Commissioning a Portrait in Oil Paint or Watercolor

The creation of a painting is an exciting process and the communication between us is very important. My goal is for you to enjoy both the process and the product.

"Paula's talent lies not only in her ability to generate an image on canvas but in her ability to capture the beauty from within each person/animal she paints. She painted the scene we had imagined but took it one step further"
Valerie Nicoletti

The Process

We schedule an initial consultation in my studio if you are within driving distance, or on the phone. At this time we will look at any photographs you want me to work from, so mail them to me ahead of time or bring them with you. We will talk about size, medium, background, timing of the project, and any other concerns you have at this meeting. If I am to paint from life, we set up a sitting schedule. At the conclusion of the meeting we will create a contract. We can also schedule a photo shoot at this point, if your location is within an hour's drive of my studio.

The next step is for me to work on sketches based on our discussion and your photographs, present them to you in my studio or by e-mail, work with you about any changes, and get your approval to go ahead with the portrait.

I then work on your portrait. You will have an opportunity partway through to see what is happening and make comments about the direction the portrait is going.

"Paula was a pleasure to work with. The finished portrait was so beautiful, it moved me to tears. My spouse was delighted with the painting and when asked to describe it used only one word: perfection."
L. Newman

When I present the portrait to you as complete, you may ask for one revision at no additional charge. Any further revisions are billed as below.

Portraits can be picked up at my studio or shipped at your expense.

Pricing

Prices are based on size of the painting and the number of subjects.

Other sizes are also available and I can include more than three subjects in most sizes. Just ask me!

Photo Shoots are $300; the session is usually 1-2 hours.

Revisions are billed at $50/hour.

Payment

$200 is due when we sign the contract. The balance is handled in one of two ways. Either:
The balance is divided into two payments; one at the completion of the sketches and one at the completion of the portrait OR
Monthly payments beginning at the signing of the contract can be arranged. All payment must be completed before delivery.