Many people are reluctant to consider commissioning portraiture because they think it is very expensive and are not quite sure how to choose an artist. Deciding to commission a portrait painting does involve taking many factors into consideration but it is usually well worth the effort. You will have in your possession a painting that evokes strong memories and can convey these to future generations.
The skill of the artist is obviously an extremely important consideration. The first way to see whether you like the style and the medium the artist chooses to work in is to examine a portfolio of work. Mediums used for works vary considerably, from oils and pastels to water colors and charcoal.
Portraiture has always been popular and in the past this required many sittings, with the person remaining in a particular position for hours at a time. The process has changed now that photographs are used. However, portraiture that is simply a copy of a photograph loses its true essence and meaning.
Looking at the training and experience of the artist is important. All of the great masters studied their art and classical academic training was considered essential. An ability to draw from life is often a good indicator of experience and talent. Some artists create real life sketches at sittings. Others prefer working from their own photographs, taken in a detailed photographic session. Often a combination of both real life sketches and photographs are used.
Price is always a consideration. However, in the case of commissioning such a once in a lifetime work, other factors need to be taken into consideration besides just looking at the price tag. Skilled and experienced artists will always charge more but the work they produce is far superior to someone who just copies a photograph. Even the most skilled artists are prepared to negotiate when it comes to prices.
Other details influencing the price of portraits are factors such as the size, the medium and the background chosen. Sizes vary from small head only or head and shoulders, to full length portraits. The smaller sizes tend to be more popular today as the full length portraits are overwhelming in the smaller rooms of today. Backgrounds chosen may be simple abstracts or more elaborate settings. These details are discussed with the artist and once the choices have been made, a contract can be signed. Most artists require a deposit before work commences.
Before starting on the painting, the artist usually produces a small sketch. This is used to give the client some indication of what the final product will look like. Minor changes can be suggested by the client at this point. Some artists prefer that clients have no input after this point. Others like the client to be involved throughout the process.
Choosing the right artist to do a portrait can make the difference between a mere copy and a work of art. An artist with skill, training and experience knows exactly how to bring out the true essence of the individual. It is worth the expense to have a painting like this that evokes memories and can be passed down to future generations.
The skill of the artist is obviously an extremely important consideration. The first way to see whether you like the style and the medium the artist chooses to work in is to examine a portfolio of work. Mediums used for works vary considerably, from oils and pastels to water colors and charcoal.
Portraiture has always been popular and in the past this required many sittings, with the person remaining in a particular position for hours at a time. The process has changed now that photographs are used. However, portraiture that is simply a copy of a photograph loses its true essence and meaning.
Looking at the training and experience of the artist is important. All of the great masters studied their art and classical academic training was considered essential. An ability to draw from life is often a good indicator of experience and talent. Some artists create real life sketches at sittings. Others prefer working from their own photographs, taken in a detailed photographic session. Often a combination of both real life sketches and photographs are used.
Price is always a consideration. However, in the case of commissioning such a once in a lifetime work, other factors need to be taken into consideration besides just looking at the price tag. Skilled and experienced artists will always charge more but the work they produce is far superior to someone who just copies a photograph. Even the most skilled artists are prepared to negotiate when it comes to prices.
Other details influencing the price of portraits are factors such as the size, the medium and the background chosen. Sizes vary from small head only or head and shoulders, to full length portraits. The smaller sizes tend to be more popular today as the full length portraits are overwhelming in the smaller rooms of today. Backgrounds chosen may be simple abstracts or more elaborate settings. These details are discussed with the artist and once the choices have been made, a contract can be signed. Most artists require a deposit before work commences.
Before starting on the painting, the artist usually produces a small sketch. This is used to give the client some indication of what the final product will look like. Minor changes can be suggested by the client at this point. Some artists prefer that clients have no input after this point. Others like the client to be involved throughout the process.
Choosing the right artist to do a portrait can make the difference between a mere copy and a work of art. An artist with skill, training and experience knows exactly how to bring out the true essence of the individual. It is worth the expense to have a painting like this that evokes memories and can be passed down to future generations.
