COMMISSIONS
Commissioning an original piece of artwork, whether it’s for yourself or someone else, can be a super fun and unique experience.
Below is some basic information that might help you get started in thinking about what you’re looking for and if I’m able to help!
COMMISSION PROCESS
To place a commission, please email me directly at info@kgifford.com. Include as much detail as possible about your request, including size, subject matter, and which form of commission you are looking for (traditional, painted sketch, or digital).
Once we have connected and discussed your commission, we will establish a time for me to meet you/the subject to make color studies and take reference photos. If you are not local to Maine, I will accept reference photos but only ones that I believe will make a great painting (please see client reference photo requirements below).
Once a meeting time/reference photos are established, I will send you a commission contract and an invoice for a non-refundable 50% of the full payment due.
I will then send you thumbnail sketches of the final product for your approval, it is at this stage that revisions may be requested.
From there, I will start and complete the final piece. I will send process photos/timelapse videos if requested. A final invoice will be sent along with a JPEG/low quality image once the piece is completed, and after final payment the piece will be shipped/sent.
I take PayPal, Venmo, cash or personal check for payment.
PRICING
Traditional Painting
For all finished traditionally painted commissions, my pricing is a minimum rate/size of $400 for a 6x6" painting, plus $8 per additional square inch. Additional subjects, complex poses/backgrounds, etc. will require additional fees, to be discussed on a per project basis. Traditional paintings can take up to 1-3 months to complete depending on my current schedule. I will be up front and specific with the completion time once the commission is established.
Portrait Sketch
If you’re interested in a traditional portrait that is done in one session (3+ hours with potential minor adjustments after) that is an option as well. Additional subjects/complex background will require additional fees, to be discussed on a per project basis
8x10 - 400
11x14 - 900
16x20 - 1200
20x24 - 2000
Digital Painting
For single portrait $250 includes high quality PNG file
For two persons/person with animal $300 includes high quality PNG file
REFERENCE PHOTO INFO
My best and most original work is created when I get a chance to meet the portrait subject in person, do a color study, and take my own reference photos. If you are within the state of Maine, I can come to you free of charge; if you are out of state, I can travel to you if you are willing to cover my airfare/lodging. However, in this day and age, I understand that it can be very difficult, time consuming, and expensive to make these kinds of arrangements so I will work from reference photos. I only work from photos I believe will make a great painting.
These are my requirements when working from client photos:
- The subject should be photographed with a high quality camera and lens, preferably in soft natural lighting such as a north light window or overcast outdoors.
- Avoid flash or high contrast sunlight/dark shadows, unless the subject is very clear and you are looking for a more expressive piece, I love experimental lighting in portraits and I’m happy to review what you have.
- There should be minimal or no distortion (examples of distortion would be things like the head looking very large compared to the arms and body, etc.).
- Soft smiles or serene expressions only (big smiles are wonderful in photos, but look weird in paintings!)
- Multiple photo references are always encouraged so that I can get a general idea of the subject's mannerisms, expressions, posture, and likeness in various lighting situations.