Media- all the media I use, when properly framed and cared for, produce good looking, durable works of art capable of becoming family heirlooms.
oil paintings are the most popular because they are the most durable and the easiest to frame, and keep clean. They take longer to complete and therefore
cost more than other mediums.
Pastel paintings are my favorite because the skin tones are the most vibrant but they are somewhat fragile and need to be matted and framed under glass.
Charcoal drawings are the quickest and easiest to do and therefore are the lowest priced. They must be matted but can be framed under glass or acrylic.
Water color and colored pencil paintings are difficult to do when the subject's likeness is important. Bob likes to use these media for character studies.
Size - Portraits are most pleasing and easiest to produce when done near life size. Because of the required matting on some media, the framing adds to the size of the completed work. A framed portrait of even one subject, smaller than 16" x 20", may be more costly to produce because the face is so small.
Sittings -Best portraits result when multiple live sittings by the subject are done. A couple of two or three hour sittings and the use of reference photos taken by Bob usually produce very good results. The use of snapshots and professionally produced photos can be used as a last resort (with the photographer’s permission).
Clothing & Pose-The type of clothing and pose are normally determined by thinking of the wishes of the Ultimate owner or audience of the artwork. Consideration should be given to the subject's personality and lifestyle when choosing the clothing and pose. (Some people look more like themselves in a relaxed pose in jeans rather than in formal pose and dress). Sometimes just the right object in hand or in the background tells a little more about the subject and are a great addition to the composition. Seldom is a big toothy grin the most flattering pose and it is difficult for the subject to hold a smile for the length of the sittings.
1. The first meeting can be done in Bob’s studio or at your home or business. The cost of transportation to your place may require an additional charge. Your ideas about the size, subjects, setting, clothing, back drop, personal touches and other topics may be discussed at this time. If this meeting is at your place and the portrait is to be placed in a particular area of your place with particular furnishings it should be discussed at this time as well. A contract and a down payment of 50% of the agreed upon fee will be due at this time. 50% of this fee is refundable until the actual portrait is started.
2. At this meeting or a subsequent meeting, Bob will arrange the subject(s) in a several ways and determine with your help agreement the composition that the painting will take. Bob will then sketch the subject(s) in charcoal and/or pastels and take a large number of photographs for later use in the studio. At this time an effort will be made to get to know the subject(s) personality.
3. Back at the studio a rough drawing or sketch of the Portrait is completed. At this time you will have an opportunity to approve the work before the painting is started. After this approval, major changes can not be made and the remainder of the down payment is no longer refundable.
4. The final work is started from the reference photos and sketches. If possible, I would prefer to have several sittings of at least two hours with the subject(s) while completing the portrait. For the comfort of the subject(s), several breaks to rest are normally planned.
5. The completed portrait will be presented for your approval within 6 to 8 weeks from the sketch approval date. At this time the remainder of the payment is due. At this time minor adjust-ments to the portrait may be made to obtain your absolute satisfaction.
Price - Depends on the following factors:
Media: charcoal, pastel, oil, etc.
number of subjects: How many will be in the portrait (including any animals)
amount of the body portrayed: (head and shoulders, upper torso, full figure)
number of additional items or scenes included.
size : too small or too large can increase the price).
(for each Person- head and shoulders only)
Charcoal Portraits start at $75
Pastel Portraits start at $300
Oil Portraits start at $500
Double the price for half figure including hands.
Triple the price for full figure including feet.
Pets can be included at the same pricing structure.