The Portrait Process in Brief

 

If possible a meeting is arranged with the subject to discuss clothing, posing, setting, where the painting may hang, and so on.  Certain determinations are made about the overall nature of the project and a contract is drafted. Then one or more photographic sessions with the sitter are arranged at the convenience of the sitter or client, followed by an opportunity to review the photographs to indicate preferred ones. Generally from a large set of photographs a composition and likeness is derived usually in the form of a fairly developed pencil study.  There is a final review period, which can be handled by e-mail if convenient, as the oil portrait begins to take its final form; the commission is considered complete upon the satisfactory acceptance of the portrait by the client.  Unless otherwise agreed, the artist retains possession of all studies.  Usually a 50% down payment is made on the commission at the signing of the contract and the balance due at completion.  Interested parties may contact me by phone, e-mail or post to discuss or arrange a commission.