As an avid hill and mountain walker, I have collected lots of maps over the years, some of which are past their best for navigational use due to creases and small tears in some areas. I absolutely love my maps and it's become a labour of love to give them a new lease of life and another layer to their story by painting on them. I fix the map sections onto artists paper prior to painting which smooths out the creases and gives a good base to paint on. I paint directly onto the surface of the map using watercolour, embracing any imperfections caused by blemishes on the map as, for me it adds to the story, and I like the details of the map to shine through as much as possible, for me they are a huge part of the artwork and my aim is to enhance the beauty of these maps not obliterate their details.

For me these map paintings have layers of meaning and can hold a memory of something very special.

More examples of paintings I have done on OS maps can be seen in the SOLD ARTWORK gallery.


ORDERING A COMMISSION

PLEASE NOTE I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GUARANTEE CHRISTMAS DELIVERY ON ORDERS TAKEN AFTER OCTOBER 31ST BUT IT'S WORTH ASKING AS EACH YEAR IS DIFFERENT

I am able to do commissions based on your own photos which would result in a bespoke piece, personal to you. Please note any figures need to be facing away from the camera. I work directly from your photo and the resulting painting will be a direct copy of the photo you send me so please choose carefully. I'm afraid I don't paint forward facing portraits on maps due to the fact that facial details can sometimes appear distorted with the map background showing through - I find that it doesn't always work well. Map paintings are done in landscape orientation unless otherwise specified.


PRICE GUIDE

PLEASE NOTE NEW PRICES FROM APRIL 2023

Prices for commission work start at £105 . This would incorporate one subject such as a figure looking into the map similar to those shown in the gallery. I am happy to give a quote for larger/more complicated subjects.

Eg - forward facing pet portraits on a map start from £125 as they takes more time to complete.


For additional subjects I generally ask around £40-£60 per extra subject).

Examples - 1 figure would be £105
2 figures on a map would come to £160 (105+55)
1 figure + 1 dog (facing away) would come to £145 (105+40)

Please also take a look at some examples in the gallery.

Map sections are slightly under A3 size and fixed to heavyweight artists paper. . Please let me know if you need your painting to fit a particular sized mount - I would need to know the aperture size of the mount to ensure the painting itself fits within this .


I may also be able to quote for larger size map sections up to A2 size. Please ask for details.

Please note the following steps in ordering a commission

1 SOURCE PHOTOGRAPHS - please choose your photo/s carefully as I will be painting a direct copy of the image you send me - please make sure you are happy with the pose/clothing etc. Your photograph needs to be clear and close up and as you would like to see it in the resulting painting. If details are blurred and out of focus then the detail in the painting will reflect that. If commissioning figures to be painted on the map they should be looking away from the camera.

2 Email the photo/photos to me at theramblingartist@outlook.com so that I can check that the image size/quality is suitable for me to work from.

3 Choose the OS map section you would like your painting on. I am able to paint on your own non laminated map or OS maps may be purchased either used or new and sent to my address. Maps other than the standard OS Explorer or Landranger maps may not be suitable for painting on so please ensure you send the correct type of map. I have found that the custom made A3 folded maps are not suitable as they are printed on a different paper. I am also able to paint your commission on one of my used maps if I have the relevant area in my collection but bear in mind there may be some blemishes, small tears. I personally feel this adds character but may not be for everyone. Please note I can only paint on actual maps and not photocopies of maps unless you have copyright permission to do so.

4 Once I have approved your photos and received the map and deposit, your order will be confirmed. To make it fair on everyone I start commissions in the order that deposits are received although I may be able to meet a short deadline at less busy times.


All custom work has a deposit of at least £50 which secures your order in my diary. I start work in the order that deposits are received to make it fair on everyone. Custom work generally takes around 3-6 weeks to complete from the date the deposit is received or the date I receive your map. However during busier times my diary may be booked up several weeks in advance so I recommend getting booked in in plenty of time if it is for a special gift. The remaining balance for the painting and any extra postage costs should be paid for on completion of the painting. Full payment must be received before posting.

These artworks come backed with mountboard in a cellophane bag, ready for you to mount and frame to your personal choice. As with all watercolours, they are best professionally framed under glass and displayed in a dry environment to protect them from any deterioration caused by dust/moisture and if looked after will give many years of enjoyment. If you intend on buying a shop bought frame and mount please let me know the aperture size of the mount so that I can cut the map section to the appropriate size.



To purchase or order a commission you can either
- use the 'contact us' tab to send a message
- email me at 'theramblingartist@outlook.com'
- contact me on social media (links at the bottom of the page)

If using the 'contact us' tab me please check your junk file for your reply as occasionally my replies seem to end up there