Commissioning a Portrait

Contact: Call or e-mail to discuss what kind of portrait you want and in what media.

Sitting: As most of the work can be done from 3D scans, photos, drawings, and measurements, the actual time the subject spends posing for the portrait is kept to a minimum. While posing, the subject is not required to sit still the entire life-session. In fact, the subject is encouraged to relax and talk freely. The subject needs to be still only while I study certain details or aspects of the pose. Often, only two, 2 hour sittings are required. (see more on sitting for a portrait)

3D Scans: Using a Minolta Vivid 300 optical scanner, measurement data of the subject can be obtained in just one short sitting, eliminating the need for cumbersome caliper measurements and multiple sittings. Completed in a matter of minutes, these 3D scans can act as a virtual stand in for the subject while the sculpture is modeled. (see more on 3d scanning)

Photographs: Detailed photos taken from multiple angles supplement the 3D scans, allowing me to do the majority of the rough work without inconveniencing the subject. Only the living qualities of the subject are left to be captured during the short life-sessions.

Travel: I am happy to travel to the subject for all sittings, unless he or she would rather visit the studio.

Time: The time required for completion depends on the details of the commission. Small terra cotta or plaster busts can be finished in a couple of weeks, whereas life-size busts cast in bronze can take as much as six months.

Cost: The final costs depend on many factors including detail, scale, and final materials. Small half-life size terra cotta busts can cost a couple hundred dollars, whereas life size work in bronze can cost thousands. Travel expenses for initial and final sittings as well as shipping costs are other considerations. Discounts are available for editions. Accordingly, I cannot quote prices without knowing the specifics of the commission.

Approval and payment: Once the clay model is completed, it is presented to you for approval. Upon approval and payment for the clay work, the model is molded and cast or digitized and carved. Upon approval of the finished sculpture, final payment for casting or fabrication is due.

Progress reports: Updates in the form of digital images or arranged studio visits are available at any point of the process.