Procedures
Stage 1 – Planning and preparation
During the first meeting we will review my portfolio, talk about your expectations, the reasons why you are commissioning a portrait, and view the interior where it will hang, if possible. All aspects of the future portrait will be discussed – medium, size, composition, mood (formal/informal), clothes, props, etc. The fee will be established at this point.

The second meeting (which can be combined with the first) is a photo session. These tend to be informal and fun: many photos will be taken in different outfits, poses and lighting conditions. The photos will give me an opportunity to study the sitter’s facial expressions and body movements in order to select the most natural pose for the future portrait.

We will review the images together and agree on the final pose and composition of the portrait. Some additional photography may take place at this point, if necessary. I may also request a life sitting in order to mix the flesh palette from life and complete a quick sketch.

Stage 2 – Painting the portrait.
The actual painting process will take place in the natural light of my studio.
For an oil portrait, I will prepare the canvas and do a detailed drawing of the entire composition for your approval. Once everything is ready I will begin work on the actual portrait. The paint will be applied in multiple layers, starting with a drawing and a monochrome underpainting, followed by opaque overpainting and rich color glazes.

Stage 3 - Completion. Upon completion you will review the portrait and all necessary amendments and refinements will be made, if required, to guarantee your satisfaction. Questions of handling, framing and further varnishing for conservation purposes will be discussed at this point.