COMMISSIONING YOUR PORTRAIT
What you can expect...
1. Your Initial Discovery Meeting- This meeting takes place in person, by phone or Zoom video conference, whichever is more convenient for you. At this meeting I'll answer your questions, and probably a few you hadn't thought of. We'll talk about who will be in the painting, the background, and where the painting will be hung. Among other things, we'll talk about sizes and prices, how the photo shoot works, studio visits, and delivery. My goal is for you to leave this meeting at ease and confident about your decision.
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2. Your Strategy Meeting- Once the decision has been made to commission a portrait, I’ll meet with you in person, or via phone or video conference, whichever is most convenient for you. If an organization is commissioning the portrait on your behalf, they may also wish to have a representative present. At this exciting meeting, which lasts about 45 minutes, we’ll discuss the clothing and setting for your portrait and other specifics, as well as schedule our photoshoot.
If possible, I’d like to know (and ideally, see) where the painting will be displayed as that often influences the design and framing of your painting. Afterwards, my office will send over a packet noting what we’ve discussed for your approval.
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3. Your Photo Shoot- I will travel to your location for a digital photo shoot. My clients seem to especially enjoy this aspect of planning their portrait and I do too. At the conclusion of the photo shoot, which will take 2-3 hours, we’ll review the photos together.
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4. Your Studio Visit- I work from photos and from life. I’ll begin your portrait in my studio from our photoshoot images. When your painting is approximately half finished, I’d love for you to visit my studio to view your portrait in progress. This is not a requirement, but it’s a great opportunity to make adjustments working from life. At this time, we’ll select your custom frame and it will be ordered and built so that your finished portrait can be delivered framed.​
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5. Delivery- Whenever possible I’ll deliver your finished portrait in person. If you or your organization would like to present the portrait in an unveiling, we can help arrange that. At this time completion is generally 12 months from photo shoot to delivery.​ Rush delivery may be possible for an additional fee depending on the studio schedule.
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6. Sizes and Fees- Portraits in oil are generally life-size or near life-size and therefore the canvas size usually relates to the size of the subject. I’ll gladly discuss your needs and explain my process so you can make the best decision about size. Please contact me using the form below for more information.