Commissions

The experience of sitting can be daunting but I will guide you every step of the way, answering all your questions and explaining the entire process. It is not uncommon for family and close friends to be part of this special experience and I encourage the creation of these lasting memories.  

Sittings typically take a few hours at home but can be any location if it has special resonance for you, such as your office or club, although it is worth considering that some privacy is required. It's very normal for me to travel to the location of your choice anywhere in the US and occasionally abroad. Building on what I learned in the initial consultation, sitting necessarily requires many photographs and conversation so that I may know you better. A static face is of little interest or use to a portrait painter but a smile, laugh, raised eyebrow or flash of the eyes in response to a question is the essential ingredient that allows me to capture your unique essence. 

Before traveling to meet you in person we will discuss the reasons for your chosen location, what you would like to wear, figurative or just head and shoulders and most importantly the background. Many people find the artifacts that represent pivotal aspects of one's life, such as a book or something from your career, placed subtlety into the background provide symbolic resonance for both the subject and critically, for future generations.

My preliminary watercolor study will be mailed to you within a week or two to help you visualize the final portrait and for us to discuss any final adjustments. 

In common with the Old Masters, I use masonite panels as their rigidity facilitates the sort of detailed brush strokes that are not possible on canvas because it has too much give. A panel also avoids the worst of the faint cracking that occurs over time. As your portrait progresses I will write to you each week to keep you informed on the progress and ask occasional questions.

Once complete I will securely ship your portrait. I am happy to frame the portrait at my expense providing the cost of the framing is reasonable. Hoverver, some framing choices can run to thousands of dollars which I would pass on at cost. I advise local framing, as you can try framing options in person but I will always make time to provide advice.