Portrait Commissions

I work from photographs. The more photos I get, the better. This way, it gives me an idea of the subject and, along with conversations with you, a sense of their history, energy and spirit. However, if you only have one picture, I can often work from that as well. Please note that I might refuse a commission if the photographs are not good reference enough for a good painting (blurry, too far, not enough light contrast, etc.).

The first step is to agree on the size and type of portrait (head, half body, full) and any other detail that is important to you that you want to include (a favourite toy, a specific item of clothing, etc.). Then I will send you a commission contract.

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, including work on the draft, 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.

As soon as I receive the deposit and the consent email, I will make initial sketches, layout and design plan of the painting. When we agree on the final draft 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!

Once the work is done, you pay the remaining 75% and the painting 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 $2,200,

for 18" x 24" $2,800

Here 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