Timing
Oil painted portraits by their nature may require a significant commitment of time. Sittings, which also entail the model’s time and a need to coordinate schedules, affect the ability to produce the work. Even if I am available to undertake a commission, ordering a painting should be done a few months before the client expects to have a portrait in oils completed.
A portrait drawing on paper in pastel, charcoal or graphite can generally be accomplished more quickly. Ordinarily, the client can expect a portrait drawing to be available within a month or two, once selection has been made. In conjunction with a successful photo shoot, a drawing might be done for the initial sitting with follow-up from my reference photos, or in some cases, from the photographs alone.
Pricing
Pricing depends upon the medium for the portrait, its size and complexity.
Oil paintings are typically about triple the cost of drawings on paper of comparable size. We’ll discuss options and their costs if you consider a commission. After setting the general scope and nature of the portrait, we’ll refine ideas through my photo session with the subject, or by considering existing photos with the client. Then we will set out our agreement in writing before I begin the actual portrait.
All images on this website copyrighted by Sandra J Cohen. The above image copyright 2009.