Testimonials
This page contains testimonials and feedback from some of my previous commissions. Besides testimonials, clients are welcome to comment on their drawing or painting as it is developing in the Art in Progress Blog. They are welcome to amend their portrait when it is finished or still in progress.
Or they can simply let me know what they think of the portrait. I also love hearing from people who receive their portrait as a gift.
To see the latest artwork, visit my Portraits Blog. If you have any queries or would like to commission your own portrait, please contact me.
To see the latest artwork, visit my Portraits Blog. If you have any queries or would like to commission your own portrait, please contact me.
Art Prints of Mount Errigal Painting now Available!
"Commissioned a drawing for my husband's birthday and he was over the moon when he saw it. Ivana was incredibly professional to work with and couldn't be happier with the result."
Rob about his commission of him and his husband at an amusement park, June 2024, Dublin, Ireland
Rob about his commission of him and his husband at an amusement park, June 2024, Dublin, Ireland
"WOW! Ivana, it is incredible!
Amazing how you have captured Jerry, Matthew and Lenny so lifelike, the essence of each of them and the scenery is just beautiful. It brings me right back to the moment. I cannot wait to see it tomorrow! Thank you so much, I am so excited to give it to Jerry now as I know he will just be over the moon. I finally might have gotten a present right !"
Blathnaid on commissioning a family painting of her husband Jerry, son Matthew and dog Lenny as a 50th birthday gift for Jerry from their trip to Norway, Ardclough, Ireland, January 2024
Amazing how you have captured Jerry, Matthew and Lenny so lifelike, the essence of each of them and the scenery is just beautiful. It brings me right back to the moment. I cannot wait to see it tomorrow! Thank you so much, I am so excited to give it to Jerry now as I know he will just be over the moon. I finally might have gotten a present right !"
Blathnaid on commissioning a family painting of her husband Jerry, son Matthew and dog Lenny as a 50th birthday gift for Jerry from their trip to Norway, Ardclough, Ireland, January 2024
"Hi Ivana! Wow it really looks like Buttons, you really captured her likeness - thanks so much!...a million thank yous for taking this commission - looking forward to having her at home...Hi Ivana, Hope you had a lovely weekend! Just wanted to say how thrilled I am with the portrait of Buttons.
It’s absolutely perfect & you are so incredibly talented! I was so overwhelmed by how much your painting looked like her! I could nearly reach out & pet her again! This has really helped me grieve for her & I’ll cherish it forever. Thanks a million! :)"
Jasmine on commissioning an acrylic portrait painting of her grey mare Buttons, County Kildare, Ireland, June 2024"
Jasmine on commissioning an acrylic portrait painting of her grey mare Buttons, County Kildare, Ireland, June 2024"
"Hi Ivana, thanks for your wonderful drawing which arrived yesterday. Barry was absolutely stunned and so happy to receive such a personal gift and there were definitely a few tears shed. Thanks for all of your help. It's been such an easy process and such an amazing result. Many thanks, Val"
Val about a commission of her two teen children and two dogs as a birthday gift for her husband, Cabra, Dublin, Ireland, 2024
Val about a commission of her two teen children and two dogs as a birthday gift for her husband, Cabra, Dublin, Ireland, 2024
"Hi Ivana! I have no words – that is amazing. It is honestly perfect, thank you so much!! Mum will be so delighted with it.
I had the picture framed and mum got it today. She is absolutely delighted and wanted to make sure I let you know how much she will treasure it. Thanks so much again!"
Scott on commissioning a pencil drawing of three bichon frise dogs for his Mum, Dublin, Ireland
I had the picture framed and mum got it today. She is absolutely delighted and wanted to make sure I let you know how much she will treasure it. Thanks so much again!"
Scott on commissioning a pencil drawing of three bichon frise dogs for his Mum, Dublin, Ireland
"Hi Ivana!
Oh that is fabulous, we absolutely love it. Thank you so much. Absolutely amazing, really really thrilled with it...Just to let you know the painting of Eloise arrived today. It is even better than the scan. We are so so happy with it. Thank you once again. We will definitely be back for another commission."
Henry on commissioning an acrylic painting of his baby daughter Eloise, County Galway, Ireland, February 2024"
Oh that is fabulous, we absolutely love it. Thank you so much. Absolutely amazing, really really thrilled with it...Just to let you know the painting of Eloise arrived today. It is even better than the scan. We are so so happy with it. Thank you once again. We will definitely be back for another commission."
Henry on commissioning an acrylic painting of his baby daughter Eloise, County Galway, Ireland, February 2024"
"Hello Ivana!
Sorry I’m only getting back to you now, I am so pleased with how Toby’s portrait turned out and the attention to detail, wow! Thank you so much for painting him...Painting arrived safe, I just love it. Thank you so much!"
Áine on commissioning an acrylic pet portrait painting of her pug dog as a keepsake, Dublin, Ireland, February 2024
Sorry I’m only getting back to you now, I am so pleased with how Toby’s portrait turned out and the attention to detail, wow! Thank you so much for painting him...Painting arrived safe, I just love it. Thank you so much!"
Áine on commissioning an acrylic pet portrait painting of her pug dog as a keepsake, Dublin, Ireland, February 2024
"Hi Ivana! That is amazing! I love it! Thanks so much!"
Orlaith on commissioning a painting of her bay horse Q, Ardclough, county Kildare
Orlaith on commissioning a painting of her bay horse Q, Ardclough, county Kildare
"Hi Ivana! Love the painting – you have captured Both Ian & Moss really well. Many thanks for your perceptive & sensitive work...Painting arrived today. It is absolutely beautiful. Ian loves it – as do my sons.
Again – many thanks for your wonderful work. I will definitely be recommending you."
Mary about an acrylic portrait painting of her husband Ian and his pet collie dog Moss, Adare, County Limerick
Again – many thanks for your wonderful work. I will definitely be recommending you."
Mary about an acrylic portrait painting of her husband Ian and his pet collie dog Moss, Adare, County Limerick
"Hi Ivana!
It is beautiful…..I love it thank you so much...I am sure she will love it, you have done a wonderful portrait...
Just to let you know my daughter loved the portrait, she cried when she saw it first, it was very emotional but really loved it and was so happy and surprised. Thank you again, I hope you had a lovely Christmas and Happy New Year."
Jacquie on commissioning a pencil portrait drawing of her daughter's cat as a Christmas present for her, Cork, Ireland, December 2023
It is beautiful…..I love it thank you so much...I am sure she will love it, you have done a wonderful portrait...
Just to let you know my daughter loved the portrait, she cried when she saw it first, it was very emotional but really loved it and was so happy and surprised. Thank you again, I hope you had a lovely Christmas and Happy New Year."
Jacquie on commissioning a pencil portrait drawing of her daughter's cat as a Christmas present for her, Cork, Ireland, December 2023
"Hello Ivana!
Just sending you an update: I gave my parents the painting last night. My mother was moved to tears. They said it was the best present they've gotten in years. They're discussing where to hang it now this morning and can't stop staring at it. Thank you so much. Beyond happy! Merry Christmas!"
Keith on commissioning an acrylic portrait painting of two whippet pet dogs as a Christmas present for his parents, Dublin, Ireland, December 2023
Just sending you an update: I gave my parents the painting last night. My mother was moved to tears. They said it was the best present they've gotten in years. They're discussing where to hang it now this morning and can't stop staring at it. Thank you so much. Beyond happy! Merry Christmas!"
Keith on commissioning an acrylic portrait painting of two whippet pet dogs as a Christmas present for his parents, Dublin, Ireland, December 2023
"Hi Ivana!
I absolutely love the portraits of James... That’s absolutely perfect I am so happy with both portraits. You are amazing at what you do. Thank you."
Yvonne on commissioning two paintings of her brother-in-law James, Longford, Ireland, December 2023"
I absolutely love the portraits of James... That’s absolutely perfect I am so happy with both portraits. You are amazing at what you do. Thank you."
Yvonne on commissioning two paintings of her brother-in-law James, Longford, Ireland, December 2023"
"Hi Ivana,
I am very happy with the portrait of Breffni and her likeness is excellent which I'm delighted about...
Breffini was absolutely delighted with it."
Ronan on commissioning an acrylic painting of his daughter Breffni Kelly during the 2009 European Cross Country Championships as a birthday present, Maynooth/Naas, Ireland, August 2023
I am very happy with the portrait of Breffni and her likeness is excellent which I'm delighted about...
Breffini was absolutely delighted with it."
Ronan on commissioning an acrylic painting of his daughter Breffni Kelly during the 2009 European Cross Country Championships as a birthday present, Maynooth/Naas, Ireland, August 2023
"Hi Ivana,
It's amazing! I love it! Thank you so much, it captures him so well...
My boyfriend is going to be so happy with it - I can't wait to show him."
Cady on commissioning a pencil drawing of her boyfriend's goldendoodle as a birthday present, Dublin, Ireland, August 2023
It's amazing! I love it! Thank you so much, it captures him so well...
My boyfriend is going to be so happy with it - I can't wait to show him."
Cady on commissioning a pencil drawing of her boyfriend's goldendoodle as a birthday present, Dublin, Ireland, August 2023
"Hi Ivana,
I received the portrait on Monday. It's beautiful and I'm sure Deirdre will love it. Thanks for everything and have a great Christmas."
Brian on commissioning an acrylic portrait painting of his wife and shihtzu pet dog as a Christmas present for his wife Deirdre, Naas, Ireland, December 2023
I received the portrait on Monday. It's beautiful and I'm sure Deirdre will love it. Thanks for everything and have a great Christmas."
Brian on commissioning an acrylic portrait painting of his wife and shihtzu pet dog as a Christmas present for his wife Deirdre, Naas, Ireland, December 2023
"Hi Ivana!
Thank you so much for the scanned image. The painting looks fantastic and is just what I was looking for. Thank you so much for producing this! and it’s great to hear that you have managed to finish it so soon.
It really looks great from the scanned image and I’m looking forward to seeing it in person. Thanks again Ivana."
John on commissioning an acrylic painting of his wife, himself holding their baby son with their pet dog, Maynooth, county Kildare, August 2023
Thank you so much for the scanned image. The painting looks fantastic and is just what I was looking for. Thank you so much for producing this! and it’s great to hear that you have managed to finish it so soon.
It really looks great from the scanned image and I’m looking forward to seeing it in person. Thanks again Ivana."
John on commissioning an acrylic painting of his wife, himself holding their baby son with their pet dog, Maynooth, county Kildare, August 2023
"Hi Ivana!
Apologies for taking so long to get back to you. My parents were thrilled with the painting and it was a big surprise for them! Some of my friends who saw the photo thought it was amazing too. Once I have it in a frame, I will send a photo of it. I will be sure to pass on your details to anyone who may be looking for something similar!"
Siobhan on commissioning an acrylic painting of her parents embracing, Limerick, July 2023
Apologies for taking so long to get back to you. My parents were thrilled with the painting and it was a big surprise for them! Some of my friends who saw the photo thought it was amazing too. Once I have it in a frame, I will send a photo of it. I will be sure to pass on your details to anyone who may be looking for something similar!"
Siobhan on commissioning an acrylic painting of her parents embracing, Limerick, July 2023
"Hi Ivana!
I received the drawing yesterday and it is absolutely stunning! I love it. Thanks so much and I will let you know what my parents say when I give it to them! They will love it. Thanks"
Eoin on commissioning a pencil drawing of his parents lighting candles at their wedding day, Dublin, July 2023
I received the drawing yesterday and it is absolutely stunning! I love it. Thanks so much and I will let you know what my parents say when I give it to them! They will love it. Thanks"
Eoin on commissioning a pencil drawing of his parents lighting candles at their wedding day, Dublin, July 2023
"Hi Ivana!
That looks wonderful - as usual you have done a superb job. Thank you."
Iain on commissioning a pencil drawing of his mother's pet dog Charlie and pet cat Will, Dublin, June 2023
That looks wonderful - as usual you have done a superb job. Thank you."
Iain on commissioning a pencil drawing of his mother's pet dog Charlie and pet cat Will, Dublin, June 2023
"Hi Ivana!
Yes I’m very happy with the drawing it looks brilliant! It’s exactly like the normal photo, unbelievable and you’re fantastic at the drawing. It’s absolutely spot on, thank you very much!... The drawing is amazing! I love it!! Thank you so much :)
... I have just received the portrait today and I’m over the moon with it! It’s even better seeing it in front of me. You’re very talented and unbelievable drawer. I can’t thank you enough, it’s unbelievable. Once i frame it I’ll let you know what Katlyn thinks. I’m sure she’ll be over the moon, it’s unbelievable…"
Sean on the commission of a pencil portrait of his girlfriend with her grandmother, Newport, Mayo, Ireland, July 2023
Yes I’m very happy with the drawing it looks brilliant! It’s exactly like the normal photo, unbelievable and you’re fantastic at the drawing. It’s absolutely spot on, thank you very much!... The drawing is amazing! I love it!! Thank you so much :)
... I have just received the portrait today and I’m over the moon with it! It’s even better seeing it in front of me. You’re very talented and unbelievable drawer. I can’t thank you enough, it’s unbelievable. Once i frame it I’ll let you know what Katlyn thinks. I’m sure she’ll be over the moon, it’s unbelievable…"
Sean on the commission of a pencil portrait of his girlfriend with her grandmother, Newport, Mayo, Ireland, July 2023
"Hi Ivana!
Many thanks for such a great painting of Tom, he was absolutely thrilled with it and had no idea about it until presented with it at his retirement reception on Thursday night with many invited guests from the construction industry, a couple of Government ministries, state agency representatives, colleagues and CIF members. The event was a great success and your painting was greatly admired and some people asked me what artist painted it. Many people also took photos of it with Tom holding it up to display it.
So you can take a bow and be assured it went down a treat with everyone, especially Tom and some of his family who were also there.
Many thanks for all your help and efficiency and I would only be too delighted to recommend you to anyone who may wish to have a painting by you. Wishing you continued success and thank you again... All the best"
Gillian Heffernan on behalf of the staff of the Construction Federation of Ireland on commissioning a retirement gift portrait painting of Tom Parlon, June 2023
Many thanks for such a great painting of Tom, he was absolutely thrilled with it and had no idea about it until presented with it at his retirement reception on Thursday night with many invited guests from the construction industry, a couple of Government ministries, state agency representatives, colleagues and CIF members. The event was a great success and your painting was greatly admired and some people asked me what artist painted it. Many people also took photos of it with Tom holding it up to display it.
So you can take a bow and be assured it went down a treat with everyone, especially Tom and some of his family who were also there.
Many thanks for all your help and efficiency and I would only be too delighted to recommend you to anyone who may wish to have a painting by you. Wishing you continued success and thank you again... All the best"
Gillian Heffernan on behalf of the staff of the Construction Federation of Ireland on commissioning a retirement gift portrait painting of Tom Parlon, June 2023
"Looks beautiful Ivana. It's perfect, absolutely perfect. We will have it for infinity. Your precision and care gratefully appreciated...
Such a talent! It's fabulous, Ivana. You have captured her image and spirit perfectly. You have an extraordinary gift. Thank you."
Janet on commissioning a portrait drawing of her old english sheepdog Annie as a birthday gift for her husband, June 2023
Such a talent! It's fabulous, Ivana. You have captured her image and spirit perfectly. You have an extraordinary gift. Thank you."
Janet on commissioning a portrait drawing of her old english sheepdog Annie as a birthday gift for her husband, June 2023
"Hi Ivana! I absolutely love it, your artwork is wonderful, it will be a lovely surprise for them...Hope you're having a nice rest on completion of this beautiful piece of Art, I am sure Stephan and Sinead will be thrilled...
Stephan and Sinead were absolutely delighted with your drawing, Sinead even shed a little tear, they said you really captured their happy moment...
Looking forward to another drawing from you down the road..."
Nollaig on commissioning a drawing of his friends Sinead and Stephan at Sheep's Head in county Kerry, March 2023
Nollaig on commissioning a drawing of his friends Sinead and Stephan at Sheep's Head in county Kerry, March 2023
"Morning Ivana! That is absolutely amazing!!!! I love it so so much. Thank you!!! You've really captured them perfectly. You are so talented!!!! Cannot wait to give it to them for their wedding...
Naomi will absolutely love it. Thank you so much for creating such a beautiful piece. I'm sure I'll be onto you again in the future with more work."
Veronica on commissioning a family portrait of her sister with her husband and baby as a wedding gift, April 2023
Naomi will absolutely love it. Thank you so much for creating such a beautiful piece. I'm sure I'll be onto you again in the future with more work."
Veronica on commissioning a family portrait of her sister with her husband and baby as a wedding gift, April 2023
"Hi Ivana, just to reiterate what I said, I am so taken a back with this drawing…. It's incredible and something I have no doubt my mother-in-law and wife will cherish forever!"
Gary, Naas, county Kildare, on commissioning a pencil drawing of his wife and her family, 2022
Gary, Naas, county Kildare, on commissioning a pencil drawing of his wife and her family, 2022
"Hi Ivana! Thanks so much it’s amazing...It’s just fabulous. We all LOVE it. It is like he is there smiling at us with his twinkle in his eyes. Thank you so much. We are very happy with it... I really appreciate all the work you have done on this and it’s fabulous."
Mary and her siblings, Maynooth, county Kildare, on commissioning a pencil portrait drawing of their dad as a gift for their mother's birthday, January 2023
Mary and her siblings, Maynooth, county Kildare, on commissioning a pencil portrait drawing of their dad as a gift for their mother's birthday, January 2023
"Ivana, I just wanted to thank you for the amazing portrait of myself and Tiger, it is truly amazing.
When I have passed it will be a great reminder for my wife Claire and my two daughters and five grandchildren. Wow everyone who sees it are blown away.
So thank you for your skill and keep extending the hand of friendship.
Charlie and Tiger"
Charlie Bird on receiving a portrait painting of him and his cockapoo dog Tiger from Pieta House, November 2022
Charlie and Tiger"
Charlie Bird on receiving a portrait painting of him and his cockapoo dog Tiger from Pieta House, November 2022
"Hi Ivana! Thank you for sending the image. I think it is perfect, absolutely gorgeous. You really captured him...I am sure Brendan will love it. He will be sad initially too, but also something to treasure. I am sure I will be in contact again. The process is so smooth, but your talent is amazing."
Mary, county Kildare, on commissioning a pencil drawing of her good friend's father who passed away recently, 2022
Mary, county Kildare, on commissioning a pencil drawing of her good friend's father who passed away recently, 2022
"Hi Ivana! Thank you for completing the drawing and sending over a scanned copy, I have just shared with my sisters and we all love it, thank you so much for this. It’s perfect…
Thank you for your beautiful drawing of our family home. My mum and dad are so so delighted with it and can’t believe how beautiful it is. Thank you so much for creating such a special piece of work for a very special celebration…
I will definitely be in touch again with some more requests and will be sure to pass your name on to family and friends.
It has been lovely to get to know you. Thanks again and take care…"
Eleanor on commissioning her parents' family house drawing in Kilcock, Kildare, 2022
Thank you for your beautiful drawing of our family home. My mum and dad are so so delighted with it and can’t believe how beautiful it is. Thank you so much for creating such a special piece of work for a very special celebration…
I will definitely be in touch again with some more requests and will be sure to pass your name on to family and friends.
It has been lovely to get to know you. Thanks again and take care…"
Eleanor on commissioning her parents' family house drawing in Kilcock, Kildare, 2022
"Oh Ivana wow!!! It’s amazing! Katie will love it!! I love it!”"
Michelle on commissioning a portrait of her and her wife Katie as an anniversary present, Kildare, 2022
"Hi Ivana! All I can say is wow. It's absolutely unreal, the detail in it is something else, it's perfect.
It is going to be a gift from me and my friend in Australia so I was waiting for her to get back to me on it also and she loves it too. You are absolutely gifted!"
Ciara, Ireland, on commissioning a wedding portrait drawing of two couples of two generations in Summer 2022
"Hi Ivana! Wow, it looks amazing! Thank you so much for working on it! We are delighted with it, you have a gift..."
Cian and his sisters on commissioning a wedding portrait of their friends, Kerry, 2022
Cian and his sisters on commissioning a wedding portrait of their friends, Kerry, 2022
"Hi Ivana, Wow wow wow..I am absolutely thrilled with your pencil drawings. You really captured our Beloved Parents and even my Dad's twinkle in his eyes...
You're such a talented & amazing artist, I will be highly recommending you! I have to say your attention to detail is superb & I'm so so happy I asked you to commission these wonderful drawings. We will forever appreciate it. Your wonderful portrait of Dad will be in Douglas Community Centre for future generations to see..thank you so so much. It was always our Dad's intention to have a pencil portait of him as previous Chairpersons on the wall in the board room. Your portrait is spot on, absolutely amazing. My siblings are in awe too. I know our Beloved Mam & Dad are smiling proudly above. I'm forever grateful."
Claire from Douglas in Cork, commissioned two pencil drawings of her parents as a keepsake in 2022
You're such a talented & amazing artist, I will be highly recommending you! I have to say your attention to detail is superb & I'm so so happy I asked you to commission these wonderful drawings. We will forever appreciate it. Your wonderful portrait of Dad will be in Douglas Community Centre for future generations to see..thank you so so much. It was always our Dad's intention to have a pencil portait of him as previous Chairpersons on the wall in the board room. Your portrait is spot on, absolutely amazing. My siblings are in awe too. I know our Beloved Mam & Dad are smiling proudly above. I'm forever grateful."
Claire from Douglas in Cork, commissioned two pencil drawings of her parents as a keepsake in 2022
"Dear Ivana, This looks absolutely mesmerizing, I loved every single detail and the coloring spectrum! It’s so beautiful, thank you so much for you hard work it was truly worth the wait...
Anyways, Tom unboxed the package yesterday and he was amazed! The amount of details you’ve put into this piece of work is magnificent! He adored the coloring choices and the whole aesthetic of lighting the painting.Thank you so much for the hard work, I’m glad that our paths crossed through this painting and it’s definitely not the last time. "
Hamdan on the painting of two bicycles overgrown with grass, commissioned as a gift in 2022
Anyways, Tom unboxed the package yesterday and he was amazed! The amount of details you’ve put into this piece of work is magnificent! He adored the coloring choices and the whole aesthetic of lighting the painting.Thank you so much for the hard work, I’m glad that our paths crossed through this painting and it’s definitely not the last time. "
Hamdan on the painting of two bicycles overgrown with grass, commissioned as a gift in 2022
"They look great Ivana. They’re so lifelike. Just like the pics but better...
...I just want to take this time to give a huge thank you from Tara and I for the beautiful portraits. Quite simply they’re incredible, better than any photograph and have a life, soul of their own. Exactly what I hoped they’d be but even better. Tara was reduced to tears with just how brilliant they were and how personal these portraits are going to be for her. We love them. Thank you so much, and we will definitely be back to you in the future for our family portrait, if that’s OK.
Yours kindly,"
Noel, Tara and Harrison, on commissioning two portraits of their cat and family in 2022
...I just want to take this time to give a huge thank you from Tara and I for the beautiful portraits. Quite simply they’re incredible, better than any photograph and have a life, soul of their own. Exactly what I hoped they’d be but even better. Tara was reduced to tears with just how brilliant they were and how personal these portraits are going to be for her. We love them. Thank you so much, and we will definitely be back to you in the future for our family portrait, if that’s OK.
Yours kindly,"
Noel, Tara and Harrison, on commissioning two portraits of their cat and family in 2022
"Morning Ivana,
my god it’s beautiful……..it’s just him. You’ve captured everything perfectly. I think my husband will be very very happy when he sees it. Thank you so much.
Am looking forward very much to seeing it in the flesh so to speak….!
...I just wanted to say I gave my husband the portrait of his grandfather Sam yesterday (no time for presents on Christmas Day!) and he was in tears. Bittersweet memories of his grandfather as they were very close, and Sam died 30 years ago on New Year’s Day.
So thank you Ivana, I think this meant a lot to him."
Martha, on commissioning a pencil drawing of her husband's grandfather Sam Haden who was a professional footballer in the 1920s
my god it’s beautiful……..it’s just him. You’ve captured everything perfectly. I think my husband will be very very happy when he sees it. Thank you so much.
Am looking forward very much to seeing it in the flesh so to speak….!
...I just wanted to say I gave my husband the portrait of his grandfather Sam yesterday (no time for presents on Christmas Day!) and he was in tears. Bittersweet memories of his grandfather as they were very close, and Sam died 30 years ago on New Year’s Day.
So thank you Ivana, I think this meant a lot to him."
Martha, on commissioning a pencil drawing of her husband's grandfather Sam Haden who was a professional footballer in the 1920s