If you are considering commissioning a portrait sketch, here are a few questions you might want answers to.
What medium do you use?I work in archival inks with watercolor accents on acid-free paper. I occasionally use some gouache.
What dimensions do you have available? I currently prefer to work small. I can do portraits in 6 inches by 7.5 inches or 9 inches by 12 inches.
Do you work in other styles? Will you, for example, do a pencil portrait for me? I’m sorry, no. If you do not like the style that you see on my website, you might be better off finding another artist.
What do you charge? I charge $100.00 per portrait, regardless of size. The same amount of work goes into the smaller pieces as the larger ones.
What if I don’t like it when you’re done? I do my best to render the subject as I see him or her in the photograph you provide, with my personal stylistic modifications. Since it is unlikely that I know the subject of the photograph in real life, I do not have my own perceptions of that person to draw from. Please make sure your photograph is a representation that you enjoy, and I’m certain you’ll be pleased with the results.
Okay, but what if I really don’t like it? I retain a “kill fee” of 50% of the full price if you choose to withdraw your request prior to my completion of your commission. If I have completed the work, and you do not like the results, you may request a refund of 25% of the full fee. The reason I do not offer a full refund is because I will have already put in the time and materials, and I cannot get those back.
Okay, I’m ready to commission a portrait. What now? Please send me an email and we can work out the details. I require a clear, high-resolution photograph of the subject in good lighting, which I will have to approve prior to beginning work on your project.
