The portrait process begins with a consultation to establish size, style and setting followed by a sketch sitting to establish positioning, and then a series of photographs are taken. The body of the portrait will then be painted from these. This is essential as most sitters look like the-lights-are-on-but-nobody's-home after five minutes holding a pose, and as for children and animals... make that five seconds. It is possible to work from existing photographs but not desirable. The portrait will then finished with a final sitting, when the crucial finishing touches are added. Then the painting is taken for varnishing and also framing if required. For prices and terms please contact adrian@chestermanart.com

The visual resemblance to the sitter is the primary goal for any portraitist to achieve. With the benefit of years of training and experience, Chesterman takes this in his stride. Beyond this though, he imbues the piece with an indefinable magic, a presence and an atmosphere, that brings the portrait to life.
From small pencil drawings of a child's face, to large centrepiece oil paintings of family groups, Chesterman utilises a wide range of media, surfaces and techniques to create a timeless work of art.