Hi, my name is Michele Chilton, welcome to my gallery. Based in Brighton & Hove in the UK, my artwork focuses on contemporary seafront still-life paintings and pet portrait commissions and studies.

Form and character fascinate me, the plainest object can inspire through shape, texture, light and shadow. Graduating with an MA in ceramics from the Royal College of Art, my early work focused on the study of everyday, functional items, trying to find their inner beauty through sculpture.

When I moved to Brighton I realised that I was surrounded by diverse characters and objects and wanted to expand on my early sculptural work. Painting allows me more freedom to explore the personality of my seafront surroundings, inherently reflected in the buildings, structures and everyday objects.

If you would like to buy one of my original oil paintings, please just click on the paypal button. Alternatively, contact me for other payment methods.

Commissions
From my first studies of dogs on the seafront, I loved their expressions and movement and really enjoy trying to capture their spirit and charm and so started taking commissioned dog and pet portraits as well.

If you would like to commission a dog or pet portrait, please do not hesitate to contact me using the form on my contact page or email michele@chiltongallery.com

How do I commission a dog portrait?
It’s as easy as sending in a clear photo or photos of your dog. Remember it is best to use photos that you feel capture your dogs personality. You can either choose one shot that you like or send me a few photos and I can suggest the best composition. Take a look at my website for ideas, you may want a cropped shot or a full body composition. Unusual angles can make really interesting portraits.

Can I have a portrait with more than one dog?
Yes this will usually suit a larger canvas. I can work from different photos to create one painting . Please contact me to discuss further.

Background colour?
I like to give the portraits a contemporary feel, I can change the colour of the background to fit your colour schemes or suggest a colour that with compliment your dog portrait.

How long does it take?
Please allow 4-8 weeks. If you want to give a portrait as a special gift and have a particular date to meet please contact me and I can check my painting schedule. Christmas is a busy time so please allow as much time as possible.

What material do you use?
I paint using professional quality oil paints on stretched canvas. I can either use a standard or boxed canvas. Box canvas unframed gives a contemporary feel to the portrait. A standard canvas is suitable for framing. Please note side edges are left unpainted.

If you prefer a study of your dog (gallery style) I can quote for an oil painting on framed board. Please take a look at my completed commissions for style ideas.

How do I pay?
Once we have agreed on a canvas size and composition, I take a 25% deposit (this is non-refundable once the painting is started). Once the portrait is complete I take the final balance before posting out your finished painting. You can pay by PayPal or Cheque. Please note that, if paying by personal cheque, the funds will have to clear before I deliver the painting to you so please bear that in mind if timing is critical. Please make cheques payable to Michele Chilton.

How do you deliver?
I usually choose a service that is appropriate for the size of order and convenient for you.

 

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