The Nigerian Mvies

The Nigerian Mvies
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Friday 28 February 2014

Commission A Portrait Painting From A Skilled Artist

By Leticia Jensen


If you want to commission a portrait painting, there are many artists today who are doing this kind of work. Going online and searching for such an artist brings up numerous results. It is therefore vitally important to know what to look for in an artist and what to expect when commissioning such a work.

When choosing an artist, it is most helpful to look at a portfolio of work already done to determine the level of skill of the artist. Work may be done in many different mediums like oils, pastels, watercolors, charcoal and even a combination of mediums. Artists all have their own styles and you will naturally be drawn to one with a style and working in a medium that best suits your tastes.

Artists who painted portraits in days gone by needed a sitter to remain in a certain pose for hours on end. Photography has changed this to a large extent and artists follow many different methods. Some artists still prefer to draw from life, making sketches and studies. Others like to work from photographs they have taken themselves in a single session. Many like to combine the use of photographs and on the spot sketches.

Sizes of portraits can vary from a small one of only a head to a full length one. It is also possible to do just the head and shoulders, or include the arms and hands too. The size depends largely on the location in which it will hang. Full length portraits need to be placed in large rooms or they are overpowering. Smaller portraits are more suited to the smaller rooms and to giving as gifts.

Backgrounds can be very different, depending on the preference of the client. You may want the individual to be posed with a background scene you associate with them. You may prefer to select a really simple background to reduce costs. The clothing worn by the individual can also influence costs as more elaborate clothing takes more time to paint.

The artist and client have to negotiate various details and come to an agreement acceptable to both parties. This needs to be spelled out in a contract and signed. Most artists require some payment upfront to confirm and this can be anything from a third to half of the total amount.

Preparation of a painted sketch is usually done before the actual work commences. This allows the client to gain some idea of what the final work will look like and certain changes can be made at this stage. Artists do charge for this sketch which the client can keep.

Many individuals are put off commissioning portraits because they are afraid of the expense involved. Not all portraits are highly expensive. Prices do vary considerably and can often be negotiated between the artist and the client, depending on factors such as the size, background and the medium used.




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