First off, I want to say that I got this idea from a conversation with two fellow artists, as we were discussing just how little the general public knows about the painting process, whether it is a commissioned portrait in oils, or a quick sketch or study in pencil. This is nothing to be ashamed of, but it can lead to awkward exchanges. One of us had the idea to write a primer to hand out to potential clients, in the hope to avoid an awkward exchange.
This is part of what he had to say:
If you are planning on commissioning a portrait, please do some research before speaking directly to the artist. It can save him/her insult, and it may save you from sticker shock. A good template to start would be to search http://www.portraitartist.com/. It is easy to navigate, and can show you several different styles and degrees of skill. You will also notice that most of the artists list a breakdown of what their fees are. This should give you a basic idea of what you should be paying to have a painting commissioned.
Also, many artists work 9-5 jobs and do their artwork in their “free time”. If this is the case, find out how long of a turnaround to expect. Most portrait painters, for example, require 6-12 months for delivery. If you were hoping for it by the weekend, you are going to be disappointed.
And whatever you do, do not go into this thinking that you are doing the artist a favor. Even if the artist is family, a friend or if you are his or her landlord who is about to evict them.
Just to add further to his point, I would say that you should inquire about the artist’s method and technique. I paint in a classic, glazing technique that requires several layers of paint and a lot of patience. This is a lot more time consuming and often much more work than an alla-prima, wet-into-wet technique. A recent figure painting that measured 24”x30” took me a total of 40 hours of painting to complete. This did not including the photo references, the building of the stretcher bars, the stretching of the canvas, the 3 layers of primer/gesso and sanding it down to a smooth, eggshell coating. To give you an idea of cost, when I factor in hours spent and the cost of the art supplies, if I was to sell this painting at a gallery for $2000 (sounds like good money, right?), after the standard gallery cut, I would essentially be making less than $15 an hour before taxes. And, that’s IF it sells, which could take months.
They don’t call them starving artists for nothing.
And that leads me to the point of all this. If you would like to work with me on a project or commission a painting, the following is a breakdown and a description of the process. Keep in mind that I would prefer to be paid nothing and work on a composition and subject matter of my choosing that appeals to me (and end up with a finished painting that I own), rather than work for what essentially would be minimum wage on something that doesn't interest me.
And please, PLEASE, do not ask me to work quicker, or to not put as much into the finished piece in an attempt to lower the cost. It is insulting to both of us. I would rather you punched me in face than have you say “it doesn’t have to be a masterpiece”, or “can’t you just whip something together”.
Maybe a little less diplomatic, but I hope I got the point across.
Portraits in oils or pastel:
If the painting is done from life, involving several sittings (not recommended for children) and some photo reference, an hourly wage can be worked out on contract, or a quote can be done in advance based on the degree of difficulty. The hourly contract will almost always be less expensive. If the painting and sittings are done at my convenience, and in the composition and size of my choosing, then no deposit is required, and you will have the option to buy when the painting is completed. If the work is not from the composition of my choosing, or is not the size I recommend, then I will require a 50% deposit (based on an initial quote, whether the work is done under contract or a previously agreed upon price) before work is started and you will have the option to buy when the painting is completed. If you decide not to purchase the painting, you will lose the 50% deposit.
I would rather not work only from photos, and if I have too, they must be photos that I have taken. All paintings of children will be handled with photos, but may also benefit from one or more brief sittings. Just like painting from life, an hourly wage can be worked out on contract, or a quote can be done in advance. Paintings from photo reference will require a 50% deposit (based on an initial quote, whether the work is done under contract or a previously agreed upon price) before work is started, a photo representing the composition will be presented for approval, and you will have the option to buy when the painting is completed. If you decide not to purchase the painting, you will lose the 50% deposit.
Group portraits will be handled on a case by case basis, but will almost always be from photo references and will require a 50% deposit. Each additional figure will add up to a 50% premium on the quote.
Pets will be done from photo reference, and will require a 50% deposit.
All preliminary sketches and studies will be treated on a case by case basis, and will effect the cost accordingly.
Landscapes and all other projects:
All other projects will be done by quote and an agreed upon price, with a 50% deposit required before work is started.
All preliminary sketches and studies will be treated on a case by case basis.
That's it. I hope that clears up any awkwardness. let me know if you are ever interested in discussing a painting, or if you would like to learn more about the process. Happy New Year everyone.
Ryan Black
December 31st, 2010
