When searching for a potential artist, two questions are usually uppermost in the mind - which artist to select and how much he or she will charge? If you have decided to commission a portrait painting, it is important to choose a skilled artist as you will probably only do this once in a lifetime. This means you will possess a true work of art that can preserve memories for generations to come.
Examining a portfolio of work done by the artist is one way to determine skill and experience. This also reveals the particular style of the artist. You will soon be able to see whether the style is one you admire or not. You may also prefer an artist who works in a particular medium. Many mediums like pastels, charcoal, oils and water colors are used in portraiture and artists often choose to combine mediums.
Portraiture has always been popular and in the past this required many sittings, with the person remaining in a particular position for hours at a time. The process has changed now that photographs are used. However, portraiture that is simply a copy of a photograph loses its true essence and meaning.
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 always a consideration. However, in the case of commissioning such a once in a lifetime work, other factors need to be taken into consideration besides just looking at the price tag. Skilled and experienced artists will always charge more but the work they produce is far superior to someone who just copies a photograph. Even the most skilled artists are prepared to negotiate when it comes to prices.
The price is also affected by such factors as the background chosen, the medium used and of course the size. Smaller portraits of a head only or head and shoulders are more popular than full sized ones today, mostly due to the smaller size of rooms today. All the details are noted in a contract signed by both parties and a part payment is usually required upfront.
The artist often starts by making a preliminary sketch to give the client an idea of what to expect. Minor changes can still be made at this point. The client is usually allowed to keep this sketch. Some artists prefer the client not to interfere once any minor changes have been made. The next time the client sees the painting is when it is completed. Other artists prefer to work very closely together with the client during the process.
Commissioning an experienced and skilled artist will obviously cost more than just hiring someone to copy a photograph. The extra expense is usually worthwhile as such an artist is able to use tonal values and harmonies of color to bring out individuality and character. You will own a painting that you will be proud to pass down to future generations.
Examining a portfolio of work done by the artist is one way to determine skill and experience. This also reveals the particular style of the artist. You will soon be able to see whether the style is one you admire or not. You may also prefer an artist who works in a particular medium. Many mediums like pastels, charcoal, oils and water colors are used in portraiture and artists often choose to combine mediums.
Portraiture has always been popular and in the past this required many sittings, with the person remaining in a particular position for hours at a time. The process has changed now that photographs are used. However, portraiture that is simply a copy of a photograph loses its true essence and meaning.
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 always a consideration. However, in the case of commissioning such a once in a lifetime work, other factors need to be taken into consideration besides just looking at the price tag. Skilled and experienced artists will always charge more but the work they produce is far superior to someone who just copies a photograph. Even the most skilled artists are prepared to negotiate when it comes to prices.
The price is also affected by such factors as the background chosen, the medium used and of course the size. Smaller portraits of a head only or head and shoulders are more popular than full sized ones today, mostly due to the smaller size of rooms today. All the details are noted in a contract signed by both parties and a part payment is usually required upfront.
The artist often starts by making a preliminary sketch to give the client an idea of what to expect. Minor changes can still be made at this point. The client is usually allowed to keep this sketch. Some artists prefer the client not to interfere once any minor changes have been made. The next time the client sees the painting is when it is completed. Other artists prefer to work very closely together with the client during the process.
Commissioning an experienced and skilled artist will obviously cost more than just hiring someone to copy a photograph. The extra expense is usually worthwhile as such an artist is able to use tonal values and harmonies of color to bring out individuality and character. You will own a painting that you will be proud to pass down to future generations.
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