I am currently offering lifelike portraits in graphite, charcoal, and colored pencil. My specialty is with people and pets, but anything—be it a car, a house, or even a tree!—is up for grabs. Given my plans to expand, I am very open to creative spins on style, theme, and media. With every new portrait I am further exploring and developing my touch as an artist. Thus, in the process of planning each piece, collaboration with clients is welcomed.
Also—if you're new to this, don't worry! I take my work seriously, and to some the idea of reaching out may seem daunting, but we'll keep things pretty down-to-earth. As artist and client, our goal is mutual—we want something beautiful. An infusion of life into something you hold dear; an impression that no camera can capture; a product that will stand the test of time. With that in mind, know that I'm excited to meet you, and honored to play a part in capturing a treasured piece of your life.
Commissioning an Artwork - What to Expect
Local clients:
- By phone, you and I will briefly discuss your goal—subject, medium, size, etc., and establish a day and time to meet. This meeting will occur at your home (or a desirable outdoor setting within a reasonable distance thereof), and may last from thirty minutes to an hour.
- My preference is to work from photographs I have taken myself. That being the case, I will wish to capture some photos of the subject in various poses and lighting, as such elements are vital to the outcome of any portrait. However, for added measure, it's helpful if several or more (preferably professional-quality) photographs of the subject(s) are available to choose from.
- Following photoshoot, you and I will spend some time determining which photograph will best translate into a visually captivating—and personally meaningful—work of art. Meanwhile I'll gather an idea of the subject's character, to better assist my "inner" eye throughout the long process ahead.
- 50% of the commission's balance is due at the project's commencement. Deposits guarantee each client's position in line. This serves as a gesture of commitment on your end and a piece of insurance for the time and materials invested on mine. At this time (following photoshoot and selection of reference photograph), you and I will sign a portrait commission contract outlining the nature of the project, any unique goals we have discussed, and the mutually agreed-upon fee.
- After our meeting and before starting work on the final drawing, I will email you with a compositional sketch, and proceed upon your approval.
- I tend to tackle one project at a time. This being the case, depending on workload, the process of completion for each portrait may range from two to six weeks, from date of commencement. For those needing a completed piece within a certain timeframe, I can work with you to establish a firmer deadline.
- While the bulk of each creation is crafted at my discretion—resulting in the "outsider" impression that is truly unique—I am aware of the investment my clients have in the achievement of their vision. Thus, for the assurance and involvement of each client I will provide two visual updates (by text or email) on the progress of each portrait, generally at the 1/3 and 2/3 stages of completion. Additional updates are provided for portraits containing multiple subjects.
- You will be notified when your portrait is finished. Following payment of the remaining balance, your portrait will be hand-delivered or carefully shipped, depending on distances involved.
- If desired, framing is available for an additional charge.
Long-distance/online clients:
For those who aren't "local," but are nonetheless interested in commissioning a portrait, no problem! Differences from the process above are as follows:
- Once you've reached out, I'll request that you email five to ten scans of the highest-quality photographs available of the subject. Good lighting and high resolution are primary factors in a portrait's outcome. Even if the one that you want drawn is limited to only one or two options, additional angles are of immense benefit to my understanding of the subject in his, her, or its entirety.
- Naturally, we won't be meeting face-to-face. However, in the interest of better comprehending who or what it is I will be studying for dozens of hours, I will pursue a phone conversation or, for the tech-savvy, a video chat.
- Upon selection of reference photograph and our agreement to proceed, client will return a signed portrait commission contract along with a non-refundable 50% deposit.
- Once your portrait's remaining balance is paid and cleared, your finished artwork will be securely packed, insured, and shipped via USPS. Tracking number will be provided. Shipping costs will apply. Framing, for an additional charge, is also available to long-distance clients.
- The rest of this process unfolds identically to the above.
- Note: Artist retains copyright to all artwork, commissioned or otherwise. Contact for any questions regarding commercial use.