Newsletter 10 Portrait commissions

Portrait commissions can be scary, you may feel intimated, here are a few suggestions to make the process easier and enjoyable When you commit to a portrait commission the essential reason you have been asked to do the commission is the person has confidence in you and your artistic ability

Portraiture is so much more than creating a likeness, a portrait can tell the viewer something about the sitter, their personality, occupation, or hobbies
The number one rule: the customer is the one to please. You need to first establish the expectations of the person commissioning the work.
You need to discuss * Size
                                    * Face-only or full body
                                    * Is the portrait a surprise gift
                                    * Discuss why the portrait is required, what memories do they wish to
                                    have captured.

A The ideal situation
Ideally, you need the sitter in their own environment and take time to observe the sitter's gestures (I usually have a cup of tea and discuss the painting whilst discreetly observing the surroundings and also the gestures of the sitter)
I take my own photos of the sitter in various positions, in good natural light with the face in strong light and strong shadows. Take some close photos to get the hair and eye colour.

Importantly I invite the sitter to the studio for the last sitting. I like to also have a close friend or family member behind me as the final touches are applied, I listen to their input, and they help to get the sitter's likeness easy

This is also the time for the sitter to express any issues with the painting, it is their face being framed, and they need to be comfortable and happy
I had a situation with a sitter who did not wish to see her face, I did her profile, and she was happy to hang this in her home.

B Not the ideal situation
It is a surprise present! This can be tricky, you really must pool all your listening powers, and you will not be able to take your own photographs. Get the person commissioning you to pick the photos that mostly look like the person. Do not use photos that have flash exposure as they flatten the face, outside lighting is best Teach them to get more photos if required. Discuss what the sitter's interests and personality is. What do they like to do and even their favorite colour
When the painting is halfway completed, invite the person commissioning you to your studio to view the progress. Any problems will be then easily rectified. On completion ask if another family member can view the painting to add any last details needed.