Commissioning a portrait
A portrait commission needs to be considered as a joint project of the artist and the sitter, with the objective of meeting the expectations of the client (possibly the sitter, but often a relative, company or institute).
I vary my approach considerably and I am prepared to be flexible to meet the requirements of the client and understand that often there are very precise requirements.
Sittings
I am happy to paint from life, solely from photographs (subject to satisfactory photographs); or a mixture of the two, which can depend on how much time the sitter can devote. My preference is to complete a study of the face(s) to accurately gain the important colour and tonal information.
Requirements
Following an enquiry, a telephone conversation can quickly clarify the requirements for commissioning a portrait painting, these include:
- Family/Business/Official Portrait
- Setting/Location
- Clothing
- Lighting
- Size (Head and Shoulders to Full Length)
- Background
- Location for finished artwork (Where it will hang)
- Time availability of the sitter
From this information, I will then be able to let you know a proposed approach, timescale and price. For a complex portrait, an initial meeting may be necessary to clarify requirements.
General guide
- Framing, travel, accommodation and delivery are additional costs
Drawings
- Pencil, charcoal, soft pastel, pen & ink = from £1,500
Paintings (oil)
- Head & Shoulders (approx. 40 x 50 cm) = from £3,000
- Half Body Length (approx. 70 x 60 cm) = from £3,500
- ¾ Body length (approx. 100 x 70 cm) = from £4,500
- Full body length (approx. 150 x 80 cm) = from £5,500
- Double Portraits = from £4,500
- Group Portraits = from £6,000