Process:

When you commission me to create a portrait, you are assured that it will get be as unique as the person or pet that is portrayed. Everything about your portrait is custom-made. Because there are a variety of factors go into the price of a portrait, a phone call or meeting is the best way to proceed. Here are just a few of the factors that influence the cost and time span to complete a portrait:

• Actual size of the surface (paper or canvas)

• Number of subjects

• Subject and background complexity and detail

• Quality and quantity of reference images. I can work from photos that you provide and/or visit you to take my own reference photos

• Hands. Yes, hands. They are traditionally add to the cost of a portrait, because they are so complex to render

For your edification, I have outlined below the process to commission a portrait. I wish to make it easy for you. I will talk with you about the person or pet and guide you through the process, with as little effort as possible on your part. Because everything about your portrait is custom-made, the only way to determine the cost is with a private consultation. I look forward to discussing a portrait with you!

Things we will discuss:

• Is it for you, or a gift for someone else?

• Do you have a specific space in which the portrait will hang? This helps to determine the size of the piece.

• Do you have a notion about whether they want the whole subject (person or pet) portrayed, or just the head? This also plays a role in the size of the piece.

• Do you have a preference of media — pencil, pastel or oil? They all beautiful make for a beautiful picture, but have different characteristics. I can discuss this with you to determine what best suits your tastes.

• Can you describe the personality, mannerisms and any other particular characteristics of the person or pet, that makes them what they are to you?

Photos/Videos

I will need photos and/or videos of your pet:

• High resolution. I know that most people don’t deal with resolution in the photos they take, so I can determine the suitability of the photos, for use in reference

• Please don’t crop out any part of the head or body that you want me to draw or paint

• Head shots and full body

• Various angles and poses

• More is better. Many photos give me more choice, and help me to understand characteristic expressions of the person or pet

Additional Notes:

• A 50% deposit of the total portrait fee is required to start the portrait procedure.

• The balance, including all additional expenses (shipping, etc.)

• In-person visits are charged on a day rate as a percentage of the commission fee

• Sizes are shown in USA inches. For centimeters, multiply each dimension by 2.54.

• When the painting is finished, I will deliver it personally or by insured carrier, packed for safe transport and delivery

• The commissioner is responsible for delivery costs