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Shannon@ShannonsPortfolio.com Copyright © Shannon Christensen 2008
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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
approximately
24” x 24”
600 sq. inches
usually
a head/shoulder/hands
composition
$8,500
approximately
50” x 50”
2500 sq. inches
usually
a full figure
composition
$18,500
* travel arrangements (travel, accommodations, and other associated expenses are additional to the client)
* artist retains copyright of painting (unless previously negotiated)
* artist retains all research and reference material (unless previously negotiated)