Jon R. Friedman • Artist
Commissioning a Portrait:
Due to the busy schedules of clients nearly all of my portraits are based on an extensive series of photographs rather than live sittings. Before photographing, I like to have an informal meeting so that I can familiarize myself with my subjects’ physical characteristics and get a sense of their personality and biography. This meeting is also an opportunity to discuss what kind of the portrait the client has in mind. Formal pose or casual? What should the size and the format be? Is there a particular setting where the client would like to pose? Are there personal or professional references or mementos to be included in the portrait? Once we’ve addressed these issues and agreed on a fee for the portrait, I prepare a contract and schedule a photo session with the client.
The photo-session itself is always informal and geared to making the client feel relaxed. I usually photograph for two to three hours. When necessary, I supplement the ambient light with photofloods and reflectors. I use a digital camera. During the shoot, I take literally hundreds of pictures as we chat and try out different poses and attitudes until we find something that feels comfortable and natural.
After sorting through and evaluating the photographs, I make two or three compositional sketches in oil or charcoal on paper for the client’s consideration. Based on the response, I will begin work on the finished portrait incorporating the client’s comments. If the composition is especially complex and allowance has been made in the fee, I will create a final, more detailed, oil or charcoal study for the client’s approval before beginning the finished portrait. Preliminary sketches and studies belong to me and remain in my possession at the conclusion of the project. Many clients have decided to purchase one or more of the preliminary studies for their own personal collections, but that is a separate, transaction.
While the portrait is in progress, I send the client periodic visual “progress reports” so that there are opportunities for consultation and comment throughout the painting process.
Fees and Billing:
An initial, non-refundable fee, paid in advance, of 20% of the agreed-upon price for the finished portrait covers the cost of my time and labor for the preliminary meeting, photographing and sketching. If an overnight stay is required, travel expenses, hotel, and a per diem of $150 will be invoiced separately.
When the sketches or final study have been approved, I receive a second payment of 40% and begin work on the portrait itself. Upon approval of the finished portrait, I will bill for the remaining 40% of my fee.
Costs for framing, if desired, crating and shipping the portrait will be invoiced separately from -- and in addition to -- the painting fee.
Jon Friedman •