gini frank fischer│artist

Commissioning a Portrait

Step-by-Step

1. Initial consultation
2. First sitting and study photos
3. Composition Selection
4. Subsequent Sittings
5. Review process
6. Final Approval
7. Delivery

1. Initial Consultation

A commissioned portrait starts with a request to have a portrait done. Contact me. We will have a conversation about your vision for the painting, during which we would discuss the size, the location it will be displayed, and the purpose of the painting. If there is a specific time that you want it completed by, and the cost. Below is fairly comprehensive list of traditional sizes and prices. Those prices are based on producing a portrait against a simple background, in the typical amount of time.

2. First Sitting and Study Photos

A time and a place are selected and posing begins, either for sketches of for photos. Having a few option in regards to clothing is always a good idea.

3. Composition Selection

You will normally have an opportunity to see a sketch of the planned portrait before I begin. This means variations of the subject’s pose and/or painting’s composition. I usually present two or three options that I feel are strong, as either small sketches (from life) or composed photos (from photos). Once we agree on the composition, I begin the actual painting. If it is to a work from life, I coordinate with the subject to set up appointments for sittings

4. Subsequent Sittings

The average number of two-hour sittings is two to three for head and shoulders, and four to six for a three-quarter length with hands. Ideally, sittings take place at the same time of day, and on consecutive days, if possible. The sitter will be free to take frequent breaks and will be encouraged to be comfortable and at ease.

5. Review Process

When I am ready, I will have you review the nearly finished work. At this time your comments will be noted and addressed.

6. Final Approval

When the painting is completed, you will have an opportunity to express any lingering concerns.

7. Delivery

Paintings are often picked up by my clients at the final review. If delivery or shipping is necessary it will be arranged for by me. The cost of crating, shipping and insuring is additional.

Helpful Notes

Adults Portraits

When I’m painting an adult it is my subject that usually has the most to say about the setting, style and pose of their portrait. Often I am asked to make adjustments, regarding weight, wrinkles or hairlines. While it is possible to address all of these things, the subject and the artist must decide together how to do this effectively.

When a portrait is meant to commemorate a career, or mark a milestone, (such as a graduation or anniversary) choosing the clothing and setting relative to the ocassion can reinforce the meaning of the painting. A musician at their piano, someone in their work clothes; a baseball player on the field, a dancer on the stag, or an artist at their easel.

Portraits of Children

Children are wonderful subjects for portraits. Their sweet little faces change so rapidly, and it is a lovely way to remember moments of their childhood. A discussion with my clients about their vision for such a painting is the first step. Some want something formal: the best clothes, the perfect hair and a thoughtful expression. Other choose their casual moments, playing with their Legos, or cuddling a beloved pet. It is a personal choice, as to what records more of their personality.

For some children, sitting still is difficult, so taking a series of photos is ideal. It also allows more life to be captured than the sometimes grim expression of a reluctant sitter. Depending on the child’s age and their ability to sit still, a portrait from life is sometimes possible. Ideally the setting chosen should be something familiar to the child, like their home or maybe grandma’s house. The important thing is giving small children a chance to get used to me, so they are comfortable. If the preferences for the painting to be done from life, I like to schedule 3 to 4 settings at least two hours apiece. Generally a break every half hour to stretch their legs is desirable. Even if we start off with this as a plan, I will always take study photos.

Pet Portraits

It is my preference to take my own study photos, usually on a bright day and either outside or inside near a window offering plenty of natural light. I have certainly worked from provided photos on many occasion either due to distance or the animals temperament or availability. In my experience dogs always need time to get to know me, and even grow tired of me, before they will sit calmly for photos. Cats are cats. They often want little to do with strangers and I defer to my clients opinion on whether they can be photographed at all by me. In that case I work with provided photos. If you have recently lost a pet, my guideline in Memorial Portraits might be helpful.

Horse/Equestrian Portraits

As with all animals, photos are essential. Whenever possible, it is always helpful see the animal in person and take my own photos. Most horses photograph best in good weather when the grass is green and there is plenty of natural light. Grooming them in advance so that they are well-brushed to have a shiny coat. They too can be overly-friendly and take time to settle down before I can get good photos. I can work with posed or action photos.

Memorial Portraits

It is often only after the loss of a loved one that we wish we had had their portrait done. Although it is never too late to paint a portrait, as an artist I am limited, at these times, with the available photos and videos that exist of them. I usually ask for as many references as possible. It’s also nice to talk with people who knew them well, so I can get in understanding of their personality which informs my decision about pose and expression. I have also done many portraits of people near the end of their lives. It is always a profound experience to help a person leave such a legacy. It can be done from their most favorite photo of themselves, at any age. Sometime the choice is left up to their loved ones. I was once commissioned paint a women from a photo of her at 35, as a gift for her 85th birthday.

Clothing

When we have determined the subject (or subjects) and any additional details, such as a family pet, or a specific background, we should consider what the subject will be wearing. Complicated patterns and fabric not only add time and expense, but can make the painting look dated in years to come. Classic styles are often more enduring, but sometimes it is the height of fashion that one wishes capture in this moment in time, that will be their portrait. Creating a custom painted portrait is a highly-collaborative process in the planning stage.

Size of the Painting

Traditionally portraits are rarely painted larger than life. This is because it can be disconcerting to have a personal pier closer than they are. If a painting is going to be hung very high on the wall in a very tall space he will have to be painted larger than life so it doesn’t feel so far away. I’m quite happy to work larger than life and this often has more contemporary feel, but it is something I’d like to caution clients about when they are planning their portrait..

Equestrian portraits are rarely painted life-size as you can imagine enormity of such a canvas.

Live Sittings vs. Photos

ONLY SITTING: If you are interested in the process, it can be enlightening to be painted from life. You are afforded the opportunity to ask me questions and see many steps along the way. Most people do not enjoy posing for long periods, I limit posing to about two hours with two to three breaks during that time. Ideally, sittings are held . But it is often the case that the sitters expression can run the risk of being almost grim because they are holding it for such a long time. Some people can look amazingly wise and serene while posing. Other people look like they’re in great agony. For this reason I almost always takes study photos during life sessions. These have proved extremely valuable, when another session is not possible. ,
After deciding on the pose I make notes and use tape to mark the position of hands and feet, to help me recreate the pose after a break.

SITTING and PHOTOS: A portrait painted by me entirely from life is usually not as finally-detailed as the work that benefited from photo references. Delicate details like jewelry and clothing folds are more interpretive, and much more painterly. If the preferences for the painting to be done mostly from life, I will always take study photos, which I find especially helpful capturing recording details of fold clothes or hairstyles prone to change from sitting to sitting.

For this reason I almost always takes study photos during life sessions. These have proved extremely valuable, when another session is not possible.

ONLY PHOTOS: When I am painting memorials, animals, small children, anyone with limited availability, I will work from photos, preferably that I have taken myself. There are many challenges to working with provided photos, so I like to see what I am being asked to work with before I comment on what is possible.

Materials

I generally work in oils on prepared linen canvas, in standard sizes. Custom canvas size can be made, if a something special is requested. The price for this varies widely.

Portrait Pricing

In creating a portrait I am undertaking a custom piece of artwork, therefore, a 50% deposit is required at the start of a portrait and is non-refundable.

Larger sizes available (Price on request)

Additional subjects, add 70% each. Pricing base on standard size works. Exceptionally large paintings will be additional. Particularly complicated backgrounds, pets or items such as musical instruments are additional. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Prices are subject to change. For other pricing and information, please contact me.

Portrait Commission Agreement Terms

In order to protect both our interests, it is best to have a written contract. The things that will be covered in writing include:

1. My name and yours
2. The date of our agreement
3. A specific description of the portrait
4. And agreed-upon date of completion
5. A cost breakdown including sales tax, travel, shipping and framing, if included
6. Payment terms

Revision, Changes and Alterations

The goal is to work collaboratively and make sure we both understand the desired outcome, in quality, composition and style. I always share at least a thumbnail or a small composed photo of the plant painting before I begin. At the point when I am fairly happy with my progress, I will share a photo of the work, and at that time we can discuss any concerns you may have, that I will then address. Substantial changes to the painting after we have agreed on a direction may incur additional charges.

Framing

The cost of a frame is not included in the portrait fee. If you would like, I will select a quality frame, which will be quoted separately. Unless otherwise specified, your portrait will not be framed.

Travel Expenses

Painting the portrait away from my studio will incur travel expenses. All travel (time and expenses) and accommodation expenses, regarding the painting of the portrait, progress reviews, and delivery of completed work are additional and will be billed as such. I can provide a reasonably accurate estimate of these expenses before work begins.

Crating and Shipping

The costs of crating, shipping and insuring, if required, are not included in portrait fees.

Sales Tax

Prices do not include any applicable sales tax.

Varnish

Oil paints can take months to dry thoroughly before they should be varnished. It is therefore done at a later time, and not normally included in my quote.

Payment Terms

In creating a portrait I am undertaking a custom piece of artwork. I require a 50% deposit at the start of a portrait and it is non-refundable.

When the painting is done, the client will have a chance to review it and request any reasonable changes. Any major changes (i.e. change of pose, clothing or setting) will be quoted as additional. Upon acceptance of the portrait, the balance of the fee is due, including any reqested additional costs incurred, such as framing or shipping.

Guarantee

Your satisfaction with your portrait is completely guaranteed. If you are not satisfied with the finished portrait, I will refund any payments received after the 1/2 deposit, provided that painting is returned to me, in its original condition. I cannot be responsible for damages to a painting after it leaves my studio. A refund does not include any framing, crating, shipping, insuring, travel expenses or travel time, if any are incurred.

Portrait Commission FAQs

Where are you located?

Wilton, Connecticut

How long does it take to paint a portrait?

Anywhere between two weeks and three months, depending on complexity and size.

Do I get to see progress photos?

Yes I will always show you at least one progress photo, and welcome your feedback and address your concerns.

How do you handle final approval?

If it is not possible for you to come to the studio to see a larger work or for me to meet you with a smaller work all right, I will supply a high-resolution photo for your final approval.

What if I want a painting done from a photo?

I am certainly experienced with working solely from photos.

It is not ideal, but sometimes it is necessary to work with a supplied photo. It can be very challenging depending on the quality of the photo. If additional references are available that is always helpful. In the case of memorial portraits it is necessary to work from photos, so I always try to learn as much as I can about my subject as well as have as many visual references as possible

Can you make portraits from old/damaged photos?

The short answer is yes. Painting a color portrait based on a black-and-white photograph it’s something I have experience with.

Does it cost more to work from life?

No. It does however require much more time on the part of the sitter/subject. Are usually have at least three settings at two hours apiece. The success of that depends on the about their ability to sit still, And the quality of daylight, and therefore the weather.

Can you help us choose a frame?

I would be happy to suggest a good local framer.

Is varnishing done at the time the portrait is painted?

No, an oil painting cannot be varnished until the paint is completely dry. That can take months.