While many artists' work appears to benefit from miniaturisation of their pictures for show on the Internet, I believe that many of my portraits are diminished by this. Subtlety and fine details are lost in the low resolution images. I feel I can therefore safely say that if you like the pictures shown here, you will be delighted with the real thing - especially where the subject is the love of your life.

The images shown on this site are all commissioned pieces. Particular works have been selected to try and show a range of different subjects. Some portraits have been produced from very poor quality photographs, while others have undergone significant changes to correct badly composed shots, or change details (e.g. removing glasses, restoring cropped body parts).

What does not come across in any of the pictures is their accuracy in capturing a true likeness. It has been tempting to populate this web site with images produced from top quality photographs, but I feel this would mislead the majority of customers, who ask me to work from "snaps".

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Here are a few comments made by satisfied customers.

"I have to say I was blown away - fantastic. The subject's wife flew in from the States that day so I had the opportunity to show her. On seeing it she yelled, 'it's my Bill'. then she got quite emotional. I was absolutely delighted by her reaction and the 100% seal of approval." (S.McNamara - Hertfordshire).

"Just to let you know that everyone loved the picture. I thought it looked even more impressive in real life." (L.Irwin - County Antrim).

"Portrait arrived safe and sound on Saturday, mounted, packed and labeled superbly, and yes it is better than the scan depicted. WOW!!!!! What can I say, it is just fantastic, how clever are you. This is a belated birthday gift from my hubby and daughters and is the best gift ever. Thanks for all your hard work, you captured the image and personality of each of them beautifully, so life like. It has been a pleasure doing business with you, and from the start to the finish your professional direction and assistance has been excellent." (J.Stubbings - Milton Keynes)

"The picture is fantastic - it brought a lump to my throat" (D.Darby - Tyne & Wear)

"My mum was delighted with the portrait of Sylvie. She actually cried and said it was the best present anyone had ever got for her " (J.Sandlan - North Yorkshire)

"Thank you so much for the fantastic portrait of Dino. You depicted him so well. My husband was so pleased with the picture. It made his Birthday a very special day." (H.Corke - Tyne & Wear)

"I have commissioned two drawings from John and been extremely pleased with both. Communication excellent throughout, postage and packaging superb, and items arrived on time and in perfect condition." (M.Sprigg - Notts)

"Thank you very much for the outstanding portrait of "Daydream". You have captured her perfectly. It is the best present I have ever received, and I shall treasure it all my life." (R.Griffiths - Cheshire)

"When I first saw the scanned image of the picture I was surprised by the level of detail and by the exceptional quality of the image. The final product looked even better! In addition to the work, I’ve been hugely impressed by John’s professionalism and friendly approach and will not hesitate to contact John for repeat work." (C.Stone - Middlesex)

"Words failed my hubby when he opened his portrait of "Brandy". He was so moved by the results. He cannot get over how life like it is and how you captured that look of devilishness." (A.Hauxwell - Newcastle upon Tyne)

"Have received the picture and I must say how pleased we are with the result. We think Daisy has been captured beautifully. I think we were in tears when it was opened." (K.Sandlan - Leeds)

"The portrait you did of our Mum was excellent. My father who knew nothing about it was completely overcome when he was given it on Christmas day. He has commented that he thinks it is fantastic and cannot get over the attention to detail that you have paid when completing it." (E.Redpath - Co Durham)

"Just to say a big THANK YOU from myself and brother. Mum and Dad were delighted with the drawing. Friends and family who visit have all made comments ... and everyone thinks it's really good, not to mention an excellent idea for a gift." (S.Rawlings - Liverpool)

"I was absolutely blown away by the wonderful colours and the highlights of the sun on her hair -, the accuracy of it - and the lovely framing. The day when I gave my mum the picture I will never forget the look on her face. It is such a treasured picture now, and it hangs with pride in my mums living room." (L.Tombleson - Cambridgeshire)

And finally, in the interest of "balance", here is some Negative Feedback.

"Doesn't look like a portrait, more like a computer image." (Anon)

 

 

©2008 A&B Artwork