My portrait process

I was trained in the French academic method which relies heavily on capturing a moment in time from life. Working from life yields far superior results to working exclusively or predominantly from photography, an unnecessary barrier between artist and sitter.

To that end, I prefer to work, as much as possible, directly from the sitter, though reference photos do save time by helping with the rendering of the costume and background, elements that are less dependent on direct observation of three dimensional form.

Commission an oil painting

The process begins with meeting the sitter to understand a bit about the person and to agree upon our objectives for the portrait: the size, setting, composition, lighting (natural or artificial), costume and mood. The important question here is: how does the sitter want to portray herself?

From that meeting I come up with multiple ideas which I then present to the sitter in the form of thumbnails - small pencil sketches. 

At our second meeting I will take formal reference photos (preferably in situ).

Thirty hours of sitting time are required, spread over a number of weeks. The sitter will be made comfortable during the sessions and frequent breaks will be taken. I would do the remainder of the work from the reference photo, the thumbnail, the drawing and the color study.

At the first sitting I will complete a color study in oil which states, in a simplified way, the composition and coloration of the painting.

Next, I transfer a linear graphite drawing of the sitter to oil primed linen. I proceed with a monochrome underpainting over which a full color oil palette is employed. After the final pass of color, I apply the traditional techniques of glazing and scumbling.

Achieving a likeness of the sitter is paramount. But also important is presenting something of their character and the gravitas of their position.

Though I use a traditional approach, my mindset is grounded in the modern world and my portraits are contemporary pieces. 

Timeline: 
In all, depending on size, I require approximately six months to complete the portrait.   

Framing: 
Framing is not included. I will happily give framing recommendations or be a part of the framing decisions as you see fit.

Pricing:
Pricing varies depending on size and other details. See below for general pricing outline.

$9,000+ for head and shoulders in oil

$20,000+ for 3/4 length in oil