Important Planning Details
Planning your wedding and its attendant events can often be overwhelming. Wedding coordinators and event planners constitute an entire industry designed to help you enjoy the process, allowing you to say, as in the popular TV show, "yes to the dress", and "no to the stress."
Planning your commissioned portrait is an integral part of the planning process. The timing is important, both in terms of how, when and where we conduct the photo sittings, so that I can get exactly the right images to create your painting, and to deliver it within your time frame.
If you decide you’d like to be painted in your wedding gown, the time and place of your final fitting may be ideal. Many bridal salons have large viewing areas with many mirrors, and can provide a luxurious setting within which to work. If your fitting will take place in a smaller space, or even in your home, there is no need for concern – I travel regularly to out-of-state destinations, and bring with me everything I’ll need to create the perfect lighting and backdrop. Any other time, either before or after the wedding day, will work just as well – all we need is the dress – and you.
The only day that’s really good to avoid is the wedding date itself. The “day of” activities are tightly compressed, energized and can sometimes be a bit – well – stressful. Your photographer will be busily orchestrating both candid and formal photos, capturing each possible moment; you’ll be able to see just what was captured, at your leisure, after the event.
Your photo sitting with me is very, very different. We will need as much time as we require to light, pose, and photograph you, and to very carefully review my reference photographs. Since you will work directly with me throughout the sitting, you’ll know exactly what to expect from your finished portrait. As you’ll see in the Pricing and Procedures section, you not only have the ability to work with me in ‘tweaking” the painting, but I prefer that you are open to share in the finishing touches.
I am often asked: “Can’t you just paint from one of the pictures my wedding photographer takes?” The answer is “possibly”, with a couple of very large caveats. First, I would need written permission from your photographer to use one or more of your photos as reference, as he or she holds the copyright to the photographs. Second, and often the larger issue, is whether your wedding photos will reflect the lighting and composition so critical to a successful portrait. I have found, however, that I have been able to collaborate in advance with professional photographers so that they can address my needs. In my opinion? There’s no reason to leave it to chance. Better to know that you have gorgeous reference photos in hand before you tie “the knot” – should you find images you like better after reviewing your formal wedding photographs, we may be able to incorporate them.
The timing for the formal delivery of your completed portrait can be a consideration. For example, I’ve had clients use a photo of the portrait on the invitations; you could use them likewise on thank you cards, and even save the date, if you plan sufficiently ahead. I’ve had the bride and groom display their original oil paintings at the reception site.
Unlike your professional photographer, I don’t have instant access to the finished product. Portrait painting takes time…time for me to do the painting, for you to review and approve it, to let it dry enough to transport, and of course it should be framed. While it might seem like a lot, I do this every day, so am very comfortable with my process, and my ability to consistently meet deadlines.
Planning your commissioned portrait is an integral part of the planning process. The timing is important, both in terms of how, when and where we conduct the photo sittings, so that I can get exactly the right images to create your painting, and to deliver it within your time frame.
If you decide you’d like to be painted in your wedding gown, the time and place of your final fitting may be ideal. Many bridal salons have large viewing areas with many mirrors, and can provide a luxurious setting within which to work. If your fitting will take place in a smaller space, or even in your home, there is no need for concern – I travel regularly to out-of-state destinations, and bring with me everything I’ll need to create the perfect lighting and backdrop. Any other time, either before or after the wedding day, will work just as well – all we need is the dress – and you.
The only day that’s really good to avoid is the wedding date itself. The “day of” activities are tightly compressed, energized and can sometimes be a bit – well – stressful. Your photographer will be busily orchestrating both candid and formal photos, capturing each possible moment; you’ll be able to see just what was captured, at your leisure, after the event.
Your photo sitting with me is very, very different. We will need as much time as we require to light, pose, and photograph you, and to very carefully review my reference photographs. Since you will work directly with me throughout the sitting, you’ll know exactly what to expect from your finished portrait. As you’ll see in the Pricing and Procedures section, you not only have the ability to work with me in ‘tweaking” the painting, but I prefer that you are open to share in the finishing touches.
I am often asked: “Can’t you just paint from one of the pictures my wedding photographer takes?” The answer is “possibly”, with a couple of very large caveats. First, I would need written permission from your photographer to use one or more of your photos as reference, as he or she holds the copyright to the photographs. Second, and often the larger issue, is whether your wedding photos will reflect the lighting and composition so critical to a successful portrait. I have found, however, that I have been able to collaborate in advance with professional photographers so that they can address my needs. In my opinion? There’s no reason to leave it to chance. Better to know that you have gorgeous reference photos in hand before you tie “the knot” – should you find images you like better after reviewing your formal wedding photographs, we may be able to incorporate them.
The timing for the formal delivery of your completed portrait can be a consideration. For example, I’ve had clients use a photo of the portrait on the invitations; you could use them likewise on thank you cards, and even save the date, if you plan sufficiently ahead. I’ve had the bride and groom display their original oil paintings at the reception site.
Unlike your professional photographer, I don’t have instant access to the finished product. Portrait painting takes time…time for me to do the painting, for you to review and approve it, to let it dry enough to transport, and of course it should be framed. While it might seem like a lot, I do this every day, so am very comfortable with my process, and my ability to consistently meet deadlines.
Procedures
Your portrait begins with our communication. I need to gain an understanding of both your vision and the subject’s personality. We'll discuss your thoughts, ideas, timing of delivery and budget, and then decide on the time,place and setting for your photographic sitting, and any necessary travel arrangements.
You can expect our photo sitting to take 1-2 hours, plus time to review the photos, and for you to make selections about the reference pictures you most like. If you will be including small children, (flower girls, ring bearers or blended families) more time is usually needed, especially if I ll be working around snacks or nap-times.
Upon approval of reference material, our review and delivery schedules can be set; I'll return to my studio to complete the portrait. When the portrait is near completion, I will mail hard copy photographs of the portrait and/or email images to you, including any detailed photos necessary for you to make a complete and detailed review. You will have the option to request minor corrections and changes. Once you give final approval, the painting will be given either a temporary or final varnish and shipped.
Communication is paramount to me throughout the process. I want you to feel comfortable knowing your portrait will be delivered beautifully and on time.
I will be happy to assist you in framing, although I have found that it generally works best for the framing to be handled on your end...there is more certainty and usually less expense for you. I do not mark-up the cost of my frames; instead I prefer to give you names of my most reliable framers,so that you can work directly with them. If you would rather, of course, I will be happy to arrange for framing at my end.
You can expect our photo sitting to take 1-2 hours, plus time to review the photos, and for you to make selections about the reference pictures you most like. If you will be including small children, (flower girls, ring bearers or blended families) more time is usually needed, especially if I ll be working around snacks or nap-times.
Upon approval of reference material, our review and delivery schedules can be set; I'll return to my studio to complete the portrait. When the portrait is near completion, I will mail hard copy photographs of the portrait and/or email images to you, including any detailed photos necessary for you to make a complete and detailed review. You will have the option to request minor corrections and changes. Once you give final approval, the painting will be given either a temporary or final varnish and shipped.
Communication is paramount to me throughout the process. I want you to feel comfortable knowing your portrait will be delivered beautifully and on time.
I will be happy to assist you in framing, although I have found that it generally works best for the framing to be handled on your end...there is more certainty and usually less expense for you. I do not mark-up the cost of my frames; instead I prefer to give you names of my most reliable framers,so that you can work directly with them. If you would rather, of course, I will be happy to arrange for framing at my end.
Pricing
A quick note on pricing and sizing....I paint my subjects anywhere between 50% and 90% of life size. Fees are determined by how much of the body is to be included - simply because it is a proxy for how much easel time is required.
It can often take as long to paint a pair of hands as it does a face!
Oil Portrait Prices
February 1, 2012
Head and Shoulders......................................................................................................$7,000.00
Half Figure with Hands...................................................................................................$8,500.00
Three-Quarter Figure.......................................................................................................$9,500.00
Full Length Figure..........................................................................................................$11,000.00
All travel, lodging, framing, applicable taxes and shipping expenses are in addition to the prices listed above. Additional figures on separate canvases are 10% less than prices listed above. Discount will apply to any order contracted within six months of the initial order. Animals may be added to the portrait for an additional 20-40% depending on size of the animal.
Monochrome portraits (charcoal, pencil, sepia toned oil, etc.) are each 50% the price of oil.
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Oil Portrait Sketches
$600.00
Please call me with any questions!