Portraiture
We create realistic oil portraits for our clients that last for generations. Our portrait subjects are personal (adults, teens, children, babies, groups and pets) and public (academic, corporate, institutional, entertainment, official, hero and sports). Each portrait is lovingly painted on the finest Belgian linen canvas and carefully varnished to bring out the rich color of the sitter. We begin with an in depth conversation to find out what our client wants and how they want to be perceived. The result of our conversation will help us to arrive at a successful experience. Below is the process for commissioning a portrait.
Portrait Commissioning Process
1. INITIAL MEETING: Once a portrait commission request is received from the client, an initial meeting will be scheduled so we can become acquainted. We can discuss the portrait in detail covering size, composition, perception, attire and where it will hang. This meeting can take place via phone, zoom or in person. After the meeting, we will set up an appointment for a photo shoot and the client will be presented with the contract.
2. PHOTO SESSION: Once the portrait concepts are agreed to by both parties, a non-refundable deposit 1/3 of the total price of the portrait commission is due along with signing of the contract. Next, the artist will conduct at digital photo session with the client which generally takes 1 to 2 hours. The artist and the client will review and choose several of the best images on the artists laptop from the photo session.
After the photo session, the artist will make a quick head color study painting from life of the client. If the client needs to reschedule for the color study painting, accommodations will be made. This head color study painting is very important in that it serves as reference of the subtle colors, values, temperatures of the skin complexion and hair. The color study usually takes 3 to 4 hours with a 5 minute break every 20 to 25 minutes.
3. STUDIO WORK: The artist will take 3 to 5 images that the client accepted and fine tune them. The artist will send the refined image along with several facial expression for the clients approval. Upon client approval, the artist will make a color study of what the final painting could look like, using the approved computer images and the head color study as direct reference material. Upon approval of the final color study, a second third of payment is due.
4. LIFE SITTING: The artist will work on the portrait until it is 80 to 90% complete. If the client is located out of town, the artist will ship the portrait to their location. The artist will then travel to the clients location for a final sitting to complete the painting. This sitting will take 3 to 4 hours. This is an opportunity for the artist to complete the painting with the clients facial expressions. The artist will also make any reasonable changes at the clients request. Upon Approval of the finished portrait, the remaining balance is due.
IN SUMMARY: There are two visits for a sitting either at your choice of location or my studio. This will take place at the first photo session and our final visit. If the artist needs to travel out of town to your location, the artist will stay in a hotel at the clients expense. The artist will ask the client to be available all day on the day of the first photo session and again at the final visit. You could expect the finished painting 3-6 months after the initial photo session, unless unforeseen circumstances arise.
One year after the completion of the painting, the artist will apply a final varnish in order to protect the painting for generations to come. The artist can apply the final varnish in the studio or at the client’s location.
Portrait Gallery: to see samples of our portraits, click on this link.
Portrait Pricing: for a specific quote on your portrait, click here and fill out the contact form.