A fine-art portrait celebrates a person's essence and value
“It’s one thing to make a picture of what a person looks like, it’s another thing to make a portrait of who they are.”
— Paul Caponigro
How to commision a portrait?
1
Choose Medium & Size
See the price chart below
I offer portraits in three basic media. Choose between charcoal, watercolor or oil paint. You can also ask about mixed media!
Oils are painted on canvas and can be hung framed or unframed. All the other options are done on paper and traditionally matted and mounted under glass in addition to framing. How you want to display the portrait will effect your choice of media. See examples of each medium below. Scroll down to view the size and price chart.
2
Contact Bethany
To initiate the commission
Fill out the form linked in the button below to let me know what you’re thinking!
The form does not commit you to buying a portrait, it just starts a conversation where we can both gather information.
3
Gather Photos
Gather and email reference photos
I like to have several images to get the best feel for the subject’s appearance and personality.
The lighting in the primary photo reference is important. The current trend in photography is to have fully lit figures with little to no shadow. However, it is actually important to have an amount of shadow in order to convey 3-dimensional form in a drawing or painting. The ideal lighting is 1/4 shadow- 3/4 light (ideally natural light). Additionally, a photo needs to be closely cropped to the subject’s head and shoulders and be in clear focus.
Media options
1. Charcoal
Or graphite (pencil) if you prefer. I enjoy using black and white charcoal on toned paper.
You can also ask about layering a which can add a unique flare and energy to a piece.
2. Watercolor
Watercolor is a translucent paint applied on heavy, hand-pressed paper. It is perhaps the hardest paint medium to control, which adds to the fun of the challenge. This is my favorite medium to work in!
1. Oil Painting
Oil painting is a traditional medium known for the longevity of it’s materials and potential for depth in the layers. Many prefer the aesthetic of hanging a painting on canvas with no glass needed.
Who should get a portrait?
Anyone! If you have a special person to celebrate, or to commemorate a passing season of their life like childhood, this is for you. A fine art portrait celebrates someone in a way that is unique, honoring and is a reminder of their value in your life and family for years to come. Photographs tend to get lost in cyber-land and are sweet but common. A hand-drawn or painted portrait commemorates a person in a way that is special, just as they are special to you.
Portrait Pricing
For multiple portraits commissioned at once, each additional portrait will be 50% off. The same discount applies to additional faces in the same composition. Note: an 8″ x 10″ size can only have one face depicted. I ask for 50% down payment before starting and 50% plus shipping and tax upon completion after you see images of the finished piece. I ship artwork anywhere in the United States.
Size:
- 8" x 10:
- 11" x 14"
- 16" x 20"
Charcoal/Graphite
- $195
- $240
- -
Watercolor
- $500
- $550
- $635
Oil Painting
- -
- $915
- $1150
For multiple portraits commissioned at once, each additional portrait will be 50% off. The same discount applies to additional faces in the same composition. Note: an 8″ x 10″ size can only have one face depicted. I ask for 50% down payment before starting and 50% plus shipping and tax upon completion after you see images of the finished piece. I ship artwork anywhere in the United States.