Many people are reluctant to consider commissioning portraiture because they think it is very expensive and are not quite sure how to choose an artist. Deciding to commission a portrait painting does involve taking many factors into consideration but it is usually well worth the effort. You will have in your possession a painting that evokes strong memories and can convey these to future generations.
One of the ways to determine the skill of an artist is to examine a portfolio of work already completed. Artists doing portraiture work in different mediums such as pastels, oils, water colours, oils, charcoal or even a combination of mediums. The styles of artists all vary too and you may prefer one style over another.
Through the ages, many famous individuals have been captured in portraits. These portraits were so skilfully done that the character of the person is conveyed. Many of them were done by artists trained in the classical tradition and the individuals had to sit for hours. Portraiture has changed over the years, particularly with the introduction of photography. There is no longer a need for extensive sittings.
The problem with the advent of photography, however, is that it has become easy to use a photograph as more than just a reference point. This means that the true meaning of portraiture can be lost. If a mere copy of a photograph is created, this does away with any real creativity and imagination. Many artists today still use life sketches together with photographs. Some use only photographs but these are ones they take themselves in a special session with the client. Others use both photographs and sketches.
Price is another important consideration. However, considering that such a commission is often a once in a lifetime experience, you may have to look further than just the price tag. You can save yourself money by choosing an artist who can make an adequate copy of a photograph. However, you might as well just have the photograph enlarged. Most artists are prepared to negotiate when it comes to cost.
Other details influencing the price of portraits are factors such as the size, the medium and the background chosen. Sizes vary from small head only or head and shoulders, to full length portraits. The smaller sizes tend to be more popular today as the full length portraits are overwhelming in the smaller rooms of today. Backgrounds chosen may be simple abstracts or more elaborate settings. These details are discussed with the artist and once the choices have been made, a contract can be signed. Most artists require a deposit before work commences.
Before starting on the painting, the artist usually produces a small sketch. This is used to give the client some indication of what the final product will look like. Minor changes can be suggested by the client at this point. Some artists prefer that clients have no input after this point. Others like the client to be involved throughout the process.
A true artist will use harmony of color and tonal values to express the character and individuality of the person without anything distracting from this. Such a skilled and experienced artist obviously charges more but most times this is worth the expense. You will have a piece of art that can be cherished for the memories it evokes.
One of the ways to determine the skill of an artist is to examine a portfolio of work already completed. Artists doing portraiture work in different mediums such as pastels, oils, water colours, oils, charcoal or even a combination of mediums. The styles of artists all vary too and you may prefer one style over another.
Through the ages, many famous individuals have been captured in portraits. These portraits were so skilfully done that the character of the person is conveyed. Many of them were done by artists trained in the classical tradition and the individuals had to sit for hours. Portraiture has changed over the years, particularly with the introduction of photography. There is no longer a need for extensive sittings.
The problem with the advent of photography, however, is that it has become easy to use a photograph as more than just a reference point. This means that the true meaning of portraiture can be lost. If a mere copy of a photograph is created, this does away with any real creativity and imagination. Many artists today still use life sketches together with photographs. Some use only photographs but these are ones they take themselves in a special session with the client. Others use both photographs and sketches.
Price is another important consideration. However, considering that such a commission is often a once in a lifetime experience, you may have to look further than just the price tag. You can save yourself money by choosing an artist who can make an adequate copy of a photograph. However, you might as well just have the photograph enlarged. Most artists are prepared to negotiate when it comes to cost.
Other details influencing the price of portraits are factors such as the size, the medium and the background chosen. Sizes vary from small head only or head and shoulders, to full length portraits. The smaller sizes tend to be more popular today as the full length portraits are overwhelming in the smaller rooms of today. Backgrounds chosen may be simple abstracts or more elaborate settings. These details are discussed with the artist and once the choices have been made, a contract can be signed. Most artists require a deposit before work commences.
Before starting on the painting, the artist usually produces a small sketch. This is used to give the client some indication of what the final product will look like. Minor changes can be suggested by the client at this point. Some artists prefer that clients have no input after this point. Others like the client to be involved throughout the process.
A true artist will use harmony of color and tonal values to express the character and individuality of the person without anything distracting from this. Such a skilled and experienced artist obviously charges more but most times this is worth the expense. You will have a piece of art that can be cherished for the memories it evokes.
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