When searching for a potential artist, two questions are usually uppermost in the mind - which artist to select and how much he or she will charge? If you have decided to commission a portrait painting, it is important to choose a skilled artist as you will probably only do this once in a lifetime. This means you will possess a true work of art that can preserve memories for generations to come.
One of the ways to determine the skill of an artist is to examine a portfolio of work already completed. Artists doing portraiture work in different mediums such as pastels, oils, water colours, oils, charcoal or even a combination of mediums. The styles of artists all vary too and you may prefer one style over another.
Through the ages, many famous individuals have been captured in portraits. These portraits were so skilfully done that the character of the person is conveyed. Many of them were done by artists trained in the classical tradition and the individuals had to sit for hours. Portraiture has changed over the years, particularly with the introduction of photography. There is no longer a need for extensive sittings.
Looking at the training and experience of the artist is important. All of the great masters studied their art and classical academic training was considered essential. An ability to draw from life is often a good indicator of experience and talent. Some artists create real life sketches at sittings. Others prefer working from their own photographs, taken in a detailed photographic session. Often a combination of both real life sketches and photographs are used.
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.
Other details influencing the price of portraits are factors such as the size, the medium and the background chosen. Sizes vary from small head only or head and shoulders, to full length portraits. The smaller sizes tend to be more popular today as the full length portraits are overwhelming in the smaller rooms of today. Backgrounds chosen may be simple abstracts or more elaborate settings. These details are discussed with the artist and once the choices have been made, a contract can be signed. Most artists require a deposit before work commences.
The artist often starts by making a preliminary sketch to give the client an idea of what to expect. Minor changes can still be made at this point. The client is usually allowed to keep this sketch. Some artists prefer the client not to interfere once any minor changes have been made. The next time the client sees the painting is when it is completed. Other artists prefer to work very closely together with the client during the process.
Commissioning an experienced and skilled artist will obviously cost more than just hiring someone to copy a photograph. The extra expense is usually worthwhile as such an artist is able to use tonal values and harmonies of color to bring out individuality and character. You will own a painting that you will be proud to pass down to future generations.
One of the ways to determine the skill of an artist is to examine a portfolio of work already completed. Artists doing portraiture work in different mediums such as pastels, oils, water colours, oils, charcoal or even a combination of mediums. The styles of artists all vary too and you may prefer one style over another.
Through the ages, many famous individuals have been captured in portraits. These portraits were so skilfully done that the character of the person is conveyed. Many of them were done by artists trained in the classical tradition and the individuals had to sit for hours. Portraiture has changed over the years, particularly with the introduction of photography. There is no longer a need for extensive sittings.
Looking at the training and experience of the artist is important. All of the great masters studied their art and classical academic training was considered essential. An ability to draw from life is often a good indicator of experience and talent. Some artists create real life sketches at sittings. Others prefer working from their own photographs, taken in a detailed photographic session. Often a combination of both real life sketches and photographs are used.
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.
Other details influencing the price of portraits are factors such as the size, the medium and the background chosen. Sizes vary from small head only or head and shoulders, to full length portraits. The smaller sizes tend to be more popular today as the full length portraits are overwhelming in the smaller rooms of today. Backgrounds chosen may be simple abstracts or more elaborate settings. These details are discussed with the artist and once the choices have been made, a contract can be signed. Most artists require a deposit before work commences.
The artist often starts by making a preliminary sketch to give the client an idea of what to expect. Minor changes can still be made at this point. The client is usually allowed to keep this sketch. Some artists prefer the client not to interfere once any minor changes have been made. The next time the client sees the painting is when it is completed. Other artists prefer to work very closely together with the client during the process.
Commissioning an experienced and skilled artist will obviously cost more than just hiring someone to copy a photograph. The extra expense is usually worthwhile as such an artist is able to use tonal values and harmonies of color to bring out individuality and character. You will own a painting that you will be proud to pass down to future generations.
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