I am commissioned to paint people, their children and their pets.  I work only in oil and paint on the highest quality Belgian linen.  Your painting is created in my studio, located in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico.

I paint in two styles, often combining both in the same portrait – pricing varies depending on the style of your portrait.

Impressionistic style – looser, strong colors, with visible brushwork, sometimes heavier paint application in brushwork in selected areas of the painting to emphasize texture or feature.

Classical Realism style – tighter drawing details, a more modeled paint application, brushwork isn’t as pronounced, and more true to nature. Classical Realism is firmly rooted in the basic artistic principles embodied within the European academic and American impressionist traditions. Click here for more info about the process.

Rendering a picture in a style that best suits the subject is a key part of the early discussion with the artist – and even the selection of the artist. Part of the style decision comes from the personality of the sitter, the memories of the relative or pet, or the atmosphere and composition of the painting itself. As noted earlier, there are two principal styles in which I paint, which allows a broad range of flexibility in achieving the desired image – Classical realism and Impressionism. But also, depending upon the discussions and decisions made with the client, there is often a combination of both styles in one painting.

PORTRAIT OPTIONS AND FEE GUIDELINES:  Fees do not include tax, shipping and handling, photography, travel or framing.

1.  Pet Head Portraits from Photographs

I would like to take the photographs but if that is not possible then I can work from your high quality photo references. Fees are $495  for a 10×12″ or 11×14″ inch head study with a solid light or dark background or with a medium toned, mottled background. Overall picture is painted in the Impressionistic style with key features finely modeled in the Classical Realism style. The result is a lively, painterly feeling.

2. Adults and Children – Head Portraits from Photographs

I would like to take the photographs but if that is not possible then I can work from your high quality, copyright free photo references. Fees are $995  for a 10×12″ inch head study with a solid light or dark background or with a medium toned, mottled background. Belgian linen canvas on wooden stretcher bars.

 

3.  Classical Realism Custom Portraits from Life
Fees start at $2600 for a 16×20″ inch single subject painting with light or dark solid background or with a medium toned, mottled background. Portrait is painted either on stretched linen canvas or on a linen archival panel, in the Classical Realism style, layered paint application, striving for achieving the likeness and attention to detail the subject requires. This takes much more time to create than an impressionistic painting due to the attention to detail in exact drawing (achieving the likeness) as well as the many subtle layers of paint that build on one on another to create the final look. Custom design and size pricing varies depending on your preferences. Prices increase based on the number of subjects, props, background and size. I can give you an exact price after we discuss your wishes and your budget. Click here for more info about the process.

If possible, I would like to meet the client in person in my studio to discuss their wishes and to schedule future meetings where I can photograph them in situ and paint directly from life. In total for the client, this requires perhaps 6 – 12 hours of time, depending on the design and complexity of the portrait. If this is not possible, I may work from high quality, copyright free photo references.

It may take as long as 6 months to finish your painting. Therefore, I can only produce a limited number of paintings over the course of one year.

 

 

My goal is that you feel totally satisfied with the portrait experience overall, and of course, with your painting. My work is based on “word of mouth” referrals so client satisfaction is my top priority.

kathy@maniscalcofineart.com
Mobile phone: (763) 498-3382

The Commission Process

INITIAL FREE CONSULTATION.  We will discuss the overall portrait pose, sizes, procedures and pricing.

COMMISSIONED PORTRAIT CONTRACT.  After you have decided on having a portrait created with me, a contract is created. There are two payments. I require the first 50% (non-refundable) to begin designing, preparing and painting your portrait.  You will be asked for approval at certain points in the process.  The final 50% is due upon completion.

DESIGN. The concept for your portrait, exploring ideas for poses that connect with your vision will be discussed and evaluated. Props, lighting, backgrounds/foregrounds, clothing, etc. are details worked through in this phase. Often, the painting cannot be created from life, so the next step is for us to take photographs in my studio or for you to work with a professional photographer on the poses we have designed in order to get high quality photo references. I can help work with the photographer and refer you to a photographer in the Santa Fe area.

PREPARATION. Before beginning your full size painting, I will paint a quick color study from life (3 hours, in my studio) which I will refer to during the course of painting your portrait. I hand stretch the Belgian linen or prepare the linen panel.

PAINTING  THE PORTRAIT. At this point, I will be able to estimate the date of completion. After preparation, I begin the drawing on canvas and begin the underpainting.  After the underpainting is complete, you are welcome to visit the studio to view the progress.  During the painting process, additional sittings from life are helpful.

DELIVERY. Shipping, handling and framing are additional costs that you will be responsible for. After the final payment is received, the completed commissioned portrait can then be delivered framed, if you desire, and ready to be displayed.

How to Choose Your Portrait Artist

Below are my thoughts that may help you work through how to think about selecting your portrait artist.

Professional Work Ethics

Consider the artist’s ability to communicate clearly and efficiently both in writing and verbally. Computer skills such as email are very helpful. Equally important is the artist’s ability to schedule, plan and deliver on time and on budget. The artist’s working environment should be private, safe, comfortable and open by appointment for viewings or consultations. Conduct a studio visit and meet face-to-face with the artist if possible.

Painting and Personality Styles

View all works (past and recent) to see if the artist’s painting style is to your liking and if possible, see paintings in person by conducting a studio visit. If you aren’t sold on the style in which the artist paints, don’t expect their style to change in a major way with your portrait.

Make sure you are comfortable working with the artist. Personality style should be strongly considered: 1) when guidance, creative interpretation, and collaboration, are most important to you or, 2) when you desire a very strong character and independent thinker – when you need the artist to take the ball and run with it. Most personality styles should be flexible enough to truly listen and accept your input while exchanging best practice advice with you. Ask for references if you have a concern.

Technical Competency

Portraiture is one of the most demanding of the fine arts. Technical competencies to look for include the artist’s ability to draw from nature accurately. Composition, design, color and paint handling abilities also fall into this category – do their paintings capture a believable likeness? Can you connect to energy in their work?

Price

Pricing varies greatly in my opinion, from being based on number of years doing exceptional work in the business to how well known they have become through teaching, book writing, marketing and gallery exposure. Good portraiture requires skill and dedication. If you fulfill the work ethics, painting/personality styles and technical competency criteria first, use the price factor to help finalize your decision.