The Portrait Commission Process
1. Photos and Payment
When you decide you want to commission a portrait, submit your payment, photographs and a description of your preferences through the consultation button on the orders page. I will evaluate your photos and respond by email with questions about your pose and background preferences. Payment is processed up front, but my work is guaranteed. If you are unhappy with the finished portrait, your money will be refunded in full.
When you order, I will give you a time estimate for when your portrait will be shipped. Portraits book up fast around Christmas, Mother's Day and Father's Day so it’s good to order well in advance. Most simple portraits take about two weeks from when I get your photos to when they are ready for the final adjustments, and then 2-3 days for shipping. If you have a special date in mind for when you need your portrait (a birthday, etc) be sure to let me know the date when you order, and I will do my best to accomodate it.
2. Initial Sketch
Next, I will make a rough sketch in the chosen pose and send it to you via email. The sketch is just a simple line drawing to confirm your preferences before starting the painting, so don’t worry if the likeness isn’t right yet. When you let me know that you are happy with the pose, I will start painting your portrait.
3. Progress Photos
After painting the initial colors, before starting on the detail, I’ll send you a progress photo to check that the portrait is going in the right direction. At this point, the detail is not painted in, so the likeness will probably not look right yet, but you can advise me if the proportions are off.
The next progress photo will be more detailed, and I might ask you specific questions about any features that are unclear in the photo. You can suggest changes to improve the likeness. Responding promptly to emails will help get your portrait finished faster.
4. About Portrait Adjustments
My portrait style is a mix of realism and expression. While I doesn't strive to make portraits photo-realistic, I will try to capture your subject’s likeness as well as possible. Good photos and prompt, specific feedback really help.
You might feel awkward about pointing out errors or asking for changes, but don't - your input is welcome and expected. I don't usually get to meet the people and animals I paint, so I rely solely on your photos and comments to make the portrait accurate. Be specific in your emails about what needs to be adjusted, and I’ll make small changes and check back with you until the portrait is just right.
Many people say that once they got into it, they enjoyed the process almost as much as they enjoyed having the finished portrait. My best portraits are usually the most interactive. So have fun, get your family involved and give me lots of feedback!
To see a sample portrait from start to finish, go to the portrait demo page. As a self-taught artist, I’m proud to show my current paintings in progress with commentary for beginner artists on my art technique blog. If you prefer not to have your photo on her blog, just let me know when you order. Your name, email and personal information is never shared or posted.
5. Shipping
When your portrait is complete and you're happy with the final progress photo, I will ship the painting. Your portrait will be gift wrapped inside a well-padded shipping box, with an instruction sheet on portrait care. Portraits are shipped via the United States Postal Service (USPS) Priority Mail or FedEx, depending on your location. I will email you the approximate arrival time of your package. If you want overnight shipping at an additional fee or have special shipping instructions, please let me know when you order.
Many of my customers order portraits as a gift for their spouse or someone in their family and want to keep it a surprise until the big day. If you're in this boat, just let me know and I'll use plain packaging to help keep your gift a secret until the big day.