Oil Portraits

COMMISSIONING A PORTRAIT - Considerations and Approach

Materials
All portraits are painted in oil media on stretched finest artists' linen which has been sized and primed. The oil medium is Winsor & Newton Artists Quality Oil Paints.

Pricing Policy
The price quoted, which does not include the cost of framing, but includes the cost of all materials and travelling expenses to visit the subject. Initially to discuss the fine detail of the portrait, take a series of photographs and subsequently to deliver the completed painting. As a general guide the price of the portrait is reflective upon the size and content of the painting.
Head and shoulders - the minimum size would be in the region of 20 x 24 inches - £1500
Half Length - 28 X 36 inches - £2250
Three Quarter Length - 30 X 40 inches - £3000
Full Length - 40 X 50 inches - £4000
Prices are a guide only for a single portrait and are shown in Pounds Sterling (GPB).
A deposit of £100 is requested to secure the commission.

A double and group portrait will be quoted for separately.
Other considerations are the chosen background especially if it is of a personal or complex nature and where the piece will be finally hung. It is preferred to keep the background fairly simple and straightforward, not to detract from the main subject of the portrait. If a more intricate background is chosen there may be an additional charge for this work.

Each canvas for the commissioned portrait is ordered in advance upon agreement of a contract and is sized and primed on high quality artists' linen.
A visit is made to the customer and not only discuss the composition of the portrait but also to take a series of photographs which is used as reference material. It is endeavoured to capture a good likeness of the subject and an element of the individual's character within the piece.

The relevant time sequence for undertaking a portrait is dependent upon size and complexity of the project.

Commissioned Oil Portraits by Tony Cowlishaw (Nottingham, Midlands, England) (C) Tony Cowlishaw 2008