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.

Fees for a commissioned portrait are as follows:

Portrait on stretched canvas, a detailed sketch, reference photos if they are taken. A deposit of 50% will be due at the time the portrait is commissioned. Balance due at the completion of the commission and acceptance by the client. Sales tax are in addition to the portrait.

Portrait Fees: OIL
Head and Shoulders 20 X 24 - $1,500.
¾ Figure 24 X 30 - $2,500.
FULL Figure 30 X 40 - $5,000.

Portrait Fees: Pastel
Head and Shoulders 20 X 24 - $500.
¾ Figure 24 X 30 - $1,000.
FULL Figure 30 X 40 - $1,200.

Additional Fees
Extra Subject on the same canvas 50% more.
Detailed Background - quote by the artist.
Other sizes available - quote by the artist.
Custom framing, shipping and packing costs.
Traveling expenses and or lodging for the artist are not included and must be paid in advance when the artist has to travel more than 30 miles.

Delivery time
Depends on the amount of commissions that area ahead of your order. Usually between three months to over a year. A quality Portrait can not be completed in a months time. I will not turn out a lesser quality work to do it quickly. I will try to give you a speculative time frame at the time of the order, but it is not a quote.