Commissioning a fine portrait

The following process is generally followed in realizing your portrait commission. The entire process usually takes anything from 2 to 6 months.

Should you be interested in commissioning a portrait celebrating a unique individual in corporate, academic, or a family member, you are welcome can make an enquiry and arrange a free consultation.

PLANNING MEETING
Before the sittings, a planning meeting between the client, the sitter and artist takes place for about an hour to make preliminary decisions. Topics discussed in this meeting include the function or purpose of the portrait, the spirit or mood of the work, its size, and the location where the artwork will be displayed. A decision on the costume for the portrait may be suggested at this stage. A schedule of future sittings is established.

INITIAL SITTINGS
The portrait process begins with three sittings. These sittings can take place in the artist’s Cape Town studio, or at the subject’s home, office or other location. In the course of these first two sittings, the size and “spirit” of the portrait is decided upon, and the questions of pose, lighting, costume, setting and expression are decided, through discussion and experimentation. In the first two sittings, extensive photographic reference material is created to allow the artist to proceed after the sittings conclude. The first two sittings last about 90 minutes each.

The third sitting takes place about a week after the previous sitting. During this sitting a careful oil-colour study is produced to accurately record hair colour, eye colour, and complexion colour.  The third sitting takes about two hours.


THE COMPOSITIONAL STUDY
Back in the studio, the artist prepares a small preliminary visualization of the proposed portrait. The client and the subject are often invited to comment on this preliminary.


THE FRAME IS ORDERED
At this point, the final size of the painting is determined. The appropriate frame is decided upon and an order is placed.


THE FINAL CANVAS
Now there follows a sustained period of studio work in which the details of the composition are developed, one by one, and in concert. The artist brings the painting as near to completion as possible. A final sitting or sittings is now required.


THE FINAL SITTING(S)
The final sitting takes place either at the Cape Town studio or at the subject’s location. If the latter, the painting is transported (in its final frame) to the location. As the subject sits, the artist makes the crucial finishing touches. Often, close family members or associates are invited to provide input. The painting is now finished, and ready for display.