Carolyn Ross Art Commissions
A Portrait That Holds What Matters Most
Commission an original pencil or ink portrait, created with care to honour the people, animals, places, and memories closest to your heart.
Thoughtfully Drawn, Deeply Personal
A commissioned portrait from Carolyn Ross Art is a bespoke artwork shaped around your story. From the first conversation and reference images to the final marks on paper, Carolyn works collaboratively to capture likeness, character, and the feeling behind the subject. Individual portraits, family groups, pets, meaningful places, and treasured moments can all be interpreted in expressive pencil or refined ink. Each commission is individually priced according to scale, medium, composition, and detail, with timelines agreed at the outset so the process feels clear, personal, and unhurried.
Subjects Worth Remembering
People & Family Portraits
Celebrate an individual, a couple, or a family connection with a portrait that reflects personality, presence, and the details you never want to forget.
Beloved Animal Companions
Honour the spirit of a much-loved pet through a sensitive pencil or ink portrait, created from your favourite photographs and memories.
Places & Meaningful Moments
Transform a cherished home, favourite landscape, wedding scene, or quietly significant memory into an original artwork with lasting emotional resonance.
Choose Your Portrait Style
Compare Carolyn’s pencil and ink approaches to find the visual language that best reflects your subject and the feeling you want to preserve.
Pencil Portraits
Soft, tonal character
Richly observed detail
Quiet, intimate mood
Natural texture and depth
Ideal for people and pets
Best for expressive, timeless keepsakes
Ink Portraits
Crisp, graphic character
Selective, confident detail
Bold, contemporary mood
Expressive line and contrast
Ideal for striking faces and form
Best for modern, characterful statements
Share Your Idea
Begin with an enquiry and a conversation about your subject, occasion and preferred style. We’ll review your photographs, discuss what makes the portrait personal, and identify the strongest reference material.
Shape the Portrait
Carolyn develops the composition, scale and pencil or ink approach around your brief. Once the direction feels right, the drawing begins with care and close attention to likeness, gesture and character.
Refine and Receive
You’ll have an opportunity to review the work as it develops and request agreed refinements. After the final details are complete, your original portrait is carefully prepared for collection or delivery.
From Enquiry to Original Artwork
Every commission follows its own pace. The timeline below shows how decisions, detail and Carolyn’s current studio schedule shape a considered final portrait.
Week 1
Consultation & Reference Review
We discuss your subject, preferred pencil or ink style, size and intended deadline. The clarity and quality of reference photographs help establish a confident starting point.
Weeks 1–2
Composition & Scheduling
Carolyn confirms the portrait direction and places the work within her current commission schedule. Larger pieces, multiple subjects and intricate details may require additional studio time.
Weeks 2–5
Drawing in Progress
The portrait is developed gradually, from proportion and expression to tonal depth or layered ink line. Delivery timing varies with artwork size, subject complexity and the level of finish requested.
Final Week
Review, Refinement & Completion
Agreed refinements are completed before the artwork is signed and carefully prepared for delivery. If you have a fixed date in mind, early enquiry offers the best chance of securing a suitable slot.
Commission Pricing, Tailored to Your Portrait
Choose the Right Starting Point
Every portrait is quoted individually, with the final price shaped by scale, medium, detail and the story you would like the artwork to hold.- Single Subject Portrait — from £350
- Ideal for an intimate pencil or ink study. Pricing reflects the chosen size, level of detail and whether framing is required.
- Couples & Family Portraits — from £650
- Multiple subjects, reference selection and a considered composition create a beautifully balanced shared portrait.
- Detailed Bespoke Commissions — from £950
- For larger-scale works, intricate settings, layered ink and pencil techniques, pets, meaningful objects or more complex storytelling.
- Framing & Presentation
- Professional framing, mounts and delivery can be arranged to complement the finished artwork and your home.
- Your Personal Quote
- Carolyn will discuss subject number, medium, dimensions, composition and any special requirements before providing a clear, tailored estimate.
Treasured From the First Reveal
Emma L.
“Carolyn captured my father’s warmth so beautifully that we were all emotional when we opened it. It is far more than a likeness; it feels like a piece of him, and it now has pride of place in our home.”
James & Priya M.
“The whole process felt thoughtful and personal, from choosing the photographs to seeing the final pencil portrait. Carolyn noticed the small expressions we love most, creating an anniversary gift we will keep forever.”
Sarah W.
“I commissioned an ink portrait of our much-loved dog after he passed away. Carolyn’s attention to his character was extraordinary. Looking at it brings comfort, joy and so many happy memories.”
Made to Hold a Moment, a Character, a Memory
A Selection of Finished Pencil & Ink Portraits
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of reference photographs do you need?
Clear, well-lit photographs that show the subject’s features and expression are ideal. A selection of images is often helpful, especially for portraits of people or pets, and Carolyn can advise on the strongest reference before work begins.
Can I choose between pencil and ink?
Yes. Pencil offers a soft, detailed and tonal finish, while ink brings a more graphic, expressive quality. Carolyn will discuss the character of your subject and the feeling you would like the finished portrait to convey.
Will I be able to see the portrait during the process?
Collaboration is an important part of every commission. An initial concept is agreed before drawing begins, and progress updates can be shared at key stages so the portrait develops with confidence and care.
How do revisions and deposits work?
A deposit secures your place in Carolyn’s commission schedule and allows the planning stage to begin. Small adjustments can be discussed early in the process; once the final drawing is underway, changes may be more limited to protect the integrity of the artwork.
Do portraits arrive framed, and can they be delivered as gifts?
Framing options can be discussed to complement the artwork and your home. Finished portraits are carefully packaged for delivery, and commissions can be arranged as thoughtful gifts, including a gift certificate when timing is tight.
Let’s Begin With Your Story
Every meaningful portrait starts with a conversation. Share your subject, your ideas and the occasion behind the commission, and Carolyn will help shape them into an original artwork to be treasured for years to come.