Portrait Procedure

The portrait process begins with an initial meeting to determine the desired format, formality, and background for the commission.  Jenny's website portfolio can help the client get some initial ideas to facilitate this discussion.  This initial meeting can be conducted during a phone consultation.

Next Jenny will schedule an appointment with the client to sign a contract for the commission, get to know the subject, and complete a photo shoot.  Jenny works primarily with her own photographs to create her work, carefully adjusting the composition, lighting, and pose to ensure a great painting. Jenny is happy to make accommodations for posthumous commissions, in which case a variety of family photographs are helpful. The price of the portrait includes the initial photo shoot;  if additional photo shoots are required, an additional sitting fee will be assessed. A non - refundable deposit of one - third of the total commission price is due at the contract signing and photo shoot.

After the photo shoot Jenny will share the best photos with the client for review. 

Once the client selects the main reference photograph for the portrait, a second installment of one - third of the total commission price secures a spot on Jenny's calendar, and at this time Jenny can determine an estimated completion date for the painting given her workload at the time.  Jenny may also request additional live sittings in order to capture subtleties of the likeness.

When the portrait is nearly complete, Jenny will invite the client to her studio to see the painting on her easel, and any minor adjustments can be made before delivery.

When it's time for the painting to be delivered, the client may choose to pick it up or have Jenny deliver the painting to the place where it will be displayed.  The final third of the total commission price is due when the painting is received by the client.

Jenny is happy to accompany the client to a framer to consult on framing.  One year after the completion of the painting, Jenny will apply a final varnish in order to protect the painting for generations to come.  Jenny can apply the final varnish in the studio or on location.