The Little Hands Project
An original oil painting of your child's hands, painted by me in time for Christmas.
From €800 | A4 | Oil on paper
Children's hands change so quickly. The dimples, the little creases, the messy discovery, the way they touch and curl around everything and hold tightly to the people they love.
This month I'm taking a limited number of requests for little hand portraits, so I have time to paint each one before Christmas.
What you receive
An original A4 oil painting on paper of your child's hands.
€800
Unframed
€850
Framed: classic natural or stained oak frame, window mount board, and glass
A printed gift card, if you'd like one
A photo of the finished painting, sent to you before it's wrapped
Careful packaging, or collection from me in Paris
Registered express post is extra and depends on where you live.
How it works
Message me
Send me a message to reserve your place. Please reserve by 22 November.
Make the deposit
€400 secures your commission. The balance is due before shipping.
Send your photos
Follow the guide below. The more you send, the better.
I paint
I'll work from your photos and send you a picture before it's wrapped.
It arrives
Registered express post, or ready to collect in Paris, in time for Christmas.
Lexie
2021 Oil on Paper 21x29.7cm
How to photograph little hands
You don't need a good camera. A phone and a bit of patience will do.
Light. Natural daylight, but no direct sun and no flash.
Surface. Rest the hands on something simple, like a plain surface or fabric.
Angle. Shoot from slightly above, with the whole torso, hands, and forearms in the frame.
Poses. Try a few: open, resting, gently clasped, holding something small and meaningful, or doing a favourite activity.
How many. Send 5–7 photos. I'll look at more than one while I paint.
Each painting is original and handmade, so it's my interpretation of your photos, not an exact copy.
Past little hands
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Little Hands I
2021 Oil on Paper 21x29.7cm
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Little Hands II
2021 Oil on Paper 21x29.7cm
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Little Hands III
2021 Oil on Paper 21x29.7cm
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Little Hands IV
2021 Oil on Paper 21x29.7cm
The details
Reserve by: 22 November
Deposit: €400 to secure your commission, by bank transfer
Balance: Due before shipping
Shipping: Registered express post, priced by region. Collection also possible in Paris
Delivery: In time for Christmas. Last order date: 22 November
Questions
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Send me a message on Instagram (@clarethackway), by WhatsApp or text on +33 7 52 14 36 49, or by email at clare@thackway.com. I'll confirm your place and send the deposit details.
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Please reserve by 22 November. I may close the list earlier if the places fill up.
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€800 unframed and €850 framed. Registered express post is extra, and I'll calculate it for your region once I know where it's going.
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A €400 deposit secures your commission. The balance is due before I ship the painting.
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It will look like your child, but it won't be a copy. Each painting is original and handmade, so it's an interpretation of your photos. That's why I ask for several, from different poses.
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Any age. Babies, toddlers, teenagers: if you want their hands painted, send me a message.
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Each painting is of one child's hands. If you'd like something more elaborate, contact me for more information.
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Yes. Holding something special, drawing, helping in the kitchen: it's often the details that make it feel like them. Send me photos of that, and tell me what matters most to you.
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That's the plan, and it's why I'm limiting places. Reserve by 22 November and I'll tell you the shipping date for your region when you book.
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By registered express post, carefully packaged. The cost depends on your region. If you live nearby, you can collect it from me in Paris instead.
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Yes. I'll send you a photo of the finished painting before it's wrapped.
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A printed gift card can be included. Tell me what you'd like it to say and I'll write it for you.
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They're only used to paint your commission, and I delete the originals afterwards. I may share a photo of the finished painting on Instagram, but only with the parents' permission.
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This offer is a Christmas special and closes on 22 November. For portraits at other times, message me via the Contact page and we'll talk.