Portrait commissions are currently being accepted by R. Wilson, Jr. The cost of a portrait will vary depending upon the size of the portrait and the number of people in the portrait. As a ballpark, the following prices are presented.
Head Only (Approximate Size 20x16) - $1200 
Half Figure (Approximate Size 24x18) - $2500 
3/4 Figure (Approximate Size 30x20) - $3500 
Full Figure (Approximate Size 40x30) - $4500 
Additional fees may apply for travel, photography, framing costs or sales tax. A 25% deposit is required to secure the commission. Balance on final customer approval of finished portrait. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for completion. For additional information on the process, please see "Frequently Asked Questions to Commissioning a Portrait" below.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the process get started?
The process is usually initiated with a general discussion between the client and the artist. During this conversion, the following should be discussed.
a. Size of the portrait
b. Whether the portrait should be formal or informal
c. What type of background is desired.
d. What other items should be included in the portrait
e. Clothing desired (college robe, doctor's jacket, business suit, golfing clothes, etc.)
f. Time frame for unveiling the portrait.
g. Reference materials that are available to the artist.
h. All the costs that might be involved: the commission itself, frame, shipping, insurance, travel, etc.
2. Why should the client be concerned about the size?
The size of a portrait is important for a couple of reasons. First of all, the size is what really dictates the price of the portrait. The next consideration is where the portrait will be displayed. If it is displayed in a bank with a 12 foot ceiling, then a 16x20 portrait would be lost. Most portraits are painted life-sized.
3. What is meant by reference material?
Reference materials are items that the artists uses to compose and execute the portrait. Reference material can include clothing, props, or photographs.
4. Will the subject have to sit while the portrait is being painted?
Some artists do work from life sittings which require the subject to pose for a couple of hours during a number of sessions. In most cases or if the subject is deceased, it is more practical for the artist to work from photographs.
5. I have some photographs of the subject. Can they be used?
It depends. Normally, the photos provided by the client are not adequate for a formal portrait since the subject may not be in the desired pose, the lighting in the photo may be inadequate, the photo may be out of focus or to small for the artist to discern details. I prefer to set up a photo session with the subject since that will provide the opportunity to try different poses and settings. A photo session with the subject also gives me a chance to get to know the subject. I also prefer, where possible, to use the services of a professional photographer who has the right equipment to get the photos done right the first time with less inconvenience to the subject.
6. If you, or your photographer take photographs, who really owns the photographs?
I will be the owner of the photographs; however, I will be glad to provide copies in digital form on CD to either the subject and/or client. In addition, the photographs will never be published in any form without written consent of the subject.
7. How much does a portrait cost?
Portrait prices vary significantly from artist to artist. Some artists can command $75,000 or more per portrait because they are experienced and have established an excellent reputation. For most artists the prices are commensurate with their abilities. My current prices are shown above.
8. How will payment be made?
I require 25% down at the start of the process. This allows me to buy the materials to paint the portrait and will cover the collection of reference materials, including photo shoot, if necessary. The remainder will be due upon final acceptance of the portrait.
9. How much time will the artist need to do the portrait?
The length of time is really variable and depends upon how large the portrait is, whether all reference materials are at hand, what other work the artist has on going at the time, etc. For a full size portrait I may put in 40 to 60 hours of painting time; however, I may not work on the portrait every day. Normally four to six weeks should be sufficient for a full sized, formal portrait to be finished.
10. What will the portrait be painted on?
Most portraits are painted on stretched and primed canvas or linen. In some cases, the artist may prefer to use canvas boards or primed wood panels. I personally prefer to use portrait grade, stretched and primed canvas.
11. Can I check on the progress of the portrait periodically?
Yes and no. Clients are encouraged to call and check on the progress. However, I personally prefer that the client or subject not see the portrait until it has been finished. The evolution of a portrait goes from a few lines on the canvas, to blocks of color and form, to final definition of the portrait. Seeing the portrait at an unfinished stage may prejudice the client's opinion of the final product. In addition, the client may be inclined to request changes in progress without having the visual acuity to see what those changes will look like in the finished product and therefore will cause unnecessary work for the artist.
12. What if I don't like the portrait when it's finished?
I want my client to be 100% satisfied with the product and will work with the client to resolve any concerns. In the event the client cannot be satisfied, I will refund the deposit less the cost of materials and photography session costs.
13. Will the portrait be varnished?
While the portrait should be varnished to preserve the paint, it will probably not be varnished when the client picks up the final portrait. The reason for that is the varnish should not be applied until the paint has been allowed to cure which may take 6 months to a year.
14. How should a portrait be cleaned?
Cleaning a portrait depends on what the portrait was painted with. For oil paint on canvas or board, the painting can be periodically cleaned with a damp rag. A watercolor or pastel portrait should be framed under glass in which case the glass may require periodic cleaning with a damp cloth.
15. Will the portrait be supplied with a frame?
Portraits are not normally supplied with a frame unless the frame and costs are discussed and agreed upon during the initial consultation. The reason is that the selection of a frame is largely subjective and a matter of personal taste.
16. What is meant by "Unveiling" a portrait?
The unveiling of a portrait is a traditional way of presenting a portrait. It is normally draped with some material and at the proper time the material is pulled away to present the portrait to those assembled.
