Process

A portrait is a personal work and must reflect the artist's interpretation and artistry in presenting the subject. Each commission represents an individual and separate circumstance and requires an approach that takes into consideration the uniqueness of each subject.

In order to commission a portrait a client must make choices concerning subject, pose, and size. These choices will be influenced by where the painting will hang and will in turn determine the effect the painting will convey and the cost of the work.

The setting will help give the work a formal, official, or casual tone. Detail and background choices can add visual interest to a painting and provide a greater opportunity for artistic interpretation. Posthumous portraits may predetermine some choices based on the quality and diversity of the photographic record. 

The first step in the artistic process is to decide on the manner the subject will be painted. Photographs may be taken by the artist to serve as the model from which the rendering will be made. Live sittings may be requested for a more authentic work. They may also be required in the final stages of the painting. The choice of pose, background and size as well as the price of the commission is agreed upon at this time and a contract is drawn up describing the obligations and rights of both parties. A non-refundable deposit of 33% is required to bind both parties to the agreement and to defray the cost of photography. The final decision as to the specific image to be used is made once the photographs have been developed. This decision is made by both the artist and client.

Upon completion of the painting the client is asked for approval and is allowed some changes, if needed, at no cost. Multiple changes will be charged at an hourly rate. Once approval of the painting has been given the balance is due. Should the client be unhappy with the painting in the final evaluation he or she is not obligated to make payment on the balance. The painting becomes the artist's property.

The purpose of the portrait artist is to communicate something about the character of the subject and not just to provide a two dimensional facsimile. It will, however, always be the artist's interpretation of the individual. It is this facet that elevates painting to art.