Portrait fees
Pricing the portrait
The size and the number of elements contained in the painting determine its price. The subject is, in almost every case, represented life-size or just slightly smaller. If the client’s request is for a basic portrait, it would be referred to as a “bust pose”. The subject is presented from head to mid-chest; hands are not visible and the subject is depicted in a specific environment. Typically, the size of a portrait in this category can be 18x24, 20x24, 22x28 or 24x30.
In contrast, a full figure, seated or standing pose, containing hands, and depicted in a specific environment will now go to a format size of 30x40 or 36x48 (like the portrait of Lincoln). Once again, size, elements and environment determine the price of the portrait—all are negotiated during the initial meeting with the client. A formal contract is then presented to the client, stating all the specifics and conditions of the commission, along with the agreed price and time frame in which the portrait needs to be completed.
Throughout the process of painting the portrait, the client will be required to view the work during its stages of development to have the assurance that what is being done is acceptable. Comments and suggestions are welcomed and encouraged. When the portrait is complete, a final viewing will take place before the painting is varnished. Once the varnish has been applied, alterations to the image cannot be made.
A personal note about my work:
When a portrait leaves my studio and is placed in its setting, for those viewing it, it is the singular example through which I am judged as an artist.
Therefore, my standards as a portrait artist are as high as what you, the client, expect when you receive your portrait.
The artist’s personal guarantee: “The client’s uncompromised satisfaction is paramount.”
Artist's Fees
Charcoal Portraits
The portrait is produced on high quality acid-free paper. The paper is usually of a soft gray or gray brown tone. It is done with charcoal and highlights are added using white pastel. The finished portrait is presented to the client set in an ivory-white acid-free matte with glass, ready for framing. Charcoal portraits are available in “bust poses” only, without the inclusion of hands and additional subject matter.
Single Head Portrait 16x20 or 18x24 $300.00
Multiple Portraits in one picture 18x24 or 22x28 $300.00 (per head)
Note: - Charcoal portrait prices do not include framing.
Oil Portraits
Oil portraits are done on pure cotton canvas. Oil portraiture is a much more involved procedure than charcoal portraiture, requiring more costly materials and considerably more time to complete. Upon completion, all oil portraits receive several coats of varnish before framing. Oil portrait prices include framing; however, if a client does not like the molding selection available, the client may certainly bring the portrait to a framer of their choice.
Single Head Portrait (Bust Pose) 18x24, 20x24, 22x28, 24x30 $2,500.00
Multiple Portraits in the same canvas (Bust Pose) 20x24, 22x28, 24x30 $2,500.00 (per head)
Inclusion of hands $2,800.00 (per figure)
Full Figure Portrait 30x40 $15,000.00 (per figure)
Full Figure Portrait 36x48 $25,000.00 (per figure)
Note: Full figure portraits prices include the subject’s hands; if the client desires additional elements in the painting and a specific environment behind the subject, a supplemental fee starting at $2,500.00 will be added to the price.
The size and the number of elements contained in the painting determine its price. The subject is, in almost every case, represented life-size or just slightly smaller. If the client’s request is for a basic portrait, it would be referred to as a “bust pose”. The subject is presented from head to mid-chest; hands are not visible and the subject is depicted in a specific environment. Typically, the size of a portrait in this category can be 18x24, 20x24, 22x28 or 24x30.
In contrast, a full figure, seated or standing pose, containing hands, and depicted in a specific environment will now go to a format size of 30x40 or 36x48 (like the portrait of Lincoln). Once again, size, elements and environment determine the price of the portrait—all are negotiated during the initial meeting with the client. A formal contract is then presented to the client, stating all the specifics and conditions of the commission, along with the agreed price and time frame in which the portrait needs to be completed.
Throughout the process of painting the portrait, the client will be required to view the work during its stages of development to have the assurance that what is being done is acceptable. Comments and suggestions are welcomed and encouraged. When the portrait is complete, a final viewing will take place before the painting is varnished. Once the varnish has been applied, alterations to the image cannot be made.
A personal note about my work:
When a portrait leaves my studio and is placed in its setting, for those viewing it, it is the singular example through which I am judged as an artist.
Therefore, my standards as a portrait artist are as high as what you, the client, expect when you receive your portrait.
The artist’s personal guarantee: “The client’s uncompromised satisfaction is paramount.”
Artist's Fees
Charcoal Portraits
The portrait is produced on high quality acid-free paper. The paper is usually of a soft gray or gray brown tone. It is done with charcoal and highlights are added using white pastel. The finished portrait is presented to the client set in an ivory-white acid-free matte with glass, ready for framing. Charcoal portraits are available in “bust poses” only, without the inclusion of hands and additional subject matter.
Single Head Portrait 16x20 or 18x24 $300.00
Multiple Portraits in one picture 18x24 or 22x28 $300.00 (per head)
Note: - Charcoal portrait prices do not include framing.
Oil Portraits
Oil portraits are done on pure cotton canvas. Oil portraiture is a much more involved procedure than charcoal portraiture, requiring more costly materials and considerably more time to complete. Upon completion, all oil portraits receive several coats of varnish before framing. Oil portrait prices include framing; however, if a client does not like the molding selection available, the client may certainly bring the portrait to a framer of their choice.
Single Head Portrait (Bust Pose) 18x24, 20x24, 22x28, 24x30 $2,500.00
Multiple Portraits in the same canvas (Bust Pose) 20x24, 22x28, 24x30 $2,500.00 (per head)
Inclusion of hands $2,800.00 (per figure)
Full Figure Portrait 30x40 $15,000.00 (per figure)
Full Figure Portrait 36x48 $25,000.00 (per figure)
Note: Full figure portraits prices include the subject’s hands; if the client desires additional elements in the painting and a specific environment behind the subject, a supplemental fee starting at $2,500.00 will be added to the price.
