A good portrait ought to tell something of the subject's past and suggest something of his future~Bill Brandt
Procedure and fees
Commissioning a portrait is a very individual and personal event. It is a complex interaction between the subject and the artist.
I would suggest the first step is to contact me to discuss some of your ideas for a portrait commission. We can then establish the parameters of your commission.
Typically, the information discussed will include:
~ Your ideas on pose, clothing, jewelry, setting, background and other preferences.
~ The type of the painting (see below the fee guideline)
The process will include some of the following:
~ First consult > to meet with you and the person sitting for the portrait if other than yourself. It is also to finalize the scope of the commission. It is also a good time to take some preliminary photos to become familiar with the subject.
~ Second meeting > will be to formally photograph the subject in the designated attire for the portrait, and at a designated location. It is also when I do some preliminary sketches as you go about your day. It allows me to become familiar with the person's unique physical movements and habits.
I will then select the most suitable photos with the final decision being made together with you. Then I start my work.
~ Third meeting > this will be when the portrait is ready for presentation. This is when we will determine if there are any changes required.
~ Fourth meeting >to review the changes made as requested.
~ Fifth meeting > final presentation and acceptance of the portrait. Once accepted, the painting will be varnished for its protection and framed per your choice.
~Delivery.
Note: The above process is a guideline only, individual circumstances will dictate how we proceed.
Fee guideline:
Head & Shoulders .........................$2750
Half figure without hands ............$4000
Half figure with hands .................$4500
Full figure........................................$6500
The actual fee is dependent on the complexity of the portrait and the background or environment. There will be additional fees for additional figures or animals in the same portrait.
The above fees do not include: framing, shipping and crating, applicable taxes, and travel expenses.
The fee does include 2 changes after the client has seen the pre-final work; as described above, most often following the third meeting. Usually all issues can be resolved within 2 change requests. Further changes will be charged at $75 per hour.
Payments
A deposit of 40% of the painting fee is required after the first meeting.
The balance is due at the completion and acceptance of the painting, the fifth meeting.
The deposit is non-refundable. All fees are quoted in USD and are subject to change without notice.
I also do portraits from old photographs. If you check the section in my Portfolio entitled Portraiture, you will see my family's portraits, all done posthumously from old photographs, frequently very old photographs.
Please contact me if you have additional questions or would like clarifications on any of the above.
