Portrait Commissions
Overview
The portrait, like any other commissioned artwork, is a partnership between the artist and the client. It is a collaboration of vision as both must come to an agreement and "see" the same picture at the end of the process. It is a give and take process with communication being the key to overall success. This can vary from the client letting the artist "run with it" to the client setting down specific guidelines as to exactly what they want. My part as the artist, will be to do my best to make your portrait what YOU want it to be, for it is yours in the end and is something that will be a part of your life from the moment it leaves my studio and is in your hands. Your portrait is something that will last for generations if cared for properly and it should be created as such, a priceless heirloom.
The Portrait Process
Step 1 - Initial Meeting:
The first step in creating a successful portrait that you will enjoy for years to come is to establish communication between myself (the artist), and you (the client), that is open and honest. Obviously, you wouldn't be reading this page if you weren't interested in a portrait. This begins with arranging an initial meeting to discuss what your expectations are and specifically what it is that you are looking for in your portrait.
This initial meeting can be considered the "brainstorming" session where ideas are formulated and discussed to arrive at an agreement on the direction the portrait will go in once work begins. Areas considered will be the formality of the subject, clothing, lighting, supporting objects, setting, size, and overall mood. I will have materials on hand to sketch out ideas and layouts to illustrate where our collective ideas are leading. This is the time for both of us to ask questions and be open and direct. The only bad question is the one left unasked.
The final part of the initial meeting is to set up a time for the more involved second meeting with the subject present. (This is not needed if I am working from existing photographs of the subject). After an initial agreement is reached, everything discussed, to include price and completion date, will be put into a written contract that both of us will sign. A non-refundable deposit of 1/3 the total price of the portrait is paid at this time.
Step 2 - Second Meeting:
The next meeting takes place at my studio or a setting of your choice. During the second meeting, the subject and any supporting objects are arranged. I will then take reference photographs and draw sketches to work from when the subject is not present. This meeting will last an hour or two with the subject posing with frequent breaks in between. The result of this meeting will be a sketch and photographs finalizing the pose that will be used in the final portrait. At the close of this session, a second 1/3 payment is due.
*Note: The first and second meetings can be combined if the subject is present for the first meeting or if pre-selected photographs are supplied by the client.
Step 3 - Studio Work:
The third step involves work in the studio on the portrait from the reference material (sketches and photos) gathered from the first and second meetings. This process may take a month or more, depending on the complexity of the portrait (a deadline will be established during the first meeting and will be in your written contract). Near the end of the portrait's completion, I will contact you to set up a final meeting for you to review the portrait and for me to make final adjustments at your request. Once the portrait is approved by you, it is signed and the contract is closed after the remaining balance for the portrait is received.
Portrait Price List
The following cost estimates are based on a life-size single figure against a simple background.
| Lead Pencil or Charcoal (Black and White) | |
| Size | Price* |
| 11"x14" (Head and Shoulders) | $195 |
| 16"X20" (Head and Shoulders) | $295 |
| 18"x24" (Head and Shoulders) | $395 |
| *Add 25% for each additional person in portrait. | |
| Colored Pencil | |
| Size | Price* |
| 11"x14" (Head and Shoulders) | $345 |
| 16"X20" (Head and Shoulders) | $445 |
| 18"x24" (Head and Shoulders) | $545 |
| *Add 25% for each additional person in portrait. | |
| Pastel | |
| Size | Price* |
| 11"x14" (Head and Shoulders) | $445 |
| 16"X20" (Head and Shoulders) | $545 |
| 18"x24" (Head and Shoulders) | $645 |
| *Add 25% for each additional person in portrait. | |
| Watercolor | |
| Size | Price* |
| 11"x14" (Head and Shoulders) | $445 |
| 16"X20" (Head and Shoulders) | $545 |
| 18"x24" (Head and Shoulders) | $645 |
| *Add 25% for each additional person in portrait. | |
| Oil | |
| Size | Price* |
| 11"x14" (Head and Shoulders) | $645 |
| 16"X20" (Head and Shoulders) | $695 |
| 18"x24" (Head and Shoulders) | $845 |
| 24"x36" (Half Length) | $995 |
| 36"x48" (Half Length) | $1,495 |
| 48"x60" (Three-Quarter Length) | $1,995 |
| 60"x84" (Full Length) | $2,495 |
| *Add 25% for each additional person in portrait. | |
Portrait fees may vary depending on size, media, the number of subjects, how much of each subject is to be depicted; the size of the actual painting itself; the intricacy of clothing, jewelry and props, and the complexity of the background setting. Artist travel expenses, framing costs, and shipping fees are additional.
For other portrait requests or inquiries, please send an e-mail to gene(at)snyderart.com