Commissions & how I work
COMMISSIONING YOUR PORTRAIT, or a portrait of a loved one, is a profound experience that will bring joy and beauty into your home.
Whether I'm painting a person or a still life, I prefer paint from life whenever possible. I get so much information and energy, in person, that a photograph just doesn’t capture. (There's also some distortion when you're working from a photo.) A lot of the time, I will work with both.
How does it work?
The process is collaborative, and not complicated at all. For most portrait sittings I prefer to work directly from life, to start, then use photos for the detail work that comes toward the end of the process.
First, you and I will meet to discuss what you are looking for in a painting. We'll make decisions about style, composition, size, and who or what will be featured in the artwork. What do you want the painting to say? Do you want to include animals, or an object that has special meaning to you and your family?
Next, we will set up a photo session. We can work in my studio, outside in nature, or at your home. I will take some photos of my own, and you will show me some of the photos that you love.
We will schedule several live sittings together, for me to work with you (or the portrait subject) in person. Live sittings are important because they allow me to capture the essence and energy of the subject, that photos often miss. (Of course I realize that many people just don’t have the time to sit for many sessions, so only a few sessions are usually necessary. Sittings typically last 3 hours.)
What kinds of subjects are appropriate for a portrait?
You can commission a painting of anyone who is important to you!
I've painted people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. I love to paint children, adults, and animals–either simply at rest, or doing what they love best.
What does it cost?
Every commissioned painting is unique, so the pricing of a finished piece will depend upon variables such as size, how many people/animals are in the painting, the number of live sittings we schedule, and how we use photos.
Below I've provided a rough pricing guideline to work from. If you would like to talk about having a portrait painted please visit my contact page and send me an email.
Head & shoulders $300 - 2,000
1/2 - 3/4 figure $ 1,000 - 3,000
Full, standing figure $ 1,500 - 6,000
Quick portrait study (one 3-hour life session) $ 100 - 500
Please allow six to ten weeks for your portrait to be completed.