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Roan LaScola — graphite on 220gsm paper by Alan Keane
Alan Keane
Fine Art Portrait Artist  ·  Dublin
Roan LaScola — graphite on 220gsm paper
Alan Keane
About Alan Keane

Artist's Statement

"Drawing has been an evolution from a lifetime of artistic curiosity and experimentation. I ended up rediscovering the simplicity, beauty and complexity of drawing — working backwards from oil painting to discover that pencil is the perfect tool for the control I wanted over my expression."

I chose portraiture because of its challenging nature. The quest for a perfect likeness has become an obsession — the slightest error in portraying the unique characteristics of an individual renders the work simply 'un-characteristic' and disappoints the recipient.

The distinctive technique I've perfected is more akin to sculpting than drawing: precision mapping, complete coverage in mid-tone, then carefully sculpting out the highlights and deepening the darks — with a unique finishing process that brings the drawing to life.

Work held in private collections in the UK, USA, Australia, Colombia, Germany, Switzerland and Ireland, including Irish Government and Museum collections. Portrait subjects include Rory McIlroy, Paul & Garry O'Donovan, Keith Wood and Ronan O'Gara.
Commissions

Commission a portrait

A hand-drawn portrait is one of the most personal and lasting gifts you can give. Alan specialises in hyper-realistic graphite and coloured pencil portraits, crafted entirely from your photographs — no studio sessions, no scheduling.

What can be commissioned

Baby & newborn portraits
Family & group portraits
Wedding & anniversary portraits
Pet portraits
Memorial portraits
Corporate & presentation portraits
Celebrity & sports — Rory McIlroy, Ronan O'Gara, Keith Wood

Pricing — single subject, unframed

A4  12″ × 8″  (30 × 21cm) from €275
A3  17″ × 12″  (43 × 30cm) from €525
Colour, larger or multi-subject Quote on request

A deposit of €75 (or 30% of the agreed price, whichever is greater) secures your commission. Satisfaction guaranteed — if you're not completely delighted, you won't be charged.

The process

01

Send your photo

Share your reference via the enquiry form. Alan will advise on suitability — best results come from sharp, well-lit, front-facing photos.

02

Agree size & price

Alan confirms size options, pricing and turnaround. Typically 3–5 weeks depending on complexity.

03

Progress proofs

You receive high-resolution progress photographs. Amendments can be made before the work is finalised.

04

Delivery

Carefully packaged and shipped anywhere in Ireland or worldwide. Framing available on request.

Start your commission

The easiest way to begin is simply to send Alan an email with your photo attached. He'll assess the image and come back to you with size options, pricing and turnaround time — usually within 48 hours.

What to include in your email

Your reference photo(s) attached
The subject — person, pet, or group
Any size preference or budget in mind
Any deadline — birthday, anniversary, Christmas
Email alan@aka.ie →

All enquiries answered personally · Usually within 48 hours
Satisfaction guaranteed — if you're not completely delighted, you won't be charged

Classes & Private Tuition

Learn to draw realistic portraits

Studio 15 · Foxrock, Dublin 18

Alan teaches from his private studio in Foxrock — one teacher, one student, at your own pace. Classes are available on weekdays and selected weekends, for all levels from complete beginners to advanced artists.

You'll learn Alan's distinctive sculpting technique — the same method he uses for his own commissioned portraits. Students work from a detailed photograph supplied during class, or are welcome to bring their own subject.

What you'll learn

The fundamentals of tonal drawing — light, shadow, depth and volume
Rendering realistic skin texture and hair using a layered graphite approach
Alan's signature sculpting technique
Working from photographic reference to produce a highly realistic result

Key details

1.5-hour sessions — weekdays and selected weekends
€50 per session
Fully private — one teacher, one student
All materials supplied
Ample off-road parking · Foxrock, Dublin 18
Enquire about classes →
Studio 15 — Alan Keane's private studio, Foxrock

Studio 15, Foxrock, Dublin 18 — direct access from the road, ample parking

Contact

Get in touch

For commissions, class enquiries or any questions, email Alan directly — all enquiries are answered personally.

alan@aka.ie

Studio 15, Foxrock, Dublin 18, Ireland

"The quest for a perfect likeness has become an obsession — not just because I'm a perfectionist at heart, but because the slightest error in portraying the unique characteristics of an individual renders the work simply 'un-characteristic'."

— Alan Keane