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.


ORDERING A COMMISSION

Please read carefully - I realise there is a lot of information here as I have tried to cover all questions you may have about ordering a commission - please do message me if you have anything to ask

I am able to do commissions based on your own photos which would result in a bespoke piece, personal to you. Each commission is a personalised representation of a moment in time or a special journey. Whether it's a gift for yourself or a fellow adventurer or nature lover, they are not just a painting, they are a celebration of exploration and wanderlust.

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. Please don't ask me to make changes to clothing and/or posture as this can require a certain amount of guesswork which may affect the end result. 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

THE MAP WILL NEED TO BE SOURCED AND PURCHASED BY THE CUSTOMER UNLESS I HAPPEN TO HAVE THE MAP YOU REQUIRE IN MY COLLECTION OF USED MAPS - IN WHICH CASE PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THERE MAY BE BLEMISHES AND SIGNS OF WEAR [

Prices for A3 size commission work start from £125 . This would incorporate one figure looking into the map similar to those shown in the gallery.

Eg - a forward facing pet portrait on a map would start from £160
- a bird of prey such as an osprey or eagle start from £160

I am happy to give a quote for other subjects. For example I have been asked to paint vehicles, boats, ships, aeroplanes, buildings and other subjects on maps. There are some examples in the gallery. These tend to be more complicated and detailed than figures so will start from a higher base price and will also depend on how big you would like the subject to be on the map.

For additional subjects I generally ask between £40-£75 per extra subject depending on the complexity of the subject

Examples - 1 figure would be £125
2 figures on a map would come to £185 (125+60)
1 figure + 1 dog (facing away) would come to £165 (125+40)
1 figure + dog (facing sideways would be £185)

Please also take a look at some examples in the gallery where there is also a small selection to purchase.

Map sections are 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 am also able to quote for larger size map sections up to A2 size. Please ask for details. A2 size is the largest I am able to offer due to the size of my easel and work space - price for A2 size start from £200

A pet portrait or other animal on an A2 sized map would start from £250

Please note that it is up to the customer to source and send the appropriate map although I do have a collection of used maps which I am happy to paint on at no extra charge if I happen to have the area you require.


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.and that any subject is full length. 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 and the positioning of where you would like the artwork if this is particularly important. 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 shiny 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 and signs of wear and tear. 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.

Overseas maps - I have painted on overseas maps but occasionally these maps aren't suitable to paint on due to the paper either being too thin or due to them having a shiny surface as they are sometimes laminated. You are welcome to send me an overseas map to try but bear in mind it may not be suitable - I just won't know until I do a test patch.

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 4-6 weeks to complete from the date the deposit is received. However during busier times my diary may be booked up several more weeks in advance so I recommend getting your order booked 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.


PRIORITY SERVICE

If you require a shorter deadline I can sometimes offer a priority service at a small extra cost in which case I will work extra hours to make you a priority booking whilst ensuring there is no delay to commissions already booked in my diary.


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, ORDER A COMMISSION OR MAKE AN ENQUIRY PLEASE CLICK HERE