Artists at Open Square

Informal Portraits from Life

Informal Portrait Commissions from life are a specialty of mine.  Each portrait is done spontaneously from life in one day.  The response from my clients has been overwhelming. They are amazed to see the image evolve before their eyes and most of all are thrilled to be able to take the finished piece with them at the end of the day!  Since I find painting from life so important and rewarding and to encourage more customers to use this method.

Click on the images above to view some of my Informal work.

Informal Portraits From Life –Price List

Adults - Oil: 

Head & Shoulders $4,000

Three-Quarter Figure $9,000

Adults - Pastel:

Head & Shoulders $3,000

Three-Quarter Figure $7,000

Children - Oil:

Head & Shoulders $4,000

Three-Quarter $8,000

Children - Pastel:

Head & Shoulders $3,000

Three-Quarter Figure $6,000

All travel, lodging, framing and shipping expenses are in addition to the prices listed above.  Children are considered to be 12 and under.

PROCEDURE

Because each portrait commission is new and unique, it is difficult to predetermine completion-on-location time estimates.  However, I suggest the following as good rules of thumb.

CHILDREN:

Allow a full day portrait. I will meet with the parent and child talking with the parent, photographing the child, and then works from life. Sessions are from about 9:00 am until noon.

Film is then taken to one-hour lab for development or I will use digital photography and review images with the client on computer and work with the parent to choose the child’s expression. Later in the day, I will set color, pose and facial features.  Completes details of portrait.  I do not need the child for this portion. The portrait is complete and left with the client to enjoy.

ADULT:

No photographs are taken; I can work completely from life.

FOR HEAD AND HANDS OR MORE:

Paul would require the sitter to be available for 2-4 days.  Actual sitting time would be 2 hours in the morning and 2-3 hours in the afternoon of the first 2 days.  I would work without the model all other times.  With a short final sitting on the 4^th day.  Three Quarter, Full Figure and group portraits would require more time.  How much time would depend on what elements would be included in the clothing and background.  All of these situations would be discussed with the client in advance to come up with an estimate of time required to complete the portrait on location.

Paul would require the sitter to be available for 2-4 days.  Actual sitting time would be 2 hours in the morning and 2-3 hours in the afternoon of the first 2 days.  I would work without the model all other times.  With a short final sitting on the 4^th day.  Three Quarter, Full Figure and group portraits would require more time.  How much time would depend on what elements would be included in the clothing and background.  All of these situations would be discussed with the client in advance to come up with an estimate of time required to complete the portrait on location.

Still Life

Check out Paul's new website for all the latest work completed by the artist as well as workshop news.

Many new Still Life images can be seen on his website at www.PaulLeveilleStudio.com