By Leticia Jensen
The idea of capturing the likeness of an individual in an artwork is not a new one. This concept has been popular through the ages. Commission a portrait painting and you have a lasting way of preserving memories that can be passed down through generations. However, it is important to choose a skilled artist who will do more than just produce a copy of a photograph.
Your choice of an artist will largely depend on the fact that you consider him or her to be skilled at what they do. You do not want to end up with an artwork that is merely a copy of a photograph. A true artist will capture more than just the likeness. Artists also work in oils, charcoal, watercolors, gauche and other mediums. On examining the portfolios of artists, you will inevitably prefer the style and medium used by one artist above another.
Your choice of an artist will largely depend on the fact that you consider him or her to be skilled at what they do. You do not want to end up with an artwork that is merely a copy of a photograph. A true artist will capture more than just the likeness. Artists also work in oils, charcoal, watercolors, gauche and other mediums. On examining the portfolios of artists, you will inevitably prefer the style and medium used by one artist above another.
In past centuries, the individual having his or her likeness painted was required to sit for hours. Now the process can be simplified with the use of photographs. All artists have different methods and some prefer to work from a single, detailed photographic sitting. Others like to work from real life, producing quick sketches and studies and several sessions of this nature might be required. Yet others use a combination of photographs and real life sketches.
Sizes of portraits can vary from a small one of only a head to a full length one. It is also possible to do just the head and shoulders, or include the arms and hands too. The size depends largely on the location in which it will hang. Full length portraits need to be placed in large rooms or they are overpowering. Smaller portraits are more suited to the smaller rooms and to giving as gifts.
The background chosen can vary too. A simple, abstract toned background can be chosen or a more complex one containing some still life objects or even a scene related to the sitter. A more complex background obviously increases the price as does the time required to paint more elaborate clothing.
The artist and client have to negotiate various details and come to an agreement acceptable to both parties. This needs to be spelled out in a contract and signed. Most artists require some payment upfront to confirm and this can be anything from a third to half of the total amount.
A preliminary sketch is usually prepared for the client. This should give a good idea of what to expect from the final artwork. At this stage, it is possible for minor changes to be made. The client often pays a certain amount for this sketch and is allowed to keep it. Only then does the artist commence with the actual artwork.
Many individuals are put off commissioning portraits because they are afraid of th
Sizes of portraits can vary from a small one of only a head to a full length one. It is also possible to do just the head and shoulders, or include the arms and hands too. The size depends largely on the location in which it will hang. Full length portraits need to be placed in large rooms or they are overpowering. Smaller portraits are more suited to the smaller rooms and to giving as gifts.
The background chosen can vary too. A simple, abstract toned background can be chosen or a more complex one containing some still life objects or even a scene related to the sitter. A more complex background obviously increases the price as does the time required to paint more elaborate clothing.
The artist and client have to negotiate various details and come to an agreement acceptable to both parties. This needs to be spelled out in a contract and signed. Most artists require some payment upfront to confirm and this can be anything from a third to half of the total amount.
A preliminary sketch is usually prepared for the client. This should give a good idea of what to expect from the final artwork. At this stage, it is possible for minor changes to be made. The client often pays a certain amount for this sketch and is allowed to keep it. Only then does the artist commence with the actual artwork.
Many individuals are put off commissioning portraits because they are afraid of th
The background chosen can vary too. A simple, abstract toned background can be chosen or a more complex one containing some still life objects or even a scene related to the sitter. A more complex background obviously increases the price as does the time required to paint more elaborate clothing.
The artist and client have to negotiate various details and come to an agreement acceptable to both parties. This needs to be spelled out in a contract and signed. Most artists require some payment upfront to confirm and this can be anything from a third to half of the total amount.
A preliminary sketch is usually prepared for the client. This should give a good idea of what to expect from the final artwork. At this stage, it is possible for minor changes to be made. The client often pays a certain amount for this sketch and is allowed to keep it. Only then does the artist commence with the actual artwork.
Many individuals are put off commissioning portraits because they are afraid of the expense involved. Not all portraits are highly expensive. Prices do vary considerably and can often be negotiated between the artist and the client, depending on factors such as the size, background and the medium used.
About the Author:
The artist and client have to negotiate various details and come to an agreement acceptable to both parties. This needs to be spelled out in a contract and signed. Most artists require some payment upfront to confirm and this can be anything from a third to half of the total amount.
A preliminary sketch is usually prepared for the client. This should give a good idea of what to expect from the final artwork. At this stage, it is possible for minor changes to be made. The client often pays a certain amount for this sketch and is allowed to keep it. Only then does the artist commence with the actual artwork.
Many individuals are put off commissioning portraits because they are afraid of the expense involved. Not all portraits are highly expensive. Prices do vary considerably and can often be negotiated between the artist and the client, depending on factors such as the size, background and the medium used.
About the Author:
You can visit www.geraldhufeld.com for more helpful information about How To Commission A Portrait Painting.