts of a whole subject, or for photos with less definition/older photos.
11” x 14” - 16” x 20” and larger - high detail minimalist only
6”x 8” | 8”x 10” | 9/10” x 12”
*on average 30% less than high detail
LINE DRAWINGS
Line drawings
Created in pencil and finished in either pencil or ink.
They can have colour included as ink or watercolour.
They can be of any subject and may need a reference photo to create.
They can be of symbols, words, tattoo design, card design, or other design ideas you have.
6” x 8” - 11” x 14” on average, will vary depending on request
Framing and Display:
Displaying your finished portrait in your home or office adds character, warmth and life to your space.
Professionally framed portraits will protect and ensure the life of your portrait.
Professional framing of your portrait will make your finished piece and/or prints (see Add Ons below), stand out in an impressive and stunning display. I've partnered with Peachtree Gallery in Oakville, ON so that I can offer you an impressive finished touch for your artwork.
When you order a portrait, I go through the entire process to have it beautifully framed, from drop off to pick up, and hand delivered or securely shipped to you.
Portraits come with standard framing and UV protective art glass.
All wood frames with choice of black or white, with double matting in choice of colour. Art glass dramatically reduces reflections by 70% so you can see your artwork better from any angle.
Standard frames come in four sizes, fitting 6” x 8” - 11” x 14” portrait drawing sizes:
12”x 14”
12”x 12”
16”x 16”
16”x 19”
Option to choose upgraded custom framing and impressive name plates to add to your framed portrait.
The Heart of Karen
“Dear Sarah, my family and I would like to thank you for the amazing portrait of Karen. You captured her beauty and soul. It was a pleasure working with an artist that cares about details and perfection. I recommend everyone to have Sarah draw a portrait of your special someone, so they may live on through her work and in your hearts." Gord Kerr
Eyes and Soul of Ralph
“Sarah, thank you for being able to capture the soul in the eyes of my Ralph. Just know that your work is more than being an artist. You capture hearts and memories - wonderful - such meaningful purpose.” Clarke B. 2018
Military Dress
“Dear Sarah, I wish to thank you for sending me the completed portraits of myself in my early military dress. The task which was requested of you was very challenging. Your ability to piece together my submitted dated photos and military dress references, was truly creative. The most outstanding rendition in the portrait was your inclusion of characteristic personality, as recognized by my family.” Sincerely, Kenneth Giles
Beyond a Head Shot
“I am so happy with the way this turned out. The portrait is very well done. You are truly creative. Thank you so very much.” Dr.Wm Marty Martin
Unique 50th birthday gift
“Dear Sarah, I cannot thank you enough for your professionalism and talent. Your work went beyond the tip of your pencils, it helped me to make my wife’s birthday really unique and memorable. We all absolutely love your work and it was a great pleasure to meet you in person. Thank you very much, your talent and passion for what you do is evident and celebrated by our family.” Sincerely, Ramon P. Feb 2021
Gift Cards:
A Gift Card is a great way to gift a portrait, especially when time is of essence. Available to purchase in any denomination at any time throughout the year.
Add ons:
You can have your original portrait made into reproduction prints.
Please inquire with portrait request for a custom quote.
Fine Art paper prints: Prints of your original portrait. Choose from traditional or eco - friendly bamboo fine art paper.
Canvas Wraps: Some portraits make excellent recreation prints when printed on canvas. The image is printed into fine art canvas, then wrapped around a wood frame that is ready to hang and display. They can be additionally framed for a stunning impression.
Acrylic Prints: Depending on the subject matter of your portrait, acrylic prints can add an impressive punch to display as a recreation print. The digital image of your portrait is printed onto a thick piece of clear acrylic and then mounted on the back so they are ready to hang and display in your home or office.
Custom Cards: Special occasion, thank you, or greeting cards sets with your artwork and message on the front and/or interior.
*Other Products are coming soon!
*Refunds:
As the process involves your input throughout the portrait creation, there are no refunds on custom orders/commissions. I offer a 7 day grace period after confirming your portrait order with a deposit.
After 7 days, if something should happen that you need to put a portrait on hold or wait until a later date for a reference photo/s or details for a portrait, your deposit payment will happily be applied.*
Get in the Queue for a portrait creation.
The Queue and To Do list:
DeSean R
Nida H
Julia Z
original pieces & collections
* Christmas portrait requests take priority Sept - Dec
Q & A
Q. Can you create a portrait from separate photos?
A. Yes, absolutely I can! As long as all the photos go together to make a good composition, I can create a portrait from as many photos as you like. This is a great way to give new life to your favourite photos.
Q. Can you create a portrait from older photos?
A. I can as long as I can see enough details in your reference photo/s. Photos that are closer up (head and shoulder area) usually work better. I can add a loved one/subject into a portrait using both current and older photos to make a new composition.
Q. Do you draw in colour?
A. I can add a pop of colour into portraits that will add emphasis to eyes, a pet tag a tie or accessories. I am working on introducing full colour portraits.
Q. Can I have a print made of the original artwork?
A. I can create as many prints as you would like from your original portrait. I offer fine art prints on paper, canvas , acrylic, and aluminum, with the option to have any print professionally framed.
Q. Will my portrait come framed?
A. Portraits are conveniently offered professionally framed with art glass. Art glass takes the reflections down by 70%. Of course, if you would rather have your portrait unframed the option is there.
Don’t see your question answered?
Drop yours in the box below:
Helping you align, celebrate and reconnect to the things in life that matter, with hand drawn pieces that infuse your heart, nurture your soul and fuel your passions.
I look forward to co-creating an inspiring portrait that tells a story for you!
Sarah
