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Process and Fees for Portraits and Other Commissioned Work
| Portrait in Oil |
Linen Canvas Typical Size |
Fee |
| head and shoulders |
14” x 11” - 20” x 16” |
$700-1,500 |
| ½ figure |
24” x 20” - 30” x 24” |
$2,500-3,500 |
| ¾ figure |
36” x 24” - 40” x 30” |
$4,500-5,500 |
| full figure |
48” x 36” + |
$7,500 + |
| other subject matter |
(varies) |
(varies) |
Portraits
Fees above are for typical works, unframed. Those incorporating a
high degree of detail or complexity may necessitate a higher fee.
Each additional person is 60% of the base portrait fee.
Other Commission Art
I also offer commission paintings in a variety of styles, including
figurative, landscape, cityscape, seascape, animals, still life, and
abstract. All are created to compliment the décor of the setting in
which they will be displayed.
Framing
I offer an assortment of beautiful frames for an additional fee based
on frame style, size, and shipping costs. If it will enhance the
painting, I recommend embellishing the frame with a subtle glaze of
oil paint and perform the work at no charge. The glaze color is
chosen to compliment the colors in the painting.
Process
I like to meet with the client (or interior designer) in the client’s
home or wherever the painting will hang. This gives me the
opportunity to observe the room décor, color theme, and mood, as well
as the available wall space and ideal location for the painting. I
work closely with the client to select the canvas size and the
dominant colors to compliment the subject(s) and room setting.
For portraits, I work from photographs to avoid the inconvenience and
extra expense associated with subject sittings. Photographs are also
useful if the subject is deceased or the portrait is meant to be a
surprise gift. Whenever possible, I prefer to shoot the photographs
myself to suit my needs for composition and lighting. However, I can
also compose a portrait from existing photographs, adding elements as
needed (a favorite pet, musical instrument, etc.) Whenever possible I
like to meet the person that I am going to paint in order to observe
their personality and demeanor. I like to learn about their hobbies
and interests, such as horses, the outdoors, reading, etc.
Incorporating such personal elements is essential in creating a
portrait that will tell the subject's unique story for generations to
come.
For non-portrait works, I discuss the subject matter with the client
and photograph the room and wall space where the painting will hang.
If available, wall paint and fabric swatches are utilized in
determining the painting's color theme. I then take these materials
back to my studio and work out some ideas to present to the client.
Materials
I work in oils on hand-woven Belgian linen and use only the highest
quality materials. An oil painting is archival and should last for
centuries.
Review
The client and I review all available photographs and drawings and
select the best ones for composing the portrait. We then discuss
placement of any additional elements. Shortly thereafter, I provide
the client with a hand-drawn or digitally-composed draft for
adjustments (if needed) and approval. This can be done either in
person or via e-mail or postal mail. Upon approval, I begin
painting. I will show the client the painting when it is approximately
75% complete so that any necessary adjustments to the likeness can be
made to the client's satisfaction.
Payment
A deposit of 50% is required before the work begins, with the final
50% payable upon completion. Travel expenses are billed at cost.
Delivery
A portrait is typically completed within 3 to 6 months. Larger
paintings and murals may take longer. Every effort is made to provide
the work in the shortest time possible without sacrificing its
quality. Delivery arrangements are made in consultation with the
client. If the client is within reasonable driving distance, I
deliver the painting. Otherwise, I carefully package it and ship it
via FedEx or UPS. Delivery and insurance costs are billed to the
client.
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