Portrait Procedure

The commission of a portrait is a collaboration between the client and the artist.   When we first discuss the portrait to be commissioned, we need to determine several things.  Does the client want a formal or informal setting, dressy or casual clothing, and interior or exterior placement of the figure. Once these factors are decided, we choose a time to meet.  If the sitter is an adult, I like to have a short time to work from life, and with both children and adults I take many digital photographs. Sometimes I work with a professional photographer.   I include the photography fee in my price quote.  Sometimes a client has an image from which he or she would like me to paint.  This generally suits me, but permission from the photographer is necessary.  Chances are I am going to make some suggestions for the painting which will be different than the photograph, like changes in placement of the figure, or rearranging background.  My suggestions are based on what I believe will make the painting a better work of art.

Next, we choose the portion of the sitter to be painted.  Sometimes a client prefers a head and shoulders view of the sitter and sometimes the whole figure.  Price varies accordingly.   When we make a decision for the look of the portrait, I put in writing just what we have agreed, and we both sign the contract.  One half the portrait commission is due before I begin the painting.  The other half and 7 1/2% sales tax is due upon completion.  If the client wishes me to make any changes to the painting upon completion, to improve likeness, I am happy to do so.  My goal is to complete a painting a client loves.

My fees start at $2300 for a simple head and shoulders portrait.  A second figure doubles the portrait cost.  There is an additional charge for complicated clothing or background.