Commissions
Commission a PortraitA hand-drawn portrait is one of the most personal and lasting gifts you can give.
Dublin artist Alan Keane specialises in hyper-realistic graphite and charcoal portraits, crafted entirely from your favourite photos. No studio sessions, no scheduling — just a stunning, museum-quality drawing that captures the true likeness and personality of your subject.
Whether you're marking a milestone, honouring a loved one, or looking for a truly unique gift, a commissioned portrait by Alan Keane is something that will be treasured for generations.
What Can Be Commissioned?
The ProcessGetting a portrait commissioned is straightforward and entirely managed by email — you never need to leave home.
1. Send your photo Submit your chosen photo via the contact form. Alan will assess the image and advise on its suitability. The best reference photos are sharp, well-lit and taken straight-on — see the photo guide for tips.
2. Agree size and price Alan will confirm the size options, pricing and estimated turnaround time. A deposit of €75 (or 30% of the agreed price, whichever is greater) secures your commission.
3. Alan gets to work Using several grades of graphite pencil or charcoal on 220gsm heavyweight art paper, Alan draws your portrait using his signature sculpting technique — building tone gradually until the likeness comes to life.
4. Review and approve Before anything is shipped, you'll receive a high-resolution proof by email. You approve it before the balance is due. Your satisfaction is guaranteed — if you're not completely delighted, you won't be charged.
5. Delivery Your portrait is carefully packaged and shipped to your door, anywhere in Ireland or worldwide.
PricingPrices below are for a single subject, head and shoulders, unframed. Additional subjects, full-body compositions, backgrounds and clothing complexity are quoted individually.
Size/Dimensions/Price (Unframed) A4 12" × 8" (30 × 21cm) from €275
A3 17" × 12" (43 × 30cm) from €525
For colour portraits in pastel or oil, or for larger and multi-subject commissions, please get in touch with your photo and requirements for a personalised quote.
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow long does a commission take? Turnaround is typically 3–5 weeks depending on complexity and current demand. If you have a deadline — a birthday, anniversary or Christmas — mention it when you get in touch and Alan will do his best to accommodate.
What makes a good reference photo? A clear, high-resolution photo taken in natural light works best. Front-facing or slight three-quarter angle is ideal. Avoid heavily filtered images or screenshots. Full guidance is on the Your Photo page.
Can I commission a portrait as a surprise gift? Absolutely — most commissions are gifts. All correspondence and proofs are handled discreetly by email, so the recipient never has to know until the big reveal.
Do you ship internationally? Yes. Portraits have been delivered to clients in the UK, USA, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Colombia and beyond.
Is my deposit refundable? The deposit covers materials and time already invested. If you decide not to proceed after work has begun, the deposit is non-refundable. However, if Alan is unable to complete the work to your satisfaction, a full refund is given.
Can I commission a portrait from an old or low-quality photo? It depends on the image. Alan will assess every photo submitted and advise honestly on whether it can produce a quality result. In some cases, minor adjustments can be made to work around limitations.
What Clients Say"I genuinely couldn't believe how accurate the likeness was — it's beyond a photograph in many ways."
"Alan drew a memorial portrait of my father. It's the most precious thing I own."
"Ordered as a Christmas gift and it arrived beautifully packaged with plenty of time to spare."
Read more testimonials →
Ready to Commission? Get in touch today →
Dublin artist Alan Keane specialises in hyper-realistic graphite and charcoal portraits, crafted entirely from your favourite photos. No studio sessions, no scheduling — just a stunning, museum-quality drawing that captures the true likeness and personality of your subject.
Whether you're marking a milestone, honouring a loved one, or looking for a truly unique gift, a commissioned portrait by Alan Keane is something that will be treasured for generations.
What Can Be Commissioned?
- Baby & newborn portraits — capture those earliest, most fleeting expressions
- Family portraits — bring together the people that matter most in a single artwork
- Wedding & anniversary portraits — a timeless alternative to a framed photograph
- Graduation portraits — mark an achievement with something truly special
- Pet portraits — faithful companions deserve to be remembered in fine art
- Memorial portraits — a deeply personal tribute to someone dearly missed
- Celebrity & sports commissions — Alan has previously created works featuring Rory McIlroy, Ronan O'Gara and Keith Wood
The ProcessGetting a portrait commissioned is straightforward and entirely managed by email — you never need to leave home.
1. Send your photo Submit your chosen photo via the contact form. Alan will assess the image and advise on its suitability. The best reference photos are sharp, well-lit and taken straight-on — see the photo guide for tips.
2. Agree size and price Alan will confirm the size options, pricing and estimated turnaround time. A deposit of €75 (or 30% of the agreed price, whichever is greater) secures your commission.
3. Alan gets to work Using several grades of graphite pencil or charcoal on 220gsm heavyweight art paper, Alan draws your portrait using his signature sculpting technique — building tone gradually until the likeness comes to life.
4. Review and approve Before anything is shipped, you'll receive a high-resolution proof by email. You approve it before the balance is due. Your satisfaction is guaranteed — if you're not completely delighted, you won't be charged.
5. Delivery Your portrait is carefully packaged and shipped to your door, anywhere in Ireland or worldwide.
PricingPrices below are for a single subject, head and shoulders, unframed. Additional subjects, full-body compositions, backgrounds and clothing complexity are quoted individually.
Size/Dimensions/Price (Unframed) A4 12" × 8" (30 × 21cm) from €275
A3 17" × 12" (43 × 30cm) from €525
For colour portraits in pastel or oil, or for larger and multi-subject commissions, please get in touch with your photo and requirements for a personalised quote.
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow long does a commission take? Turnaround is typically 3–5 weeks depending on complexity and current demand. If you have a deadline — a birthday, anniversary or Christmas — mention it when you get in touch and Alan will do his best to accommodate.
What makes a good reference photo? A clear, high-resolution photo taken in natural light works best. Front-facing or slight three-quarter angle is ideal. Avoid heavily filtered images or screenshots. Full guidance is on the Your Photo page.
Can I commission a portrait as a surprise gift? Absolutely — most commissions are gifts. All correspondence and proofs are handled discreetly by email, so the recipient never has to know until the big reveal.
Do you ship internationally? Yes. Portraits have been delivered to clients in the UK, USA, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Colombia and beyond.
Is my deposit refundable? The deposit covers materials and time already invested. If you decide not to proceed after work has begun, the deposit is non-refundable. However, if Alan is unable to complete the work to your satisfaction, a full refund is given.
Can I commission a portrait from an old or low-quality photo? It depends on the image. Alan will assess every photo submitted and advise honestly on whether it can produce a quality result. In some cases, minor adjustments can be made to work around limitations.
What Clients Say"I genuinely couldn't believe how accurate the likeness was — it's beyond a photograph in many ways."
"Alan drew a memorial portrait of my father. It's the most precious thing I own."
"Ordered as a Christmas gift and it arrived beautifully packaged with plenty of time to spare."
Read more testimonials →
Ready to Commission? Get in touch today →