Portrait Commissions

TO BEGIN: Let me know through my Contact page if you are interested in a portrait. I will get in touch with you.

HOW IT WORKS

We will start out having a complimentary 15-20 minute conversation about the person you want to memorialize in a painting. Tell me about them, their life, their relationship to you, their personality. Then you will send me photos. Perhaps one favorite photo but also include additional photos, I may be able to combine details from several photos for the best composition. Look for strong lighting, good details in the face. At that point we both decide if we want to go forward with the project. Please be aware that I may refuse a commission if I don't feel I can provide a good painting based on the photos available (too blurry, too dark, etc.)

GOING FORWARD

Once we have agreed to go forward we will decide on the best dimensions, type of portrait (head, half body, full) and any other detail you want included that is important to you. I will send you a contract for a Watercolor Memorial Portrait. The commission contract includes the specifications of the painting, framing, copyright, time frame, delivery, etc. In order to secure the specified estimated date of completion in my schedule and for any work to begin, an initial deposit of 25% of the total price of the commission is required as proof of acceptance of the contract (as well as a written consent by email). You will have 10 days to send the consent and the deposit.

NEXT STEPS

As soon as I receive the deposit and the consent email, I will make initial sketches, layout and design plan of the painting. I may want to ask you for more stories about your person's life to gain more insight into their history, energy and spirit. You will have the opportunity to approve the final draft and then I will begin the final drawing that will be transferred to the panel. If any changes need to be made to the initial contract (like type of background, size, etc), I will send you an amended contract with the new details on which we agreed. Once the final drawing is approved, then I start the painting!

FINISHED ART

Once the painting is complete, and you have approved the final work, you pay the remaining 75%, I will get the painting framed and it will be delivered as previously agreed.

If you are not satisfied with the painting, I will keep the art and the initial 25% deposit but there will be no further obligation on your part.

Standard price for an 16"x 20" framed portrait is $2,500

Standare price for an 18" x 24" framed portrait is $2,800

Below is a sample contract.

Watercolor Memorial Portrait Commission

SAMPLE CONTRACT

Prepared for: (client name and address)

Created by: (artist name and address)

The artist, agrees to complete one watercolor portrait for the client, with the following criteria:

Description of work: (description of the portrait including the name of the person or people, a little about the personality and history of the subject, the type of portrait (head, half body, full) The piece is based on photos and stories provided by the client which allows the spirit of (subject) to come through for the painting.

Size of work: (16" x 20" or 18” x 24”) before framing, vertical format

Base price of work: $ (amount)

Medium and Support: The watercolor will be painted on100% cotton, mould-made acid-free watercolor paper either stretched over a frame or mounted on an ACM (aluminum composite material) panel. These surfaces provide a rigid, archival support ideal for framing without glass.

Framing: The piece will be varnished and framed without glass which allows the art to be presented with no reflective glass surface between the artwork and the viewer. Varnishing a watercolor is an extensive multi-step process that treats the finished piece with layers of archival varnish that seals and protects the artwork from dirt, dust and ultra-violet light. The base cost includes a beautiful, simple frame which is required to further protect the work. The client may upgrade the frame for an additional cost.

Payment: A deposit of 25% of the total price is due upon the acceptance of the present contract for work to begin, in this case $(amount). The payment is the act of agreement of the conditions of the present contract. Once the work is done, the client will pay the remaining 75% ($ amount) and the painting will be delivered as agreed.

Delivery of artwork: The piece will be picked up at the artist’s studio or can be delivered to the client’s home or place of choice, as agreed upon following the completion of the work. If client requires the painting to be shipped, shipping costs and insurance during transit will be the responsibility of the client.

Estimated date of completion: Approval of the final drawing can take place approximately 2 weeks after initial contract signing, this can take place at the artist’s studio or online. Once the final drawing is approved, the finished unframed painting will be ready for final approval 8 weeks from that date. Allow another 2-3 weeks after final approval for varnishing and framing.

Delays: Delays are sometimes unavoidable. If there are scheduling delays such as issues with providing timely feedback or reference photos from the client or supply chain delays that interrupt the production or framing process, the schedule can be adjusted and new timelines agreed to by both parties.

Conditions of contract and payment:

In order to secure the specified estimated date of completion in the artist’s schedule and for any work to begin, a deposit of 25% ($ amount) of the total price is due upon acceptance of the present contract.
Both an email stating that you agree to the stipulations of the contract is required as well as the initial deposit in order for the contract to be valid.
The deposit is required within 10 days from the time this contract has been sent. In this case, down payment is due by (add date). If no payment has been received by this date at midnight Pacific time, this contract is void and the artist will have no obligation towards the client and vice versa.
Once the work is done, the client will pay the remaining 75% ($ amount) and the painting will be delivered as agreed. If the client is not satisfied with the painting, the artist will keep the art and the initial 25% deposit but there will be not further obligation on the client’s part or on the artist’s part.

Signatures

(Client Name), Client

Connie Cohen, Artist