I always paint from life when doing commissions, but may take photographs - to work out composition and for backgrounds etc, especially if sitting time is limited.

I can include other items or backgrounds if the client wishes, and also paint landscape to commission.

I work quickly and I usually find that for a head and shoulders oil portrait about 12 hours is sufficient.

This can be in two or three or four hour sessions, with breaks as appropriate, usually over two or three weeks.