Fletcher Art Studio

Commission a Portrait

If you are interested in commissioning a coloured pencil portrait, I have provided some guidelines to assist you in knowing what will be required in order to proceed. They are as follows:

Initial Interview: In the initial interview we can discuss the photograph that will be used for the basis of the portrait. If you have a favourtie photo you would like to use we can determine if it would be the best one to use for your portrait. Often a great photo does not make the best portrait.

I can do paintings of people, animals, places, or still life (see gallery for some examples.)

I do not break copyright, so if the copyright does not belong to you I am not able to use the photo for the portrait. Copyright material includes school photographs, something published in a magazine or newspaper, photos from a photographic studio, a photo that belongs to someone else and you do not have permission in writing for use.

I can use the initial interview session to also double as a photographic session. I use a digital camera and will take as many photographs as necessary to find one we are satisfied will make a great portrait. This can be as many as one hundred or more! You are not charged extra for this session. If it requires a second session there is no extra charge. It's important we find a picture you are happy with!

Once a photo is decided upon, whether your own or one I have photographed, a 10% non-refundable down payment is required to proceed.

If possible I like to meet the subject of the photo. This is especially important for children and pets. Although this is not a necessity, it assists me in capturing the best likeness possible. Often a portrait can give a hint to the individuals character or personality.

The Portrait: The length of time required for each portrait varies greatly. Generally a portrait approximately 14x17 rendered completely in coloured pencil requires a minimum of 40 hours to complete, but may require as much a 80 or even 100 hours. Much depends on the amount of detail in the subject and the background requested. Because of this I require at least two weeks to complete a portrait. This does not include the framing of the painting.

During the rendering of the portrait you may wish to have updates on the progress of the painting. I can provide you with digital photographs of the portrait in progress on a password protected page on this site, or through e-mail. If you wish to meet anytime during this time we can arrange it.

Completion Of The Portrait: Upon completion of the portrait, I ask we meet at your convenience to view the completed work. At this time we can determine if any minor changes are required.

Framing: I can arrange to have the portrait framed if this is your wish. Many clients prefer to choose their own matting and frames to suit their own style. This is your choice. If you wish me to handle the framing, I will do so through a professional framer and you will be required to pay the cost of the frame. The original price quote does not provide for the cost of the matt and frame. Most framing companies require a downpayment. You will be responsible for this.

Delivery: I will deliver the portrait to you, again at your convenience. At this time you will be required to provide final payment for the portrait. I accept cash or cheques only.

Gallery: I would love to show off your portrait in my gallery! I respect your privacy and will not do so without your permission. I never attach a subjects name to the painting in the gallery. I give each painting a name which will not include anything that may identify the individual personally unless this is your wish.

Pricing: Once we have discussed your preferences I can provide you with a quote. Size, detail and time required to complete the work will determine the price.

Generally, my portraits are approximately 18x24 in size. The quote I provide is for the painting alone without the frame.

I retain copyright to any photographs I have taken or the portraits through the entire process. Should you wish to use any of these for any other purpose you can contact me directly to discuss.

Contact: Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have, or just to inquire about coloured pencil painting! I'd love to chat with you.