Commissions

This site was created to facilitate commissions in a variety of mediums ranging from drawing and painting to sculpting. Commissions are not only limited to portraiture. Because it is impossible for me to anticipate all scenario, I have given only a rough estimate of pricing regarding just portraiture on this website. Please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss other possible commissions.

Portraits

My goal for each portrait is to create an impression of the subject that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also communicates something about their unique character. This is not an easy task for any artist. But it can be especially challenging for one who has never met the subject and is working from photographs.

In an effort to overcome some of the obstacles presented by working from photographs, I have put forth a few guidelines for commissions. They include sending additional photos of the subject along with the primary photograph you intend for me to work from as well as a brief description of their personality and the qualities of their character you wish to see portrayed in the portrait. My hope is that you would see this as an opportunity to share in the creation of the portrait and as something that would add value and authenticity to the finished piece.

For those fortunate enough to live near Portland Oregon we can arrange a time for the subject to come in to the studio so that we can meet face to face and they can sit for me so that I can do some charcoal studies from life as well as light and photograph them myself. I will then use the studies and photographs to work from in the studio while the subject is away. When I have the portrait near completion I will then ask the subject to return and sit for me for a short time so that I can more critically compare the portrait to life. This more traditional method of completing a portrait is how I would prefer to work whenever possible.

Pricing/Payment

Prices will vary depending on the size of the artwork, the medium it is rendered in, and the complexity of the subject matter. Therefore the following is only a rough guideline for estimating the cost of commissioning a portrait. Upon review of the details of a commission request, I will give the client a more definitive estimate before beginning any work. I will not begin work until the client has approved the estimate. Once the work has been started, further client revisions could result in a reasonable increase in cost, which the client will be made aware of before changes are made.

$500 for Portraits done in Charcoal approximately 18" X 24" (size for single head)

$300 for Portraits done in Ink approx. 8.5" X 11" (size for single head)

$1000 for Portraits done in oil paint approx. 18" X 24" (size for single head)

Costs for shipping vary according to destinations, dimensions of the portrait and whether or not it is framed. Shipping is not included in the above pricing.

If you would like us to have your portrait framed we will do it for a fair price to be added to the final cost.

Payment will be 30% upon acceptance of commission and client approval of estimate and schedule, and the remaining 70%, plus any additional costs such as shipping and framing, upon review of finished portrait. I will email you and explain how you can view the final portrait online if you have access to a computer, or I can send a photograph of it to you by mail.