Many people are reluctant to consider commissioning portraiture because they think it is very expensive and are not quite sure how to choose an artist. Deciding to commission a portrait painting does involve taking many factors into consideration but it is usually well worth the effort. You will have in your possession a painting that evokes strong memories and can convey these to future generations.
The skill of the artist is obviously an extremely important consideration. The first way to see whether you like the style and the medium the artist chooses to work in is to examine a portfolio of work. Mediums used for works vary considerably, from oils and pastels to water colors and charcoal.
Through the ages, portraiture was popular and required lengthy sittings. With the advent of photography, this has changed and the long sittings are no longer necessary. Some artists still make detailed life sketches before beginning portraits. Others will arrange a single photographic sitting, styling the photographs in a particular way. Many artists use a combination of sketches and photographs.
There are many individuals offering this service today who can adequately produce a copy of a photograph. However, a true artist does much more than this. Their work manages to capture both character and individuality. This requires a level of training and experience.
Price is another important consideration. However, considering that such a commission is often a once in a lifetime experience, you may have to look further than just the price tag. You can save yourself money by choosing an artist who can make an adequate copy of a photograph. However, you might as well just have the photograph enlarged. Most artists are prepared to negotiate when it comes to cost.
The price is also affected by such factors as the background chosen, the medium used and of course the size. Smaller portraits of a head only or head and shoulders are more popular than full sized ones today, mostly due to the smaller size of rooms today. All the details are noted in a contract signed by both parties and a part payment is usually required upfront.
Before starting on the painting, the artist usually produces a small sketch. This is used to give the client some indication of what the final product will look like. Minor changes can be suggested by the client at this point. Some artists prefer that clients have no input after this point. Others like the client to be involved throughout the process.
Choosing the right artist to do a portrait can make the difference between a mere copy and a work of art. An artist with skill, training and experience knows exactly how to bring out the true essence of the individual. It is worth the expense to have a painting like this that evokes memories and can be passed down to future generations.
The skill of the artist is obviously an extremely important consideration. The first way to see whether you like the style and the medium the artist chooses to work in is to examine a portfolio of work. Mediums used for works vary considerably, from oils and pastels to water colors and charcoal.
Through the ages, portraiture was popular and required lengthy sittings. With the advent of photography, this has changed and the long sittings are no longer necessary. Some artists still make detailed life sketches before beginning portraits. Others will arrange a single photographic sitting, styling the photographs in a particular way. Many artists use a combination of sketches and photographs.
There are many individuals offering this service today who can adequately produce a copy of a photograph. However, a true artist does much more than this. Their work manages to capture both character and individuality. This requires a level of training and experience.
Price is another important consideration. However, considering that such a commission is often a once in a lifetime experience, you may have to look further than just the price tag. You can save yourself money by choosing an artist who can make an adequate copy of a photograph. However, you might as well just have the photograph enlarged. Most artists are prepared to negotiate when it comes to cost.
The price is also affected by such factors as the background chosen, the medium used and of course the size. Smaller portraits of a head only or head and shoulders are more popular than full sized ones today, mostly due to the smaller size of rooms today. All the details are noted in a contract signed by both parties and a part payment is usually required upfront.
Before starting on the painting, the artist usually produces a small sketch. This is used to give the client some indication of what the final product will look like. Minor changes can be suggested by the client at this point. Some artists prefer that clients have no input after this point. Others like the client to be involved throughout the process.
Choosing the right artist to do a portrait can make the difference between a mere copy and a work of art. An artist with skill, training and experience knows exactly how to bring out the true essence of the individual. It is worth the expense to have a painting like this that evokes memories and can be passed down to future generations.
