Original oil and acrylic portrait painting of Freddie Mercury by Richard Day — graffiti-influenced contemporary portrait

Abstract Portrait Commission — Expressive Colour Hand-Painted Original

£295.00 GBP

Size

An expressive, abstracted portrait painting — recognizable subject, abstracted use of colour. This is where my graffiti influence really sings: less faithfulness to the reference photo, more interpretation. Spray paint, ink, oil and acrylic on canvas, with vivid non-naturalistic colour, gestural mark-making, and the visible presence of the painter's hand.

Good fits: musicians, performers, anyone whose energy outstrips their literal appearance; subjects you want to feel iconic rather than literal; collectors who want bold contemporary work that holds a room. Less good for: a precise likeness for a relative; a memorial portrait where the subject's exact features matter.

What's included

Original oils, acrylics, spray paint, ink on canvas
Painted from reference photos you supply (I'll interpret, not replicate)
Colour palette and composition sketch sent for approval before I start
Signed on front and reverse
Certificate of Authenticity
Time-lapse video of the painting being created
Free worldwide shipping — professionally packaged and insured
Turnaround approx. 2–3 weeks from reference approval
Full money-back guarantee

How the commission process works

After purchase, I'll be in touch to discuss composition, palette direction and reference photos before I start. See the full commission process →

About the artist

I'm Richard Day, a British contemporary portrait artist working from my studio in Norwich, UK, in a graffiti-influenced style. Read more about my work →

Sizes & pricing

Abstract portrait commissions start at £395 (24×24") and scale up to £1,495 (72×72"). The premium over single-subject reflects the additional colour mixing and creative decisions involved.

Common questions

How abstract is 'abstract' — will the subject still be recognizable?
Yes — the subject is recognizable. The abstraction is in colour, mark-making and texture, not in distorting the face.

Can I see a colour palette before you start?
Yes — I'll send a palette and composition sketch for approval before I begin painting.

How does this differ from your single-subject commission?
Same medium, same canvas, same studio process — the difference is in interpretation. The single-subject commission stays closer to the reference. Abstract pushes further into colour and texture.

Shipping & stretching

Paintings 48×48" and larger are removed from their stretcher bars and shipped rolled in a protective tube.

Browse available abstract original paintings for examples of this style applied to existing work.

Tracked & Insured Delivery — fully tracked shipping direct to your door.
Guarantee — Not in love with it when it arrives? Return it within 14 days for a full refund.
Protective Shipping — Sent in a rigid cardboard box to keep your painting safe in transit.
Signed Certificate of Authenticity — Confirms this is an original Richard Day Studio work. Signed, dated, one of a kind.

Standard (2–3 weeks) — Painted to order and dispatched when ready.
Priority (3 days) +£145 — Finished within 3 days, images sent for confirmation. Shipping upgraded to express.

30x30" & 36x36" paintings are shipped on a deep-edged canvas, ready to hang straight away. 48x48" & 60x60" paintings are shipped rolled in a protective tube — simply take them to a local framer or canvas stretcher to have them mounted.

How It Works.

01

You Order

Choose your size and place your order. No reference image needed yet — just get it locked in.

02

Send Your Reference

After checkout, you'll receive an email with instructions. Reply with a clear photo of your subject and any notes on what you'd like.

03

Paint It

Once your reference is confirmed, I get straight to work. Your piece is painted entirely by hand in oils and acrylics.

04

Photos for Approval

When the painting is finished, you'll receive photos before anything ships. Not happy with something? I'll adjust it — nothing leaves the studio until you say so.

05

Delivery

It ships tracked and insured direct to your door. Carefully wrapped, ready to hang. No surprises.

Good to Know

Common Questions

Have a specific question?

Richard is always happy to discuss sizing, framing, or custom studio requests directly.

Contact the Studio →

How do I send my reference photo?

After you place your order, you'll receive a confirmation email. Simply reply with a clear, high quality photo of your subject.

Can I request a custom canvas size?

Absolutely — if you don't see the size you're looking for, just drop me a message and I'll get back to you with a quote.

How long does it take?

Turnaround is typically 2–4 weeks from the point your reference is confirmed. Once you've placed your order and we've agreed on your image, I'll give you a more accurate timeframe before I start.

Will I see it before it ships?

Yes, always. When the painting is finished I'll send photos under natural light before it's packed. If anything isn't right, I'll adjust it. Nothing leaves the studio without your sign-off.

What if I'm not happy with the result?

There are no limits on revisions — I'll keep working until you're happy. If after all that it still isn't right, contact me within 14 days of delivery and we'll sort it out.