Portrait Commission
Procedure

PORTRAITS: The intent of a portrait painting is to represent a specific human subject and to achieve a recognisable likeness. A well-executed portrait is expected to show the inner essence of the subject and it can gain the lifelong gratitude of a client. Working on a portrait painting is a collaboration between the client and the artist.

Before the painting is started, a meeting is arranged to discuss about the painting's details and to arrange for the date and time that the photo shooting will take place. From the very old times of portrait painting, it is considered a better practise that the subject attends sittings for the artist in person for many long sessions. In our times however, this is almost impossible due to the very busy lives people lead and the serious lack, or pressing time they always face. Therefore working from photographic reference is not only practical but acceptable and a necessity in modern portrait painting. 

 

PHOTO SHOOTING: Usually, one photography session is needed which can last from about 1 to 3 hours. It is better to be arranged at a  place that people feel comfortable, such as in their home or at a place of work or study. The photographs to be used as reference for the portrait painting, must be taken by me, because it would be impossible for me to use photos taken by others (unless, the portrait to be painted will be of a person not in life anymore).

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PAINTING PROCEDURE: Portrait paintings with oils are done in stages and layers of paint that need time for drying between them. It's a time consuming process and creating a portrait can take considerable time. The time needed to finish a portrait painting can take up to a few months. Time is also needed for assessments, contemplation and adjustments and paint drying. Oil paintings need a long time (six months to one year) for the curing of the paint and finally a varnishing to be applied. Finished paintings though, that are dry to the touch, can be delivered prior to the curing period. After the curing of the paint period, it is preferable that the painting is returned to the artist for varnishing, and of course it will again be delivered back to the client once it is varnished.

 

DIMENSIONS: A portrait is usually painted at life size or slightly smaller. Portrait painting can depict the subject at full-length (the whole body), half-length (from head to waist or hips), head and shoulders, or just the head. For example, a typical head only portrait is around 33x40cm, a head and shoulders portrait 40x50cm and a half  length portrait is usually about 90x125cm.

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PRICING: The painting size, if it's full-length (the whole body), half-length (from head to waist or hips), head and shoulders, or just the head, the inclusion of  hands, or other narratives, the complexity and the specific needs of the client, will determine the painting's price. All factors will be analysed and the decided price will be given to the client in the initial stages so that an agreement can be reached.

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PAYMENT: A common procedure is that before work begins, an agreement is reached and a deposit is paid by the client. The deposit is usually from 30% to 50% of the full price. When a composition is agreed upon, work on the portrait can begin. The remainder of the fee is paid upon delivery of the painting to the client.

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OTHER COSTS: Painting and photography materials are the responsibility of the artist. Framing, shipping, and insurance are the client's responsibility.

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The aim is to create the best possible work of art, whether personal, family, institutional, or corporate, that is within a budget and that is acceptable to both client and artist. The final result will be, for both artist and client, a work of art that will last in time and it will be a true legacy which honours the sitter, the institution or office, and can be cherished and valued for generations.