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Helen Vidler Portraits
I am a professional portrait artist specialising in hand drawn portraits, mainly of children and pets. On my site you will find information on the different styles of my work, my background and experience, examples of my work, how to take a photo, prices and how to contact me.
I take commissions using mainly digital photos but I can also work from old photographs. I work closely with clients to produce realistic, high quality portraits. Two additional services are also available. I can supply clients with a USB stick holding the portrait image so that clients are free to use for friends and family as gifts or cards and I can gift wrap the drawing in a beautiful presentation box. See ‘Beautifully Boxed’ page for more information.
I can offer a range of styles of portraiture including graphite pencil, and Indian Ink with coloured pencil. I use quality materials including smooth cartridge paper ( Daler & Rowley ) and Steadtler pencils and Daler & Rowley Indian Ink. I have also done extensive work in Multitexturals using acrylic paint. I also take commissions for these types of work.
About the artist
I have a first degree ( BA , Hons ) in Fine Art from Bucks New University and a higher degree (MFA) in Fine Art from Reading University. I live in South Bucks with my 2 small children, husband and pets. I have completed many portraiture commissions, mainly in graphite pencil but more recently in the Indian Ink/ coloured pencil style. I have also painted murals for Odds Farm Park, the largest of these being 30ft x 15ft, and for the High Wycombe & District Poultry Society. Before concentrating on portraiture I was a keen wildlife photographer with two of my photos reaching the semi finals of the BP Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition. I have also illustrated a poem and drawn a portrait of a man for the front cover of a book. Portraiture is my main focus and even though I have always really enjoyed drawing animals I have found a new passion for drawing children especially after having my son and daughter.
Drawing Styles
Getting one good photo of your pet is not always that easy. Because of this I sometimes take elements from several photos but work closely to one chosen photo. I draw to a high standard of realism with both graphite pencil or Indian Ink and coloured pencil. Capturing character is one of the most important things when I comes to my work and I pride myself in my ability to do so.
I work closely with the clients to capture the child’s character. I work as true as possible to one chosen photo to achieve a high standard of realism using the same techniques I use for my pet portraits. Bringing my portraits to life I build up the tones of the skin using a wide range of colour in my pallet.
Acrylic on Canvas. I have worked extensively with acrylic building my knowledge with this medium. I work closely to the photo, paying great attention to detail. I balance the realism of the photograph with the artistic touch. Each brush stroke, whether it is hair or fur, is individually applied to build up layers that look almost good enough to stroke.
Acrylic . Gravel . Jigsaw puzzle pieces . Clout nails . Welsh slate . Bark on board. I have pushed the boundaries on this medium creating this unique signature technique. It draws you in and invites you to look closely at the painting as you pick out the different materials.
I work closely with the clients to capture the child’s character. In the initial phone conversation I will take notes on the child’s personality. I work as true as possible to one chosen photo to achieve a high standard of realism. I use graphite pencil or Indian ink and coloured pencil to bring the portrait to life.
Acrylic on Canvas. I have worked extensively with acrylic building my knowledge with this medium. I work closely to the photo, paying great attention to detail. I balance the realism of the photograph with the artistic touch. Each brush stroke, whether it is hair or fur, is individually applied to build up layers that look almost good enough to stroke.
Acrylic . Gravel . Jigsaw puzzle pieces . Clout nails . Welsh slate . Bark on board. I have pushed the boundaries on this medium creating this unique signature technique. It draws you in and invites you to look closely at the painting as you pick out the different materials.
Commissions
For the full unboxing experience please watch my ‘Beautifully Boxed’ Video.
Commission information
Transform a memory into a masterpiece.
Here you will find all the information you will need to know about having a favourite photo commissioned into a beautiful portrait. I have 6 easy steps which will guide you through the process.
Take the perfect photo
It’s all about the detail
This page has tips on how to take a good photo. I have given information on what I am looking for in a photo to try and make the process as easy as possible for you.
Beautifully boxed
A personal gift with a personal touch
Find out how each work of art is lovingly boxed before it is sent. Whether it is a present for a loved one of simply to treat yourself the unique way in which each work is packaged and presented will create and experience in itself. Don’t forget to watch my ‘unboxing’ video.
“I have had several fantastic drawings of my pets and daughter. I really love her work and the detail she has put into each drawing.”
“I have known Helen Vidler for some years. I have two of her drawings which I am really delighted with.”
“Helen illustrated a poem for us and her work was excellent. We will certainly be using her again and would recommend her to others”
“I’ve just looked at the drawing of my Daughter and it really is fantastic; thank you so much”
“Last Christmas I asked Helen, at very short notice, to draw a picture to cheer up a friend in hospital. Within a couple of days I had a beautiful, very detailed coloured sketch of a cat.
I would be very pleased to recommend Helen Vidler, not only is she a very talented artist, but she is very professional in her attention to details and patient with unusual requests.”
“I asked Helen to draw a picture of my three family dogs, all from photographs. The end result is a beautifully detailed and precise portrait that hangs pride-of-place in our home. Helen is not only a very talented artist, but very patient and understanding individual, who provides a wonderfully personal and bespoke service. I would strongly recommend Helen Vidler”.
“Our portrait arrived promptly with the courier and was securely packaged. The boxes that the portrait and the USB came in felt very professional and the way it was packaged made it more of an event opening it all up. We really liked the added touches of the seal stamps and we were impressed that you had chosen such a high quality USB stick that is definitely designed to last. (we’ve had photos on a USB stick from a professional company before that was poor quality and broke within a few days – we luckily had already managed to copy the photos off it!) We absolutely love the portrait – it really captures typical Rosie in a very natural pose. I now have to decide on a frame to do it justice! Thank you so much for this drawing that we can treasure in the years to come.”