Commission a portrait from Matt Harvey

I’m a portrait artist based in Devon, working in oil, pencil, marble and bronze. If you would like to commission a portrait painting here is a brief introduction to me and my working process. Trained at Wimbledon School of Art and under James Scrase (a pupil of Pietro Annigoni), I use traditional techniques — grisaille underpainting built up with oil glazes — to create portraits with real depth and presence, not just a likeness. If you wish to commission a portrait painting, please read on for details.

Whether it’s a portrait commission of a child, a couple, a family group, or a memorial piece, each one is a collaboration between us — working from photographs, and where possible a sitting, to get the character right, not just the face.

Below are my current prices by size and medium. Commission a portrait painting to create a unique family keepsake.

How Commissioning a Portrait Works

Commissioning a portrait is a collaboration between us. Here’s what to expect, from first enquiry to finished piece:

1. Get in touch — email or message me with an idea of who or what you’d like painted, the size/medium you’re drawn to, and any occasion or deadline in mind. Forms at the bottom of the page.

2. We agree the brief — we’ll talk through pose, composition, and whether we’re working from a live sitting, your own photos, or a photo session I arrange. I am happy to paint from life in a setting of your choice.

3. Deposit — a deposit secures your place in my schedule (50%, confirmed when we agree the brief).

4. Underpainting and progress updates — If I’m working in the studio from photographs I usually work in stages (grisaille underpainting, then glazing) and I’m happy to share progress photos as the piece develops. There are variations of this method that I use and I would be happy to discuss any specific requests about particular techniques you would prefer me to use.

5. Completion and delivery — once finished, I’ll send final photos for your approval before delivery or collection. So if you want to commission a portrait painting, the entire process is clear and collaborative.

Examples shown are priced unframed. All my portraits are painted in oil using traditional techniques and the finest oil paints. I can create a timeless heirloom of your loved ones.

Pricing structure

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you work from photos, or do I need to sit for you?
Both are possible. I regularly work from both sittings and good-quality photographs, which are often more practical for children, pets, or portraits of someone who’s passed away. I’ll advise on what photos work best if we go that route. I also like to take my own photographs and we can arrange a photoshoot.

How long does a commission take? Most portraits take 4-6 weeks from deposit to completion, depending on size and my current schedule. This all depends on the size and complexity of the commission, so large groups may take a lot longer! But we will discuss this and agree dates before starting so we have an agreed timeline.

What’s the payment structure?
A deposit of 50% secures your commission, with the balance due on completion, before shipping.

Can I see progress before it’s finished?
Yes — I typically share photos at the underpainting and glazing stages so you can see the portrait develop. I’ll be happy to make revisions until you are completely satisfied. Also, this means that when you commission a portrait painting, you are involved in the process from start to finish.

Do you deliver, and do you offer framing?
I am happy to arrange framing for you. I have a framer I work with. Many people also choose to use their own framer. I will arrange shipping and this is added to the final payment.

I look forward to hearing from you, Matt