Portrait Procedures & Fees

PORTRAIT PROCEDURES

Every successful portrait is a collaborative effort between a client and artist. The first step is an initial consultation to help define the scope of a painting by discussing the subject, style, and setting the client has in mind. Next, a photographic session will be scheduled at a location suiting the concept of the painting. Following the signing of a contract and a 1/3 deposit, I`ll  shoot between 100-150 frames of a subject to use as references for the finished portrait. It is sometimes possible to work from photographs provided by a client, and in the case of posthumous work a clear basic reference photo, accompanied by supplemental photos is optimal.
Using client approved reference photos, I`ll compose the painting and present the client with preliminary sketches and when the composition is agreed upon the actual painting begins. I will provide progress reports along the way, generally per digitized files and e-mail, but clients are always welcome in the work room to see the actual canvas. Clear references should eliminate the need for sittings, but if a subject is available, I might request one near the end of the process.
When the painting is nearly finished, I will ask the client for a final reveiw. I always am willing to make minor adjustments to the work at this juncture as long as they do not alter the agreed pose, lighting or composition in any significant way, or cause a major change of expression. I am also happy to assist in choosing a frame for the portrait.  Six to twelve months after delivery of a piece, I'll be in touch to apply a final coat of varnish.

2008 Oil Portrait Fees
The prices and sizes quoted below are approximate and refer to work of average complexity and one subject. Additional subjects in the same composition will be billed at 75% of the first subject; children (under the age of 14) are priced ca. 30% less than adults and are slightly smaller. Small animals may be included in the composition at a rate beginning at $500., individually pet portraits begin at $750. for a ca. 14” x 18” canvas.  Additionally, I welcome inquiries about landscape commissions, either from photo references or plein aire.

CAMEO (head, neck to collar) 16” x 20”- $1350

HEAD & SHOULDERS 20” x 24” - $2000.

3/4 LENGTH (includes hands) 30” x 40” - $3000.

FULL LENGTH - Child, 28" x 40" $2500., Adults individually priced.

The above prices are for oil portraits on linen and sizes are approximate. Actual size will be determined by the composition. A non-refundable deposit of 1/3 the total price is required at the photo session, the remainder will be paid upon delivery of the portrait. Prices do not include framing, shipping or travel expenses out of a 100 mile radius.

   Pencil portraits are also available, either to accompany an oil portrait, or as individual pieces. Prices begin at $250. for a stand alone, ca. 8" x 10" (mat opening) portrait; pencil portraits which accompany oil portraits are priced at half that. Another format- the oil sketch is also available.  These pieces are smaller and looser) see "Ann" in the "portrait" portfolio) than the formal portrait, exceuted on wood panels and  can be completed much more quickly and are priced along the lines of the drawings.