Shop & Commissions
Illustrated Memories..
Using a photo/s that you share with me of your family, friends and other loved ones I can create a much-treasured illustration, in a picture book style.
As my client, I can work with you and adapt and add different elements, using your photo as the basis. For example, you might love the photo of the person but wish me to alter the background and illustrate a scenic backdrop, or include certain favourite items, favourite flowers and so on.
The process involves following these simple steps:
Step 1: Once you’ve shared your favourite photo and explained what you are after, I will work with you by chatting together about which option you might prefer for your finished artwork. This initial consultation is free and can be communicated via email.
Step2:Then when are happy with the suggestions/plan of action, I complete an initial sketch/es (at this stage a partial deposit is required to begin the illustration).
Step 3: I share these initial sketch/es with you. At this stage, any alterations/edits are agreed (prior to painting).
Step 4: I can then begin the exciting process of painting and giving life to your illustration!
Step 5: I will communicate with you how close to completion your illustration is.
Step 6: The finished illustration! I will send you a small digital image of your illustration and message to confirm completion. After this (and once the remainder of the payment is received) I can send your final illustration, carefully packaged and posted to you.
It is always a huge pleasure for me when clients share their excitement with the finished work and even more so to see the artwork in its new home being appreciated daily as a treasured memory.
I can illustrate photos from your special childhood memories, your favourite images of your children, capture memorable events (such as graduation ceremonies, or completion of naval/military training), wedding days, anniversaries and so on.
I also illustrate your pets if you wish, family portraits and also favourite childhood toys.
The final artwork is hand drawn and painted using traditional techniques either watercolour, or gouache paint. I can also complete a digital illustration for you and offer you a high-quality print of this image.
Bespoke Prices and Packages Available:
*Please enquire for prices, which are dependent on image size and specifications. The following prices are a guideline and may need adapting according to your requirements:
Package 1 (An A5 Pencil sketch and Completed Illustration Printed, or a High quality giclee print of a digital illustration (£40)
Package 2 (An original A4 Hand Painted Illustration with an illustrated character) (£60)
Package 3 (An original A4 Hand Painted Illustration with one or more illustrated characters with beautifully depicted background of your choice, or using my suggestions (e.g. a flower field, beach scene, etc) (£70)
Package 4 (An original A3 Hand Painted Illustration, or family grouping with an individualised scenic, agreed background) (£90)
If you have an illustration project in mind please do not hesitate to contact me to find out more.
Some sample projects & testimonials….
Illustration of Father and Daughter (childhood memorable time spent growing up in Gibraltar).After sharing her photos with me the client talked about wanted a better backdrop for the image so we settled on the Rock of Gibraltar. I researched native flowers and suggested these were placed in the foreground, an idea she loved. She was thrilled with the final result!
“The emotion & thought Zara put into the painting really shows. A very personal & thoughtful experience. A piece of art I will always cherish & enjoy. A truly talented painter” (Clair S, 2024)
Illustration of a childhood memory. This was a particularly poignant piece of work where the client had recently lost her mother. She wanted an image of herself with her mother, from her childhood, to remember their happiest times together. She always called her mother ‘sweet pea’ so wished these flowers to be incorporated in the image (as well as her favourite toy). She was moved and delighted with the final image, which I sent to her with some real sweet peas I had grown and dried.
“After talking over ideas with Zara she got to work & created such a heart felt & emotional piece of art for me which really captured the memories I had of my mum” (Clair S.)
This is a illustration of a memorable day for a young family to celebrate and remember their young son. The client wanted a natural unposed style, incorporating the daisies where they were looking at their son rather than directly at a ‘viewer’. She loved the nostalgic innocence of the style in the final painted image.
“It was everything I’d hoped for, a beautifully captured moment in time, reimagined through Zara’s unique interpretation. I loved the colours & intricate details, like the patterns on the clothing. I gifted it to my daughter & her husband for Christmas & they were absolutely thrilled” (Ange P.)