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 all of 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.
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.
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 and choose the likely primary reference for your portrait.
4. Your Studio Visit- I’ll begin your portrait in my studio. 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 choose your custom frame and it will be ordered and built so that your finished portrait can be delivered framed.
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. Completion at this point is generally 9-12 months from initial meeting to delivery. Rush delivery may be possible for an additional fee depending on the studio schedule.
Sizes and Fees
Portraits in oil are generally life-size therefore the canvas size usually relates to the size of the portrait, but I’ll gladly discuss your needs. Portrait prices range from 5000 US dollars for a Head and Shoulders view to 24,000 for a full-length view. Please contact me for more information. I am happy to give you a general quote for your project prior to scheduling an Initial Discovery Meeting.