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.
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.
Following an enquiry, a telephone conversation can quickly clarify the requirements for commissioning a portrait painting, these include:
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.
“A truly talented artist who has painted an incredibly life-like, detailed portrait - the whole family were completely amazed. I was very pleasantly surprised by the likeness and impressed by the colourful and delicate brushwork. It really is me!” - Gerald Coldham