How to Commission a Portrait
“Portrait of Young Girl” 2021 oil on panel 12”x 9”
I paint both intimate and formal portraits, with close to one hundred and fifty completed commissions. My subjects have included American presidents, Supreme Court Justices, astronauts, sports figures, and Hollywood notables, as well as friends and colleagues.
A great portrait is absolute magic! I’ve been painting for fifty years and it still never ceases to amaze me that what are essentially colored daubs on a flat surface can actually express the distinctive qualities of an individual's personality and character and make them seem alive.
Many people are intimidated by the prospect of having their portrait painted. But once they understand that we, the artist and the client, are a team with the same goal, and they become involved in the creative process, those fears are put to rest.
My process is simple. Once I receive a commission, I start by discussing the ideas and preferences the client might have for their portrait. We then meet for a photo session during which we work closely to find a pose and expression that resonates. Thanks to digital photography and the internet, we have the opportunity to check our progress and make changes in real time, even from thousands of miles away. It usually takes 4-6 weeks to complete a portrait, at which time, I invite the client to critique the painting and suggest any final adjustments they feel are necessary. It is this open dialogue that I believe makes the portrait the best it can be.
Pricing:
Prices depend on the size of the painting, complexity and the number of figures. Framing and travel expenses are billed separately.
Please feel free to email me at jonswihart3@gmail.com if you wish to inquire about a portrait.
Jon Swihart