Things to consider when commissioning a portrait...
Purpose: Your portrait may involve multiple subjects. Some clients prefer multiple subjects and others prefer individual portraits for each subject. The advantage of a group portrait is the possibility to show the relationship of the subjects, such as in a family portrait. Whereas the advantage of an individual portrait is that each subject has the possibility to later own their own portrait. The ultimate purpose of the painting is the first thing to consider regarding the mood.
Mood: Generally, corporate and official portraits occupy a more narrow range of moods with the subject usually depicted in business attire or a uniform, though this is not always the case. A family portrait normally allows a wider range of possible clothing and settings, and could be casual to very formal. Though an outdoor portrait often tends to be informal, this is really influenced by the choice of clothing. Regardless of whether the portrait is formal or informal, avoid loud prints and choose classic attire that does not distinctly place the portrait as painted in a particular era. Mood is affected by clothing, setting, facial expression, body position, and especially the medium. Generally, pastel portraits are considered more informal. Generally, pastels and charcoal or graphite drawings are less expensive and also less formal. Be aware that these portraits when framed are under glass. Oil paintings will have no glass when framed and are generally considered more formal. As a final thought, the selected frame also contributes to the overall mood. AMOUNT OF FIGURE IN PORTRAIT AND OVERALL DIMENSIONS Though these are thing to consider in the early stages, the final dimensions are often determined once the artist arrives for preparation. You may initially decide on a ¾ figure, and then as a result of working with the artist decide you prefer a full figure. If there are multiple subjects in the portrait, depending on their placement in relation to each other, one might be full figured or ¾ and another might be ½ figure or a bust, such as when standing behind a chair. BUDGET FOR THE PROJECT Some projects have a very specific budget from the start and cannot vary. For others, a wider range is acceptable giving the artist more creative freedom. Let me know your needs in this area. Be aware that expenses such as artist travel and accommodations while visiting the clients, crating, shipping, insurance, framing, and any applicable sales tax are not included in the fees and are billed to the client. There will be a down-payment amounting to one half of listed price and the rest is collected upon delivery of portrait. Sizes are approximate and adjusted as circumstances warrant. Additional figures in the composition are 50% of the stated prices. There will be a $100 processing fee for the first sitting. Matting and framing are additional expense for the client. Backgrounds are non-detailed. Backgrounds featuring landscape and architecture are additional expense. |
Having a portrait painted is a special event in one’s life.
Few people ever have more than one portrait painted in a lifetime. Plan to take your time in the selection process as this is an important event. If you like my work and don’t see an example of the type of portrait you would like, check with me and we will create a composition that will become a family heirloom. My clients are always a part of the creative process, and together, we will choose the composition that best suits you through a series of photographs and sketches. Because each portrait is unique to the person it represents, I need to spend some time with the subject to fully understand what makes a beautiful composition. This may take more than one sitting. I prefer to do the studies in the atmosphere where the painting will be hung. There are no hard and fast rules, but choosing clothing with a classic style seems to add a touch of elegance. Consider your lifestyle and where the portrait will hang in making the choice of formal or informal attire. I take many photographs with different poses in search of the pose that gives us that look we are hunting for. We then review the photos and choose a setting, and then the painting can begin. Halfway through the painting process, I like to review the piece with the client. Delivery of your portrait is an exciting moment. I deliver the portrait personally so that I may see the finished piece of art in location it will hang. Pricing
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Head Only Head & Shoulders Torso & Hands Full Length Full Length |
Size
16 x 20 20 x 24 24 x 30 24 x 36 30 x 40 |
Children
$500 $750 $1500 $1900 $2250 |
Adults
$750 $950 $1900 $2250 $2500 |
Pastel Portraits
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Head Only Head & Shoulders Torso & Hands Full Length Full Length |
Size
16 x 20 20 x 24 24 x 30 24 x 36 30 x 40 |
Children
$1500 $2000 $2500 $3000 $4000 |
Adults
$2000 $2500 $3000 $4000 $5000 |
Oil Portraits
|
Head Only Head & Shoulders Torso & Hands Full Length Full Length |
Size
16 x 20 20 x 24 24 x 30 24 x 36 30 x 40 |
Children
$2500 $3000 $3500 $4000 $5000 |
Adults
$3000 $3500 $4000 $5000 $6000 |
Larger Format: Special Quote
Working from client's photos: Special Quote
Additional expenses
Sizes are approximate and adjusted as circumstances warrant. Additional figures in the composition are 50% of the stated prices. There will be a $100 processing fee for the first setting. Matting and framing are an additional expense for the client. Backgrounds are non-detailed; backgrounds featuring landscape or architecture is additional. Travel expenses will vary due to location.
Working from client's photos: Special Quote
Additional expenses
Sizes are approximate and adjusted as circumstances warrant. Additional figures in the composition are 50% of the stated prices. There will be a $100 processing fee for the first setting. Matting and framing are an additional expense for the client. Backgrounds are non-detailed; backgrounds featuring landscape or architecture is additional. Travel expenses will vary due to location.
