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You might want to commission a portrait or a special painting for many reasons.... to remember a special person, pet, place or event, or simply to tell tell someone how much you love them. Perhaps a wedding or anniversary portrait?

Although the remarks below emphasize portraiture, they also apply to paintings of special places, pets or settings.

The costs vary depending on:

  • Number of persons in the painting
  • Will it be a full-length portrait? or a bust of the person?
  • The complexity of the composition
    (e.g., are other objects or scenery in the painting?)
  • The final size of the painting

Contact me for details.

Portrait paintings are usually best when a live sitting can be arranged. This is important because the most life-like representation is crafted when the artist can see the individual.

Unfortunately, our modern, busy lives do not usually allow for a prolonged sitting. Most people arrange to have their portraits based on a series of live sketches, combined with photographs. Other arrangements can be made if the subject of the painting is not available for a sitting.

In many cases, a favorite photograph is very helpful, as this will clarify just what the sitter wants to see in the portrait. It is also possible to paint exclusively from a photograph; in this case, it is best to have several photos from different angles. These can provide a better impression the three-dimensional characteristics of the subject.

An interesting situation recently arose wherein I was requested to paint an individual who I have never seen, and who lived 3000 miles away. Although the logistics were a little awkward, the portrait was very well-received by family and friends of the sitter.

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