The vast majority of my work in recent years is in the form of commissions from air force and other units, airlines and other companies, galleries and individuals from all parts of the world. This I find is often not just the most challenging and interesting way to work, but also closely involves the client in a combined effort of knowledge and imagination.

There is no quicker way to make back whatever money you pay the artist than to follow on the commissioned work by investing in a series of fine art prints! If you belong to a squadron or wing there is also no better way to put yourselves "on the map" than by producing a good quality print ….which as well as selling at air shows, etc. is convenient for decoration, presentations, gifts and so forth. The number of repeat customers proves the point.

Aviation paintings range from relatively straight-forward representations of particular aircraft against pleasant, generalized backgrounds to the highly exacting and precise depictions of complex historic scenarios. Overall my work covers the whole range, although it tends to be heavily weighted towards the latter. But whichever part of the spectrum they lie on the combination of high accuracy, technical and otherwise, with artistic imagination and excellence is always my top concern in my work. The following outline of steps reflects this concern:

(1) Think carefully about what you want in your painting. Note down any special details you wish shown or emphasized. It may be a fairly generalized scene, in which case you may leave much of the decisions to the artist. If, on the other hand, it is a highly specific kind of scene, then it is important that every circumstance is taken into account: time of day, weather, altitude, terrain, heading, etc.and etc. Everything.

(2) Draw a sketch or diagram if necessary - it tends to save a lot of words. It doesn't matter if it's not very artistic (although I'm often surprised) – that's my job. Get together photographic and other necessary references and send them to me with the sketch.

(3) When I have the information from you, I will quote you a price for the work. At the present time this is usually in the range £ 900 to £2,000 (GB£1.0 = approx US$2.0) for a 20 x 30 in. canvas (approx 25 x 35 in. framed), which is the most common size I use while other sizes are, of course, possible. Send along at least 25% of the price as down payment, in pounds sterling if possible.

(4) I will prepare detailed sketches based on your ideas and data and send them to you for approval, asking you to note any corrections you feel are necessary. I may offer alternative compositions for your consideration in order to arrive at the best possible solution. Once the concept is clarified and finalized I will be ready to commence with the canvas.

(5) When the work is near completion I can send you photos or digital images for your final approval. This is where e-mail is especially useful if you have access to a computer. The remaining payment is due at completion.

(6) Delivery or collection of the finished painting by special arrangement.

For more information on painting commissions and prints please contact me.