COMMISSIONING A PORTRAIT
A Step by Step Process
REQUESTING A COMMISSION
If you are interested in commissioning a portrait, contact me with the information provided on the homepage. After confirming the general composition and personal preferences, I will meet with the client and make initial color sketches. Depending on the location, I may work either entirely from photographs or entirely from life. If I need to work from photographs, I will need to take the photos myself, except if the commissioned piece is a posthumous portrait or surprise gift. I split my time between New Haven and Philadelphia, so I can meet clients for photoshoots in the north east of the US for no additional charge. However, I charge for travel and reasonable lodging when it is necessary to travel outside of the north east.
BEGINNING A PAINTING
After meeting with the client, I begin developing the portrait back in my studio through drawings and color studies.
Throughout this process I will send emails with the sketches to ensure that the client approves of the composition.
With the client's full approval, I begin the final painting on archival panels, or portrait grade Belgian linen. I use only the finest materials available to assure your portrait will be archival, museum- or heirloom-quality
ADJUSTMENTS
If the client is still unsatisfied with the portrait after two weeks, I will make necessary adjustments at no additional cost. However, these adjustments must be readily apparent, and easily corrected due to the clarity and communication provided during the sketch and initial stages of the painting process.
PRICING FOR FINISHED PORTRAIT
Before the first sitting or photoshoot, the client will need to pay $400 deposit. Within 30 days of finalizing the commission, I require that clients pay 30% of the final cost. The rest will be given after the finished painting is received.
The following are price estimates for commissioned oil portraits. Each additional figure will costs and extra 75% of the original price. All Charcoal portraits in black and white are one third of the price.
9 × 12"-11 × 14” (Cameo)
$1500
12 × 16" - 18 × 24” (Head and Shoulders)
$3000
22 × 30 - 24 × 36” (Half Length)
$5000
24 × 48" - 30 × 40” (Three Quarter Length)
$8000
38 x 48" - 42 x 70” (Full Length)
$10,000
Sizes are shown in USA inches. For centimeters, multiply each dimension by 2.54.