Portrait Artist
Tom Searles Fine Art
Portrait commissions, acrylic paintings and charcoal drawings created in London & the UK
Commission A Portrait
Bespoke portrait commissions in acrylic and charcoal.
UK portrait commissions
I create bespoke portrait commissions that capture character, expression, and presence. Working in acrylic and charcoal, each portrait is produced using traditional techniques and tailored to the individual, whether created from photographs or through a sitting.
Why commission a portrait?
A commissioned portrait is a lasting and personal piece of art. Whether marking a special occasion, celebrating a loved one, or preserving a memory, a hand-drawn or painted portrait offers something far more meaningful than a photograph alone.
The commission process
A simple step-by-step process
1. Initial enquiry
Get in touch to discuss your ideas, preferred medium, size, and timeframe.
2. Reference material
Most portraits are created from photographs. I’ll advise on the best images to use, or we can discuss a sitting if preferred.
3. Creation
Your portrait is carefully developed using high-quality materials, with attention given to tone, form, and likeness.
4. Completion & delivery
Once finished, your portrait is carefully packaged and delivered, or can be personally collected.
Materials & formats
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Acrylic portrait paintings on canvas
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Charcoal portrait drawings on paper
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Single or group portraits
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Framing available on request
Pricing
Each portrait commission is individually priced, depending on size, medium, and complexity. As every piece is bespoke, quotes are provided upon enquiry.
Start a portrait commission
To begin a commission or request a quote, please get in touch using the form below. I’m happy to answer any questions and discuss your ideas.
Live portrait drawing for weddings
An elegant and timeless way to capture your special day and offer your guests a unique and memorable touch with my live wedding portrait service.
Using high-quality charcoal on fine luxury paper, I create free flowing guest portraits live during your event, either through a traditional sitting or from photographs taken at the celebration.
These timeless sketches will not only add a touch of artistry to your wedding but will also serve as cherished keepsakes that bring back happy memories for your guests for years to come.
How Live Guest Portrait Drawing Works at Your Wedding
Before the Day
Ahead of your wedding, we’ll have a relaxed conversation — either in person or online — to talk through your plans, the flow of the day, and how live portrait drawing can sit seamlessly within it. We’ll cover timings, guest numbers, and any personal touches you’d like to include, ensuring the experience feels natural and thoughtfully considered.
During the Celebration
I arrive at your venue in advance to set up a discreet portrait station, ready before guests arrive. Throughout the event, guests are invited to have their portraits drawn, either from a short sitting or from a reference photograph taken on the day.
Working in expressive charcoal on fine paper, I create free-flowing portraits live as your celebration unfolds. Guests often enjoy watching the drawings take shape, and each finished portrait becomes a personal keepsake they can take home with them.
After the Event
If time doesn’t allow for every portrait to be completed during the event, any remaining drawings can be finished afterward using reference photographs. These will be carefully completed in the studio and sent to you within two weeks, ensuring no one misses out.
A £80 booking fee is required once your wedding booking is confirmed to secure the date.No payment is required at the enquiry stage.
Gold Package
£1500
✓ 6 hours of live portrait sketching
✓ A high-quality original A2 acrylic painting on canvas of the happy couple delivered straight to your door (from photograph and available 3 weeks after wedding date)