How to Commission a Portrait

1. Choose a medium.

Oil

Options include: head, head and shoulders, head and bust, three-quarter figure with hands, and full figure.

Paintings are nearly life-size. Backgrounds are simple unless otherwise requested. Canvas is stretched over .75 inch frame which can be traditionally framed, or 1.5 inch which can be hung beautifully unframed with painted sides.

Oil portraits will take 1-4 months, depending on size and schedule. 

Charcoal

Drawings are head and hint of shoulders unless otherwise requested. High-quality acid-free paper or gessoed wood panel. Drawings will be sprayed with a protective fixative to prevent smudging. Pricing is based on size and number of subjects. Framing not included.

Charcoal portraits will take 1-4 weeks, depending on number of subjects and schedule.

2. Contact me.

Contact me by filling out the form below, email, or phone. We will discuss ideas for the portrait, including medium, subject, size, price, and estimated time to completion. Half payment is due before I begin.

If sitting for the portrait, there will be several sittings of 1-2 hours. I will at some point take several photographs for reference. Nearing completion, I will seek approval before final touches on the masterpiece. If not sitting, then I will work entirely from photographs either provided to me or, preferably, taken by me. 

We’ll also discuss whether to frame or not to frame. I typically prefer the wide gallery-wrapped canvases that can be painted on the sides and don’t require a frame. But if you prefer an elegant frame, I’ll use an appropriate-fitting canvas.

3. Wait.

Don’t worry, the wait won’t be too long! Once I get started, I work quickly.

4. Receive your masterpiece.

Once the portrait is complete and meets your approval, I will deliver or ship the masterpiece. The remainder of payment is due at this time. 

Client satisfaction is guaranteed. I will make revisions until you are content.

5. Share your Hi-Res Photos.

Additionally, I will provide you with high-resolution digital images of the art, for use however you like. 

Pricing

Prices vary according to medium, size, and content. Please contact me for an estimate.

How to Pay

You can use the Online Payment link below, or I also accept PayPal, Venmo, cash, or check.

Online Payment coming soon.

Composites

I will also do composite portraits, which is taking figures from different photos and joining them in a single portrait. This is difficult because of differences in lighting, angle, and color, and therefore takes careful consideration and great skill.

Refer to the charcoal drawing of a grandmother holding a baby in a rocking chair. In this case, I was provided a picture of the grandmother and a picture of the newborn baby. I placed them together in this position, adding the arms, hands, and rocking chair.