Procedure

A portrait is a collaboration between artist and the individual or entity that commissions the portrait. I try very hard to listen and respond to those desires expressed for the portrait. A planning session normally does not take more than an hour.  Some clients have a specific idea for the portrait they want and others ask for my input. I also like to see where the portrait will hang, at home or in a public place.  A painted portrait is not the same as sitting for your local photographer.  The decision to commission a fine art portrait is usually a personal commitment or a desire to honor a person of exceptional ability. I will try my best to make the whole experience positive and painless. I guarantee my work and the likeness.

I much prefer taking my own photographs in the subject’s environment. I want a feel for the person and to see them where they are most comfortable. Whether a background is included in the portrait or not, setting is important to the ease of the subject. This is often a two-hour session, sometimes involving a change of clothes, indoor, outdoor, formal, informal, active, or in repose.  These elements are normally decided upon in the planning session. If this is a posthumous portrait I like to see every available photograph of the subject and come up with a workable pose. I have successfully done a portrait with just a passport photo as my only reference. 

I insist on an oil study to work on complexion, hair color, eyes, costume, etc., which is usually completed in an hour. Preferably, a good half day gives me all the resources I need. However, if you believe painting your portrait from life is more desirable I can do that, too. Generally, a subject doesn’t care for my marathon sessions of six to ten hours in front of an easel. Photographs simply offer a viable means to produce a likeness without the pain of long sittings. Distance must be considered. From an artist’s viewpoint, portraits from life are not necessarily better than utilizing an oil sketch with photographic  references.

I return to my studio and do a detailed drawing of the subject on canvas. I send a digital photograph of the drawing by email for the client’s approval. Any changes to the pose, expression, or size are resolved before I begin painting. I want you to have a clear idea of the portrait with no surprises. I complete the painting in approximately six to eight weeks. If possible I like to deliver the painting myself, or with a distant commission will have the painting shipped.  If the client would like the portrait framed prior to delivery I will be pleased to do so.

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Fees

Pose		Cost		Approximate size
Head and shoulders		$4,000		24” x 20”
Torso including hands		$5,000		28” x 22”
Three quarter figure		$5,500		30” x 25”
Full figure, sitting or reclining pose		$6,000		36” x 30”
Full length, standing		$7,000		variable, to size
Group (two or more)		75% for each additional subject

Detailed backgrounds (landscape, interior), add $500 - $1,000, depending upon size. Add pet, $500 - $1,000 (horse). Fees do not include shipping or framing.

A signed contract with a 50% nonrefundable deposit is expected when the portrait is commissioned. I will avail myself to the client to work within a tight schedule if the planning, photography, and life study session cannot be done in a half to full day session. I live in Texas but will travel anywhere within reason to paint your portrait. I do not charge travel expenses for distant commissions.

Contact, by email:  Jackie@texasportraitpainter.com.

If you have any questions that are not addressed on this site feel free to email me with your inquiries. If you have a specific idea in mind I would be happy to discuss it and give a price quote. I welcome government, historical, and non-profit commissions. I also do landscape and still-life commissions. Prices are generally less than those posted, depending on complexity and size.