Portrait Commission Procedure
Eileen Mayhew
8 Harrison Street
Bristol.RI 02809
401-253-4342
The commissioned portrait may be done in the setting of the client's home, office, the artist's studio or a location outdoors.
The portrait may be done from a life sitting, from photographs provided by the client or from those taken by the artist. A combination of these choices may be used, although artist's photographs as reference are preferred as best. Clients photographs only are used when the portrait is a surprise gift or if it is a memorial portrait. Only an hour or so is required of the client's time for the photographic sessions. More time may be taken to explore possibilities of settings location, background, costume and expression.
Several meetings between artist and client:
A meeting to plan the portrait function, size, pose, background and clothing and to schedule photograph session.
A meeting to pose subject for photographs in the decided upon location and costume or clothing. Background photographs may be taken separately.
A meeting to select the pose and composition from the photographs taken. A composition sketch can be made from this information.
A optional meeting to have the subject pose for a color study to establish flesh tone and clothing colors.
The painting is then done from photograph and painting references, sketches, etc.
The final meting to determine any changes or final touches or to deliver finished portrait. Framing discussed at this time.
Key Considerations are:
The pose may be candid or formal. Public portraits call for a more formal pose than a family portrait. Candid pose expresses more personality. Formality and personality can sometimes be blended.
It is best to stay with an expression that is natural to the subject.
Artist and client can discuss what will work aesthetically concerning the background.
Basic Portrait Price List
Vignette:
Charcoal (9x12 - 16x20) $110
Pastel (9x12 - 16x20) $200
Oil (9x12 - 16x20) $450
Head and Shoulders:
Charcoal (9x12 - 16x20) $200
Pastel (9x12 - 16x20) $400
Oil (9x12 - 16x20) $750
Half Figure with or without Hands:
Charcoal (9x12 - 16x20) $400
Pastel (9x12 - 16x20) $600
Oil (9x12 - 16x20) $1,000
Full figure, standing or sitting:
Charcoal (9x12 - 16x20) $600
Pastel (9x12 - 16x20) $900
Oil (9x12 - 16x20) $1500
Cost Considerations
Travel to the client's home or choice of location may include the cost of accommodations, if needed, food and the possible cost of renting a studio in another city.
Framing costs are not included. Framing can be arranged by the artist.
Shipping charges may be added, if necessary.
Each additional figure, 22x28 or over, add 75%. For smaller sizes, add 50%.
An extra 30% charge for backgrounds includes interiors, furniture or landscape.
Photographs taken by artist at time of sitting will be a charge of 5% - 20% of the total commissioned portrait.
The price of a portrait larger than 30x36 will be adjusted accordingly.
A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required at time of commission.