Portrait Commissions by Michelle Gladish

Working through e-mail and phone conversations, Michelle Gladish will establish what the client would like the portrait to depict. At that time we will discuss the size, one or more subjects, clothing , the setting and special effects and details. The client may wish to have a special object or possibly a pet as part of the painting. At this point we will discuss a meeting at the studio or make arrangements for a meeting at the clients home. During the visit, Miss. Gladish will take a large number of photos of the subject, taking notes and then create some preliminary sketches. Back in the studio, a plan will be created for the elements of the commission and a working sketch, from the photos, to show the client. When the sketches are to Miss. Gladish's satisfactory, she will make arrangements for the client to see the image, at which time a discussion will occur of any changes that may be needed for the approvement of the elements of the final portrait. The client and Miss. Gladish will work together to select the best photo references. The portrait will be completed in the studio, which is located in Northwest Indiana.

In some cases the client may wish to surprise the subject or the subject may be deceased. With this type of portrait the basic elements of the portrait are the same except Miss. Gladish will have to rely on the client to provide good quality photos (as many as possible) so that she can prepare a sketch of the desired portrait. Miss. Gladish can use several photos to create the figure and background of the painting. If the photos are of such poor quality that she feels she can not do a proper portrait that meets both the artist standards and that of the client, the commission will not be accepted.

The client will approve the finished portrait by coming to the studio or by photograph. Custom framing of the completed portrait can be arranged to suit the elements of the portrait and where it will be hanging. The portrait is then packed and shipped by the client's choice of carriers.