Oil Portrait Commissions
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Procedure
Most of my commissioned portraits are near to life-sized, full color oil paintings on linen canvas. If you happen to live near Binghamton, NY, I would be happy to paint your portrait from life in a series of three-hour sittings … but a typical portrait commission will begin with a visit to your location. I am happy to stay at your home, a hotel, or whatever accommodations are convenient for you.
1. The Sitting: The first step is to discuss possibilities for the portrait‘s size, setting, clothing, and composition. Once a general conception for the painting has been established, I conduct a digital photography session — usually in the subject’s home or workplace. Then we review the photographs together on my laptop to ensure that the images are turning out well. After the photo session, I paint a small sketch of the subject’s head from life, to serve as a memory aid when I am back in my studio. This painted sketch takes about three hours.
2. Studio Work: At home, I continue to fine-tune the reference photographs on my computer, usually combining elements from different photographs into one working image. I then email you a proposed photographic mockup for the portrait. Upon your approval of the reference material, a 50% deposit is due, and I begin working on the full-size canvas.
3. Finishing Touches: Once the portrait is nearing completion, I will email a digital photograph of the portrait for your approval, and I will carry out any reasonable alterations which you may request. Upon your approval of the finished portrait, the remaining balance is due. Depending on my workload at the time of your commission, you can expect to receive the finished painting about 12 months after the initial photo session.
To commission a portrait, email me at joseph@jqdaily.com
“Sepia” Oil Portraits
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Procedure
I offer monochromatic “sepia” portraits in a head & shoulders size (ranging from 16×20″ to 19×24″, depending on the client’s preference). A sepia portrait is an oil painting on linen canvas. Only Raw Umber paint is used, in varying degrees of thickness, letting the white of the original canvas show through in the light areas (similar to watercolors or charcoal, but with the luminosity of oil paint).
I first conduct a photo session of around 1-2 hours, then review the images together with you. The photoshoot can take place either at your location or in my Vestal, NY studio. Upon your approval of the reference photos, a 50% deposit is due. I will complete the portrait in my studio within six months and email a digital photograph of the painting for your approval. The finished portrait will then be shipped to you, at which time the remaining balance is due.
It is important that my portraits be based on my own personal experience with the subject. Therefore the client’s preexisting photographs will not be considered for use.
To commission a portrait, email me at joseph@jqdaily.com
Additional Genres
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Procedure
I also accept commissions to paint still lifes, landscapes, interiors, pet portraits, and genre scenes. The procedure varies with each subject matter and whether the project requires traveling to your location to make sketches and take photographs.
For more information or to commission a painting, email me at joseph@jqdaily.com
Pricing
- Commissions begin at $2000 USD and increase with the size and complexity of the painting. Email me for more information.
- All shipping, framing, travel, and lodging fees are the responsibility of the client.