Before hiring a portrait artist you need to consider a few things:
1. Before you hire an artist you should ask yourself, do you love the artist's style? Portraits are emotional pieces and a labor of love by the artist, as well as the gift of love by the buyer. These pieces will endure for decades and become a testament of your family's strength.
2. Are you comfortable with the artist——do you trust them to paint your commissioned portraits on time and in the manner you envision? Will they make any changes you request without it becoming a battle? Commissioned portraiture requires a special temperament on behalf of the artist. Where this is not "fine art" to be completed and sold as such, the artist should be very willing to hear your response to the painting(s) and make adjustments if you so desire.
3. What is the artist's background: how many years of study have they taken on? Do they have a proven track record and testimonials which back their abilities?
I have found the vast majority of my paintings are accepted without any adjustments, many with small adjustments done in a half hour or less and a very small percentage have had any more adjustments than that. This was due to the family members having opposing ideas of how they wanted the portrait subject to be portrayed. I work closely with families to be sure they are happy with the finished painting(s).
A comfortable feeling with the artist in all communications is important: that you feel your wishes are being heard.
To discuss a portrait commission please click here: soniahale1@gmail.com. You can rest assured that you will receive your painting on time and to your satisfaction, as I have been painting commissioned portraits for over 15 years. I have a full page of testimonials on my website: www.soniahale.com
