Portrait
Commissions
Kate regularly
takes on painted portrait commissions. Portraits
can be created from life, but because of the high
level of commitment that would impose on the
sitter, most portraits are created by combining
live sittings with several different photographic
sources.
The purpose of a
portrait painting is not to capture a specific
brief moment, as a photograph would do, but to
convey a more rounded likeness of a person as the
sum of many moments in time. It is for this
reason that the artist prefers to meet the
sitter, to see them on several occasions in real
life, and to use several source photos to make
studies from to acquaint herself with the
appearance and temperament of the sitter.
It is important in
all portrait commissions for the client to be
involved in the decision-making process. The
client's expertise of the sitter is invaluable.
The artist has the eye and the technical ability
to make a beautiful painting with a physical
likeness, but it is the client who will be able
to say if the exact expression or pose is in the
likeness of the sitter's personality.
Most portrait
commissions will follow these steps: First, the
general idea the client may have of what he or
she wants should be discussed. The next step is a
photoshoot during which the sitter and the artist
experiment with a variety of poses and
arrangements. After that, the artist goes through
the photos with the client. At this point, the
client and the artist will discuss the strengths
and weaknesses of different angles, poses,
lighting arrangements. From here, the artist
mocks up a drawing of what the painting could
potentially look like. If this drawing meets with
approval, the painting begins, sometimes after a
second follow-up photoshoot and some live
modelling if the sitter is able.
Posthumous
portraits are often the most difficult portraits,
but also the most rewarding. However, the client
must be aware that the small number of optimal
photos of the sitter imposes certain limitations
on the artist.
Typically the client provides the artist with a photo they want reproduced as a painting or drawing. Kate will be happy to discuss each posthumous portrait on a case by case basis.
Typically the client provides the artist with a photo they want reproduced as a painting or drawing. Kate will be happy to discuss each posthumous portrait on a case by case basis.
The commission fee
is paid in three equal segments. The first
payment is due when the preparatory drawing has
been approved by the client. The second payment
is for the balance is due midway through the
project, and the final balance is paid once the
finished artwork has been accepted by the client.
Fees are subject to change. Please inquire for current rates.
Fees are subject to change. Please inquire for current rates.
An example of a
posthumous portrait
An example of a
portrait painting
An example of a
portrait drawing
Posthumous
Portraits
Fee
