Q: What are red rock portraits?
A: I use a red rock chalk/clay mixed with a wax. It will never fade or discolor, and although it can be erased (with difficulty) it is one of the oldest substances used to make pictures and is otherwise a completely permanent medium.

Q: What is handmade paper?
A: Handmade paper is the paper that I use for my drawings. It is made by the oldest paper-making mill in continuous operation in Europe, which has been making paper since 1276, shortly after Marco Polo discovered it and brought its secret back to Europe from China. (The Chinese have been making paper for about 2000 years, since it was invented by Ts'ai Lun about A.D.105, and there are writings that still exist on paper made in China from that time.) The paper is handmade from cotton and linen rags by artisans in Italy. This paper-maker made paper that was used by Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci, many of whose drawings are still in good condition today, more than 400 years later. The paper is acid-free and will last more than 300 years with proper care.

Q: Why should I commission a red rock portrait?
A: This, of course, is a personal decision. However, there are several reasons that come to mind. Firstly, a lot of people are uncomfortable with a large oil painting of themselves or their loved ones over the mantelpiece. A red rock portrait is less overbearing and grandiose, and more in keeping with the times in which we live, whilst still being a fine artistic representation of the subject or subjects. It is also easy to reproduce, should you wish to give copies of the portrait to others. Secondly, the materials that I use, contrary to popular belief, are extremely permanent (see above.) Thirdly, there are really no artists working in oils today with the skill and quality of, say, a Holbein, a Van Dyck, an Ingres or a John Singer Sargent. However, that may not be a consideration for you in making your decision. Lastly, I believe that my ability to catch the likeness, character, personality and "soul" of each person that I draw is unmatched by any other artist doing portraits today. However, your decision as to whether or not to commission my work is a purely personal one and if your heart is set on another medium or artist, then that is what you should do.

Q: Why don't you paint oil portraits?
A: Many years ago I developed a severe allergy to oil paints, rendering me incapable of using them. I tried other mediums, but did not care for their qualities when doing portraits. So, as I was always a good draughtsman (I won a prestigious prize for my drawing at the age of 13 from the Royal Drawing Society), I decided to make drawings only, for the last 20 years or so.

Q: How long does a sitting take?
A: I take my own photographs. This takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Sometimes it can be less than this; for instance, Henry Kissinger could only spare 20 minutes for his portrait.

Q: Why don't you work from life?
A: I used to do portraits from life for several years but I no longer do so because 1) I work very slowly, and I like to work very late at night. 2) People rarely have enough time to sit for the required length of time, nowadays. 3) When you are forced to sit still for a long time (unless you are a professional model) you tend to find it very trying and end up looking like a "still life" rather than a real person. 4) Children, who are often the subjects of my portraits, simply cannot sit still at all, for any length of time!

Q: If you take photos, can I see them before you start?
A: No. I spend a long time looking at the photos I take with a view to deciding which are the most suitable for me to use and I rarely, if ever, work from just one pose or photo. If I am unhappy with the photos I have taken, I will re-do the sitting. (This very rarely happens.)

Q: Can you work from existing photos?
A: No, I like to meet the subject and take my own photos. The exception, of course, is when I'm asked to do a posthumous portrait, which I have undertaken successfully on several occasions.

Q: How long does it take to do a portrait?
A: I spend between 40 and 80 hours on a portrait.

Q: How long does it take to get the finished portrait?
A: It can take from 1 to 6 weeks to get the finished portrait, depending on the amount of work I have on hand. This should be borne in mind if a specific date for the portrait to be finished (for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, etc.) is required. I will always endeavor to have a portrait finished in time for a special occasion.

Q: Do you do corporate portraits?
A: Yes. I have done several major corporate head's portraits as well as portraits of royalty, prime ministers, politicians, doctors, headmasters, etc.

Q: What is the best age to do a child's portrait?
A: I have done children at all ages, from as young as 3 months to 18 years, but I believe that from 2 to 7 is one of the best times to capture most children's childish qualities. And perhaps again later, when they are 13 to15 or so.

Q: Is it better to do a group portrait or individual ones?
A: That is a personal decision, but individual ones of children mean that each child can have his or her own portrait when they become adults. However, with modern wonders of printing technology, it is now possible to have reproductions made of group portraits so that everyone can have a copy.

Q: Why do you charge so much for your work?
A: Because of the time it takes; because my work is in major museums, including the National Portrait Gallery in London; and because of the people whose portraits I have done in the past, such as Henry Kissinger, the Pope, Golda Meir, Placido Domingo, Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie, to name just a few. (See the complete list in my biography.)

Q: Is a deposit required?
A: Yes. A non-refundable 50% deposit is required in advance of all portrait sittings, along with a simple, signed contract. (This is necessary to guarantee that the portrait goes ahead, and I do not put aside time for a portrait that is then cancelled.) A date is then mutually agreed upon when and where the sitting will take place. The remaining fee is payable upon receipt of the finished portrait.

Q: Do you charge for travelling expenses?
A: Only if I am required to travel very long distances at short notice, and if I am not doing any other sittings in your area. If I am doing more than one portrait sitting in the area where the sitting will take place, and I can make my own schedule, then usually not. You can, of course, come to my studio for a sitting.

Q: What if I don't like the finished portrait?
A: This has actually rarely ever happened to me. People are nearly always extremely happy with my work, evoking comments such as "I can't believe that you captured me, my child(ren), or spouse, so well, etc." In the highly unlikely event that you are unhappy and minor adjustments are needed to satisfy you, they will be done. I always want my clients to be happy with my work. It is the best advertising I could possibly ever have, and it makes my work worthwhile and rewarding for me as well.

Q: Do you ever accept payments over time?
A: Yes. Time payment arrangements can be made without interest. As each case is different, please feel free to ask.