Jon Elworthy
Portrait & Landscape Artist
Welcome to my website.
I am a multimedia portrait artist. I also paint and draw landscape and architectural pieces. All from my studio in South West London.
I work in watercolour, oil and pencil, creating unique original portraits for clients, of themselves, their loved ones, their pets, their houses or even favourite views or landscapes.
Each artwork is a genuine professional painting, or drawing, and is created using high quality paints and drawing materials.
I take portraiture commissions from all over the UK and abroad working entirely from digital photographs which customers send to me via email. If convenient I can visit and take photos of the subject. As you will see in the “Art for sale” section I also produce paintings and drawings for sale direct from the website.
Portrait Specialist
As you view my portraits in their respective Galleries you will see a variety of styles on show. When I receive an image from a client, I usually get a feel for the style that would suit it. The character of the subject dictates the style. Some images suggest a looser, more impressionistic feel, while others call for a more detailed “graphic” look. I often go through the gallery to explain the different styles I can produce, whilst listening to the commissioner's preferences and the style of painting they might prefer.
When I paint or draw a portrait, I aim to capture the spirit of the individual as well as their features.
In addition, I am sometimes asked to add a view or background feature that the subject is associated with. This is often asked for if the commission is work or place related. I am happy to do so but this may affect the final cost of the commission.
Watercolour Portraits
Oil Portraits
Pencil Portraits
Commissioning a Portrait
The process begins with a call or email from you. I will talk you through the process, and the options, the size and medium. Is it for a special occasion, and is there a time constraint? I would advise planning ahead as you will be in a queue!
On receiving the photo, and after you have given me your brief, I will confirm the final cost.
I always endeavour to be as approachable and helpful as possible throughout the whole process. As well as discussing the portrait in detail before commencing work, I always provide an opportunity for you to view a scan of your portrait when it’s nearing completion, so you can let me know if there’s anything you want me to change. My aim is for you to be completely satisfied with your finished portrait; this is reflected in my many returning customers.
More About Portraits
Watercolour Portraits
The lightness of a watercolour is often favoured by clients. I love painting in both oils or watercolours, but often feel that watercolours can often capture the spirit of the individual in a way that oils don’t. I think the medium particularly suits the young, and the ladies.
Oil Portraits
The oil painting option is often favoured when there is an extra special event or person to record for posterity, or when there is a larger budget available. They generally cost more, because of the expensive paints and materials used, and for the fact they take longer to create.
Pencil Portraits
I love the tonal simplicity of a pencil sketch. I use a variety of drawing mediums soluble and powdered graphite, standard graphite pencils, charcoal and if colour is required conte sticks and water soluble Caran D’ache pencils. Pencil drawings are usually a quicker cheaper option, but in my opinion and I my opinion can often provide a much stronger image. They are brilliant for older individuals and pet portraits.
Pet Portraits
Immortalise a favourite horse or pet in watercolour, pencil, oils or pastels. A Pet Portrait as a special gift for a friend or relative. Every pet portrait is produced with the greatest of attention to detail, and all comissions are a guaranteed true likeness, to capture your animal’s character. A portrait of your pet in its prime is joy forever, even after they have gone.
Landscape and Architectural Painting
I was trained as a furniture maker and interior architect and have spent the last 30 years producing visuals and concepts in my own design practice. I am often asked by clients to produce drawings of their houses and a selection of these can be found in the Gallery section. There is always a selection of landscapes and architectural drawings and paintings available for sale.
As well as painting I produce for galleries and for sale on the website, I am aften asked by clients to paint views of their houses, favourite views or even “sporting” scenes. There are several examples in the gallery.
Giclée Copies
Giclée copies are high quality prints of your original artwork. I offer what is known as giclee print (pronounced “zhee-clays”). Giclée can be used to reproduce most types of art. Ideal if you wish to make a copy and share a portrait with friends and family. There is also the option to turn the portrait into cards for a celebration, or an archetectural picture into postcards.
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