Commissions

The Commissioned Portrait

This page contains:
1. My Work and My Philosophy
2. The Commission Process
3. Pricing 






My Work and My Philosophy:

I am available for both pencil and watercolor portraits.  I use a combination of carbon, charcoal, and graphite in my pencil portraits, as the subject requires, on a pale cream-toned art paper.  The carbon pencil and cream-toned paper give my drawings a "warmth" not usually associated with black and white art.

Watercolor as a portrait medium is a bit more illusive, yet you will find the same attention to detail and realism with the focus being on capturing the subjects personality.

Whether using pencil or watercolor, my commissioned portraits represent a celebration of the subject`s existence...I work from multiple reference photos to get a true feeling of my subject.   I believe that a successful portrait needs to be more than just the replication of a photo...but should convey the feelings and atmosphere of the moment.  

My goal is to capture my subject`s essence and emotions on paper, presenting my feelings of this person to the world in my own unique style.
 
I am available for "Commissioned Works" in pencil or watercolor of most any subject...From your grandchild to your grandmother, your antique car or your daughter`s first ballet slippers, your son`s baseball uniform, or even "Gretchen," your ten-year old basset hound.

You will find a section covering photography hints and a tentative price listing below.

I am honored that you have considered me for a commissioned your commissioned portrait and look forward to working with you.
 
This is the largest section on my website and it contains a considerable amount of information.  Take your time...read it, digest it, and contact me if you have questions.

Thank you,
Marsha L. Robinett
 
 
The Commission Process:
 
Step 1 ...Selecting a photograph:
 
This can sometimes be a daunting process.  Whether you are planning to take photos specifically for your commissioned portrait or plan on using a favorite photo you already have...The following links are provided to assist you in the process.
 
Choosing and Sending Reference Photos:  The accuracy of your finished drawing is dependent on the quality of your reference photo.
 
Guidelines for Taking Photos:  Indoor and Outdoor Photography Hints
 

Step 2 ...Consultation:
 
Once you have selected a group of  reference photos, contact me and we can discuss the basic parameters of the drawing, such as...subject(s), head or head and shoulders, 3/4 or  full figure, size, etc.  Once we have agreed on the basic vision for the drawing I will give you an estimate for the commission. 
 
Having established the basic idea for the portrait I will more closely view the images you have sent and develop a final composition for the drawing.  Once I am happy with the composition, I will email you a black and white photo showing what I will be drawing along with a contract.  The contract will contain the specifications we discussed, copies of the reference photos to be used, a guaranteed price quote for your portrait and an expected completion date.
 
 
Step 3 ...Confirm your order with a deposit:
 
Upon approval of the photo reference and compositional plan...you will need to sign and return my copy of the contract along with your 50% down payment.  You can send a personal check with your signed contract or I can arrange for payment via PayPal invoice.
 
After receiving your down payment and signed contract...your Portrait Commission will be included on my work schedule.  The turn around time for your finished portrait is usually not more than thirty days.
 

Step 4 ...Work in progress preview:
 
You will be notified when I begin the drawing.  There are a  variety of ways through which we can stay in touch.  A common choice,  and my favorite, is to provide a link to a web page where you can view updates...allowing you to see regularly how your commissioned piece is developing.  You are encouraged to provide feedback at each stage of the drawing process.
 

Step 5 ...Final payment and delivery:
 
I will photograph the finished portrait and place it on my website for your final approval...or if you desire a more private approval process I can email a copy to you.  I will not ship your  Commissioned Portrait without your expressed permission, at which time any balance due must be paid in full.
 
In the unlikely event that you are not fully satisfied with the proof and I cannot develop your portrait to your satisfaction, I will refund your deposit in full, in which case the Original Portrait will remain in my possession.

FINAL NOTE: This is not a complicated process...Your Commissioned Portrait will someday become a family heirloom, to be passed down through the generations.  Your Commissioned Portrait isn't something to be rushed by either of us. Take your time and ask questions.

 BASIC PORTRAIT PRICES...Valid through December 2011
Currency Converter....  www.xe.com/ucc/

You will notice that a range of sizes are offered in each price category.  This allows me the opportunity to develop the best possible composition for your portrait, and enables you to customize it's size.  If you have a particular size in mind, I will do my best to develop the composition within those parameters.

Keep in mind..portraits do not need to be large to have impact.  Some of my most striking portraits have been in the three smallest sizes.  My style of zooming in on the subject works great when over matted to create a larger presentation.


ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

*Detailed background:
Standard portraits have a shaded background. There is an additional charge of $50-100 for a detailed background or foreground. A complex foreground would be a wedding dress, plaids, ornate uniforms, etc. These elements require more time and materials.

*Additional subjects: available on 11x14 portraits and up:
Pencil Portraits  $200-350
Watercolor Portraits  $275-400