Portraits were very popular at a certain time in history, with artists capturing likenesses of individuals in artworks that are still seen today. Many individuals are not aware that they can easily commission a portrait painting today from the numerous artists doing such work, including those found at online websites. Artists use different methods and mediums and have varying levels of skill, so it is important to choose wisely.
One of the ways to see what an artist is capable of is to examine a portfolio of completed work. This gives an indication of style and shows what medium is worked in too, whether oils, pastels, watercolors or even pen and ink. You will instinctively be drawn to a particular medium and style that accords with your own tastes.
In past centuries, the individual having his or her likeness painted was required to sit for hours. Now the process can be simplified with the use of photographs. All artists have different methods and some prefer to work from a single, detailed photographic sitting. Others like to work from real life, producing quick sketches and studies and several sessions of this nature might be required. Yet others use a combination of photographs and real life sketches.
The size of the artwork and the way the individual is posed needs to be discussed. Not many individuals request full length portraits anymore, as these are often overbearing in smaller rooms. A head and shoulders version is often preferred, with some including arms and hands. A small one of a head only can make a great gift that is not too expensive.
The choice of background can influence the price. It is possible to select a simple, abstract one which is not as difficult to paint as a complex one and so reduce the price. Of course, you may want a scene that relates to the sitter in some way and this will obviously cost more. The clothing selected for the sitter can also influence the price. For example, someone wearing an elaborate gown would take longer to paint than someone in a simple dress.
Once all the details have been agreed upon, a contract has to be drawn up. The contract should clearly lay out all the details, including what has to be paid and when. This should be signed by both parties. Many artists request part payment to confirm the deal and this amount can vary from artist to artist.
Finally, the artist can get to work on producing a preliminary painted sketch. This is presented to the client and helps them to visualize what the final artwork is going to look like. They are able to make certain minor changes at this stage if required. The artist charges for this sketch which is kept by the client.
If you think that commissioning portraits costs a great deal of money, you may be surprised. A small head portrait with a simple background can be reasonably priced and can make a wonderful gift for a loved one. Can be. Portraits can be kept for a lifetime and passed down to future generations, keeping memories alive.
One of the ways to see what an artist is capable of is to examine a portfolio of completed work. This gives an indication of style and shows what medium is worked in too, whether oils, pastels, watercolors or even pen and ink. You will instinctively be drawn to a particular medium and style that accords with your own tastes.
In past centuries, the individual having his or her likeness painted was required to sit for hours. Now the process can be simplified with the use of photographs. All artists have different methods and some prefer to work from a single, detailed photographic sitting. Others like to work from real life, producing quick sketches and studies and several sessions of this nature might be required. Yet others use a combination of photographs and real life sketches.
The size of the artwork and the way the individual is posed needs to be discussed. Not many individuals request full length portraits anymore, as these are often overbearing in smaller rooms. A head and shoulders version is often preferred, with some including arms and hands. A small one of a head only can make a great gift that is not too expensive.
The choice of background can influence the price. It is possible to select a simple, abstract one which is not as difficult to paint as a complex one and so reduce the price. Of course, you may want a scene that relates to the sitter in some way and this will obviously cost more. The clothing selected for the sitter can also influence the price. For example, someone wearing an elaborate gown would take longer to paint than someone in a simple dress.
Once all the details have been agreed upon, a contract has to be drawn up. The contract should clearly lay out all the details, including what has to be paid and when. This should be signed by both parties. Many artists request part payment to confirm the deal and this amount can vary from artist to artist.
Finally, the artist can get to work on producing a preliminary painted sketch. This is presented to the client and helps them to visualize what the final artwork is going to look like. They are able to make certain minor changes at this stage if required. The artist charges for this sketch which is kept by the client.
If you think that commissioning portraits costs a great deal of money, you may be surprised. A small head portrait with a simple background can be reasonably priced and can make a wonderful gift for a loved one. Can be. Portraits can be kept for a lifetime and passed down to future generations, keeping memories alive.
About the Author:
If you want to commission a portrait painting visit the web pages online here today. You can see details at http://www.geraldhufeld.com now.
