Q & A

1. What can you create?
2. What is your experience?
3. What materials do you use?
4. What media do you use?
5. How do I start?
6. How does a commission work?
7. How long does it take you to complete one?
8. How much will it cost?
9. Can you give me a ballpark estimate?
10. What forms of payment do you accept?
11. Do I need to pose in your studio if I want a portrait?
12. Can you draw pets or people who have already passed away?
13. Can I buy the art on your website?
14. Do you varnish your paintings?
15. Can I see the commission before it is finished?
16. What if I don't like what I see?
17. Can you frame it?
18. Can you deliver it?
19. What if I want you to paint someone else?
20. Do you work with people outside of Tallahassee?
21. Can I use the art in my own media / campaign / advertising?
22. What else should I know before I get started?
23. What if I have any other questions?

 

1. What can you create?

Anything you wish! I've made images of pets, children, loved ones, still lifes, landscapes, figures, portraits, historical scenes, you name it. Your imagination is the limit and I don't censor your requests.

2. What is your experience?

In the past four years, I have worked on portraits and other commissions for students, associates, and faculty members. I've studied with some of the best realist artists in America. I've managed art models, exhibited in the show Contrapposto, and worked as a graphic artist during my undergraduate education. To see my resume, click "About Me" at the top of the page

3. What materials do you use?

I use only the best materials for superior results. I use Prismacolor and Verithin colored pencils, known for their strong pigments and success with burnishing techniques. I use Gamblin and Winsor & Newton Oil paints, known for their high pigment load and chromatic intensity. I only work on archival quality paper, canvas, and prepared wood. I seal drawings to prevent smudging.

4. What media do you use?

I specialize in oil painting, graphite, charcoal, and colored pencils.

5. How do I start?

If you have a particular commission in mind, let me know through the contact form located through the main menu at the top of the page. I can get back to you with a free estimate of the costs and time required. There is no obligation unless you choose to go forward with the commission.

6. How does a commission work?

Usually, I contact a client through e-mail, telephone, or in person to discuss their preferences and to negotiate a fair price for my services. I draw out a contract that specifies when the image will be complete. I accept half of a commission fee prior to the beginning of the work and half upon completion. Framing is optional. I arrange to deliver or to ship the completed work to my client.

7. How long does it take you to complete one?

It depends on the size, medium, and complexity of the work. Painting requires multiple applications of paint with long periods of drying. Drawings take less time because there is no need to wait for the material to dry. Framing and other options may increase the commission time by 1-2 weeks. Deadlines are negotiated in the customer contract. Most commissions take less than three weeks.

8. How much will it cost?

The cost of a commission is dependent on the time and funds that I invest into the work. The price of a work varies by the cost of the medium and the amount of time invested. For example, paintings that utilize a paid model will be priced higher than a sketch of a still life.

9. Can you give me a ballpark estimate?

I can give you an idea of my fees based on prior commissions. I usually charge between $100 to $400 for a drawing, depending on size and complexity. Paintings usually range from $300 to $900, depending on the same factors. Framing costs are additional. As a recent graduate, I charge much less than most contemporary artists because I want to build experience and I do not rely on my art as a primary source of income. Other painters can charge from $1,500 to $10,000 for a basic head shot without a frame! I paint because I enjoy it, not because I expect to make a living.

10. What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept cash, personal checks, money orders, cashier's checks, and credit card payments / bank deposits via Paypal.

11. Do I need to pose in your studio if I want a portrait?

I can work from both life and photographs. But make no mistake, working from life is the ideal situation for any painter. There is a vivid quality to color that is rarely apparent in a photograph. Though it is up to the client, I would like to arrange at least one pose in my home studio if I am creating a portrait of a living person. I understand that not everyone has the time, so my request is optional.

12. Can you draw pets or people who have already passed away?

Absolutely. I've worked with historical photographs to recreate the appreance of loved ones and previous eras.

13. Can I buy the art on your website?

Maybe. Some of my artwork is still available for purchase. Look for pieces in my gallery that are marked by an asterisk.

14. Do you varnish your paintings?

I do not typically varnish my oil paintings due to time constraints. A painting must be allowed to dry for at least six months before it can be varnished. If a client wants the finished piece to be varnished, I would be happy to do so. They just need to bring the painting back to my studio after the appropriate time has passed.

15. Can I see the commission before it is finished?

Yes. I can send progress reports and photographs upon request. I am willing to adjust a piece to meet the client's needs.

16. What if I don't like what I see?

I have provided clients with an online gallery to give them a sense of how I work as an artist. Some of my pieces are more traditional, while others are more avant-garde. It is up my customers to make an informed decision when they choose an artist to work with their individual needs. Please choose carefully. While I am happy to accept suggestions and alter small details, I cannot "redo" a commission once it is finished and time / materials have been invested. A customer is responsible for paying the second half of the commission when the work is complete.

17. Can you frame it?

Yes! I can also professionally frame a completed work at a reasonable cost, for much less than your average retailer!

18. Can you deliver it?

If you live in the Tallahassee area, I can deliver a finished piece to your door. I can also arrange to ship a commission within the continental United States (not available for images framed under glass). Clients incur the costs of shipment; local delivery is free.

19. What if I want you to paint someone else?

That would be fine. I am happy to paint a child, loved one, special someone - the possibilities are endless! If needed, I can also hire an art model from the Tallahassee area if you have a particular pose or "look" in mind. Please note that hiring out an art model is subject to availability and may delay the completion of a commission by several months, plus increase fees.

20. Do you work with people outside of Tallahassee?

Absolutely. I can discuss a commission via e-mail or through the telephone as needed. I can also complete images based on digital and photographic references.

21. Can I use the art in my own media / campaign / advertising?

Sure. You are free to use commissioned work in any publication you choose. I do reserve the right to take photographic references of completed work and to use them in the promotion of my career, including but not limited to this website.

22. What else should I know before I get started?

Keep in mind that art is both an intuitive and practical process. I will do my best to meet your needs and to create a piece of work that you can be proud of.

23. What if I have any other questions?

Please contact me via the link at the top of the page.