Why might I consider an oil portrait?
It is a work of art which will stay in your family for generations. Although an oil portrait might be “so good it looks like a photograph”, it transcends surface appearance to capture the essence of the subject’s spirit.
How much does an oil portrait cost?
It depends on the size you choose, the intricacy of the clothing, background, and whether or not the hands are also to be part of the composition. Before any work is done, I provide you with a complete proposal outlining all the details of your portrait. A 12” x 12” portrait head in oil, as a ball park figure, costs around $2,000.
How long does it take to complete?
Each painting takes a minimum of six months. This is because of the realistic technique I use, which calls for the building up of layers of paint on the canvas.
How am I billed for the portrait?
Once you choose the size and approve the proposal, an invoice for a 1/3 deposit is issued. Then, when I show you the work in progress, usually within a couple of months, then you are billed the second installment.The final installment is due upon the delivery of the finished painting.
How does the process unfold?
I meet with the subject and spend time to get to know him/her. Then, I take a series of reference photographs to determine pose options. From the photos, I determine which poses have the most potential for a good composition and provide a minimum of two options in the form of pencil sketches. (Since I am creating a work of art, and not a reproduction of a photograph, I don't show the actual photos.) We may decide to have you or the subject model at the beginning and towards the end of the portrait process to get accurate skin tones and greater realism. These sittings would be no more than three hours each session. The final product is a work of art based on several reference photos and painting from life.
For more information or to commission a portrait, contact Denise Laurin at (630)483-3404.