PORTRAITURE
Here are some questions an institutional client or parent may have when getting
ready to commission a portrait:

 

1. What kind of clothing should the portrait subject wear?

 

I usually recommend dressing one notch higher than you might be planning
as it makes the fine art portrait more interesting piece to have the details in the
clothing and style. I can always tone down an outfit if desired, but it's not
really always possible to dress it up.

 

If you want  a more casual look, that should also be planned carefully.
We will discuss your specifics to make the painting memorable.

 

Please bring 3 outfits for each subject and be in communication regarding
this key aspect to the portrait. Timeless in style is also important.

 

 

2.  Should I give you a full smile? 

 

Smiles can look forced on some people. Let's work to find an expression that is natural and timeless. It may well be a full smile. 

 

 

3. Should I have all the children painted at the same time or when they are each a certain age: 4 years old, 18 years old...

 

This is really a matter of personal preference. I have a number of children who I'm going to paint in a few years when they are older. Sometimes a parent has an ideal portrait age in mind. Other times it's nice to capture the children at a certain time all at once.

 

 

 4. Should I choose a group portrait or simgle portraits of my children?

 

 The virtue of choosing a group portrait is that the piece will reflect the  relationships between the children/family members. The virtue of single  portraits is that you can pass each portrait to the family member as time goes on. 

 

5. Should I choose an indoor or outdoor setting? 

This is really a matter of preference. Lighting can be controlled more indoors and whereas outdoors you have "magic" light. In addition we can try both in the photo session and you can choose. You can also consider the portrait subject and where they like to be most as well.

 

6. Should I choose oil or pastel portraits?

If you love the texture of pastel and are able to take pristine care of things over a period of decades, a pastel is a good choice. Moisiture needs to be factored in with a  heirloom portrait commission. Pastels are framed in glass with a matt and may cost more due to lablor costs for framing.  Custom oil portraits will also need to be hung out of direct light, but are more durable by virtue of the linen I use.

 

 

BOTH PORTRAITURE and LANDSCAPE:

1.  Will you make adjustments to the painting for me if I see anything I want changed?

 

Absolutely. This is part of the process. Most paintings are accepted without any changes at all.  On a few I work to capture something the person who commissioned the piece would like to see. Usually adjustments are quick and the painting is soon completed and framed.

 

2. I am not that informed about framing.

 

Several options: I can email you a few frame images and have the painting framed prior to delivery for you or you can take the painting to a well-regarded frame shop. They will show you several options and you will select your favorite. I am available to consult on this decision.