In this post, I will describe what to expect when working with an artist to complete a traditional portrait from photos. These paintings can often taken months to complete and the use of photos is necessarily practical.

This assumes you are not providing the artist with a photo. If you are, some steps will be different.
OVERVIEW

• Choosing the artist - Look at their work to see if you like it. Contact them to see how easy it is to communicate.

• Budget - The cost of a portrait depends on cropping and media. A head and shoulders is less than a full figure. And a pencil drawing is less than an oil painting. A good artist will have a variety of portrait options and prices to meet any budget. This post primarily focuses on the finished painting.

• Size - This often varies depending on composition but can be adjusted to your preference if necessary. Remember that this is a custom piece of art, so anything is possible.

• Communicate & decide on what type of portrait you’d like. If you’re unclear the artist can help guide you.

• Deposit - With more finished portraits a 40% to 50% deposit is due before the photoshoot. With a portraits done from life no deposit is necessary since the portrait is usually completed in a single sitting.

• Photoshoot - Schedule a date and time for the artist to take photos at a location of your choice.

• Approval - If working on a large finished portrait the artist will present you with a selections of photos or a sketch to approve before beginning the painting.

• Email - The approval process may take place through email.

• Painting - Once the approval has been given the artist begins work on the final painting.

• Email - Once the painting is completed the artist will email a photo for final approval.

• Shipping/delivery - Once approved arrangements are made to deliver your portrait.

• Framing - Many artists do not frame the portrait because tastes vary too much. However they are happy to suggest frames if asked.

The three portrait compositions are usually: Head and Shoulders, 3/4 Portrait and a Full Figure.

Artists generally offer 3 portrait options depending on cropping. These portrait options are: Head and Shoulders, 3/4 Portrait and a Full Figure. How much of the subject is showing in the final portrait determines the price.

There are often other portrait options and prices to accommodate every budget.

SCHEDULE A TIME FOR PHOTOS
After you’ve settled on which portrait best suits your needs, the next step is to arrange a time and place for the artist to photograph the subject. In general, it’s always a better idea to have the artist photograph the subject. This is because the artist will light, position and compose the subject, taking into consideration that the final is a work of art. This step is more important than most people realize because the artist knows how they like to work from photos to get the best results. A professional can paint anything but it’s still better to have them work with the subject to serve you best. Another benefit is the interaction the artist has with the subject.
note: You may have a photo that you want to have painted as a surprise gift. This can be done. A professional artist can do anything but if possible, I strongly suggest you have the artist take photos.

This portrait was done from photos taken by Dorian Vallejo at the location of the clients choice.

COMMUNICATE WITH THE ARTIST
If you know in advance how you envision the portrait you should communicate this with the artist. It’s very helpful to communicate as much as you can about both your expectations and the person who will be sitting for their portrait painting. The reason for this is because the artist doesn’t know the subject like you do but also because they will get an idea of what you want to see in the portrait. It’s these details that help the artist create a portrait that you will love.

THE ARTIST CAN GUIDE YOU
It often happens that people want a piece of art but don’t exactly know what they want. In this case, the artist would be happy to guide you. In the beginning, as I mentioned the first steps might be related to your budget, which will also determine how large the portrait will be. Remember, since this is a custom piece of art, whether it is a drawing or painting, anything is possible.

CASUAL OR FORMAL OR FINE ART?
Something to think about and discuss with the artist is whether you’d like to have something more casual or traditionally formal. Another interesting option is something that looks more like a work of fine art that happens to be of the subject. Again, the artist can help guide you if you’re not completely sure. The good portrait artist can move seamlessly between something casual and something formal.
note: Some artists are better at children than adults, or better at painting men than capturing the delicacy of women. It’s a good sign if you see a variety of portraits.

THE PHOTOSHOOT
A photoshoot can take as little as a couple of minutes, hours or even multiple days. Some artists like to try different things and different settings if the subject is up for it. The artist can easily take hundreds of photos of the subject for the final portrait. During this time the subject relaxes and the photos get better.

APPROVAL
Once the photoshoot is finished the artist will share the best photos with you and help choose the best for the final portrait. This can happen immediately if you like, or later through email. The later happens more often because it gives the artist time to go through and select what they feel will work best for the final painting. Communicating with the artist is an important part of the process when doing the painting because the portrait is a collaborative effort. The artist can do a lot to improve on the photos but if there are things you would like changed it’s a good idea to express that at this stage.

PAINTING, APPROVAL AND DELIVERY

Once the photos are approved the artist works on the painting. When it’s completed a photo is taken and emailed for approval before shipping. Once the portrait is approved, arrangements for shipping and delivery are made. Payment procedures vary from artist to artist but the final payment is usually due at this time.

Additional notes: It’s often the case that if an artist travels to you to take photos and needs to stay at a hotel, that their expenses are reimbursed. They are also reimbursed for the costs of shipping the portrait.

That’s basically it. If you have further questions, most artists are happy to answer whatever it is including me. My email is: Dorian.Vallejo@gmail.com
My portrait website is: DoriansPortraits.com