PLANNING A PORTRAIT
Grace, 16" x 20", oil on Linen
STUDY PORTRAIT
A portrait completed from life allows the artist a first hand impression of the subject's personality, skin tones, lighting, and detail. Working from life can be a very special learning experience for the subject as she/he watches the painting process. This portrait of Grace was partially done from life and partially from photo reference I took of her in my studio.
If it is inconvenient to sit for the portrait painting, a photo session works well too. It still gives me, the artist, and you, the client, an opportunity to work together to create a great image with the camera to paint from. I prefer to work from a photo taken in my studio or in the clients home.
OIL PORTRAIT STUDY, head and shoulders
From life or from artist's photo reference.
12x9, 14x11, or 16x12 = $1.200
20x16 = $1.500
Additional Expense: frame, travel, complex backgrounds
PENCIL PORTRAIT STUDY, head and shoulders
From life or from artist's photo reference.
14x11, or 16x12 = $600.00
20x16 = $700.00
Additional Expense: frame, travel, complex backgrounds
Kevin Kopischke, 24" x 20", Oil on Linen, Retired President of Alexandria Technical and Community College and Board member of Legacy of the Lakes Museum
FINISHED PORTRAIT
The traditional portrait requires more time. A study portrait captures the person's likeness and personality in a few hours. This finished portrait involves other considerations: purpose, where will it hang, message it is to convey, formal or informal clothing and setting, appropriate size for its final location and who will be viewing it. The finished portrait example of Dr. Kopischke was commissioned by the college. The background is set in the Legacy of the Lakes Museum to help tell the story of his leadership and interests. All reference photos were taken of Kevin in the museum.
PRICING THE OIL PORTRAIT
Head and shoulders $3,500.00 (from photo reference taken by the artist)
Three-qurarter length with hands $5,500.00 (from artist's photo reference)
Full length $7,500.00 (from artist's photo reference)
Additional Expense: frame, travel, complex backgrounds