I have been doing commissions for 20 years – in fact, they were my first experience as a professional artist. I enjoy the chance to work with collectors; to see what inspires them and make that come to life. My commissioned subjects range from portraits of children and adults, landscapes, animals, interiors and other subjects.

Method

Daddy’s Boy

The entire process, from the first meeting to the delivery of the final painting, takes about 4 months. Once a commission has been requested, I set up a meeting with the client and/or subject. If possible I prefer to meet or see the subject in person, since that allows me to a chance to observe their unique gestures that sometimes cannot be adequately captured by photographs alone. Also, I find that getting to know my clients a bit can result in a richer painting that speaks to them more fully.

Figure A

I prefer to work from my own photos and from life, but I can use pictures supplied by my clients when necessary. At this time I will take several hundred digital images, depending on the needs of the commission, in various settings, or even times of day. Client involvement is encouraged during the photo shoot, as it is a great opportunity for brainstorming and gives me insight into what is important to my clients, and the nuances of my subject.

Figure B

Back in my studio, I sort through the images, looking for and creating the best possible compositions. Sometimes I get lucky and happen upon a single image that will work well (figure A), but usually I narrow these images down to roughly 2–5 choices. I then make a charcoal sketch (figure B) of the composition which can help the client to visualize the final painting (Daddy’s Boy). The sketch or sketches serve as an advance approval for the final painting and determine if further options or visual aids are required. Sometimes different aspects of the various sketches are combined into a new idea.

Prices

The prices below do not include 8.175% Colorado sales tax, or the frame. The sizes listed are the measurement of the canvas. A 20% nonrefundable deposit (in parenthesis below) is due at the time of the photo shoot. If you don’t like the final painting, there is no obligation complete the transaction.
•    12” x 16” $1,200 (20% – $240)
•    16” x 20” $1,500 (20% – $300)
•    24” x 36” $2,600 (20% – $520)
•    36” x 48” $4,000 (20% – $800)
•    48” x 60” $6,000 (20% – $1200)
•    60” x 72” $7,000 (20% – $1400)