Commissions

COMMISSIONS

galleries

To authorize and order a piece of artwork

Symbolic Portraiture

Looking to the Future through the Past oil 19” x 16”

Allegory - a representation of an abstract idea through symbolic narrative

Metaphor - is the assignment of a relation between one object(s) to another object(s) for the purpose of a brief explanation

Symbolic Portraiture is achieved through the visual use of allegory and metaphor.

Allegorical and metaphorical portraiture uses concrete images to symbolize who you are.

It is the visual personification of you, as well as your likeness.

It’s your inward nature, the heart of who you are.

It’s personal.

Below is a walk-through of 2 Symbolic Portraits

Example: Traditional Metaphor

Research -

This gentleman is steeped deeply in family history specifically his own family’s story. He has written and published books that narrate aspects of their lives. He built a home on property that has been in his family for 100 years. Heirlooms were passed down to him that he treasures. Sharing these stories with his children and grandchildren are part of the reason his writes.

He is his family history book.

He is the family’s land.

He is genealogy.

His Personal Metaphorical Painting -

Looking to the Future Through the Past

He is sitting at the family table looking out the window at the property that has been in his family for 100 years. On the table is one of the books that he has written. It is his families history. He wears clothes that brings certain memories to him. The shirt is one that his wife sewed for him. She has ‘clothed’ him with support to pursue his professional endeavors.

procedures and practices

Initial Contact -

Phone calls and emails, establish the client's expectations.

- individual and availability

- time frame

- approximate size, style

- intended location (office, public, privates space) of painting

- feel

- travel arrangements

(travel, accommodations, and other associated expenses are

additional to the client)

Meeting -

It is essential for the metaphor to be personal to spend some amount of time together while preparing and progressing through the painting. To get more than a likeness I need more insight into the individual than traditional portraiture.

- one on one time

- interacting in family, group, work, or social environments

- ‘shadow’ you (I try to make myself as unobtrusive as

- contract agreement signed

- notes, sketches, and photography

Research and Reference Material -

I take my own photographs and bring a photographer/assistant as well.

- candid shots of individual and belongings

- posed shots of individual (approximately 1 hour)

- a minimum of 150 photographs (usually many more)

- notes and sketches

- artist/client select reference images for painting

(timely done after the research phase in person or through email)

Preliminary drawings

Sketches of elements that may be used in painting are emailed to client. Artist retains complete creative control of the painting.

- thumbnail of overall composition

- final sketches of individual and elements of painting

- client final re-approval for painting

Final Painting

Final unframed painting is delivered.

- final image of painting emailed to client

- painting shipped (at client’s expense) or hand delivered

- painting is unframed (artist happy to advise on framing)

- artist retains copyright of painting (unless previously negotiated)

- artist retains all research and reference material (unless

previously negotiated)

pricing

Initial Contact -

No fee

Meeting -

5% of final price of painting

Research and Reference

Material -

5% of final price of painting

Preliminary drawings

30% of final price of painting

Final Painting

60% of final price of painting

Example: Contemporary Allegory

Research -

This is a gift for a young woman graduating from law school. She graduated from the university at 19 and is graduating at 22 from law school. She has shown outstanding personal and public behavior and is now venturing into the professional field. This painting is intended for the idea of hanging in her office.

She is driven.

She is disciplined.

She is devoted.

She is discerning.

Her Personal Allegorical Painting -

Untitled

This in the process of completion and has not been given as the gift yet. It will be posted after that has happened. It is contemporary in it’s edgy feel, composition and design.

It will be posted after it has been given as a gift.

Examples of Symbolic Portraiture

Procedures & Pricing for Symbolic Portraiture

approximately

20” x 20”

400 sq. inches

usually

a head/shoulder

composition

$5,000