FAQ
Questions about commissioning a portrait
If your question is not answered here, send it through the contact page and you will have a reply within two working days.
Where exactly at the V&A Waterfront can I find you?
On the quayside walkway between the Clock Tower and the Amphitheatre, on the harbour side. Look for the easel and the board of finished portraits. If you cannot find me, send a WhatsApp and I will point you in the right direction.
Do I need to book a sitting?
No. Walk up whenever the easel is out and I will draw you on the spot, or take your name if there is a short queue. If you are on a tight schedule, message me the day before and I will hold a time for you.
How long does a live portrait take?
A quick head-and-shoulders sketch takes about 20 minutes. A detailed portrait takes 45 to 60 minutes. You do not have to sit perfectly still; talking and short breaks are fine.
How much does a portrait cost?
Live sittings at the Waterfront start at R350 for a quick sketch and R750 for a detailed portrait. Commissions drawn from a photograph start at R1,800 for an A4 graphite portrait. All prices are on the Prices page.
What payment do you accept?
Cash, card (tap), SnapScan and Zapper. Card and SnapScan work with foreign cards, so visitors do not need rand in hand. Commissions can also be paid by EFT or PayPal.
Can I take the drawing home on a plane?
Yes. Every live portrait is sprayed with fixative and packed flat in a rigid card sleeve, or rolled in a tube on request. It fits easily in carry-on luggage.
I cannot get to Cape Town. Can you draw from a photo?
Yes. Send a sharp, well-lit photograph where the eyes are clearly visible and I will draw it in graphite, charcoal or coloured pencil and ship it to you tracked and insured. Turnaround is two to five weeks depending on medium and size.
Do you draw pets?
Absolutely, from photographs. Dogs, cats and horses are the usual requests. Pet portraits are priced the same as single-subject commissions and are often ordered as memorial pieces.
Can you combine several photos into one portrait?
Yes. Composite portraits, for example a family who cannot be photographed together or a loved one who has passed away, are drawn from separate references. A composition sketch is approved before the final drawing starts.
Is a deposit required for commissions?
A 50% deposit secures your place in the queue and covers materials. The balance is due when you approve the finished portrait, before shipping. Live sittings are paid when the drawing is done.
Ready to commission a portrait?
Come to the V&A Waterfront and sit for one, or send a few photographs and a short note about who the portrait is for. You will hear back within two working days.