PLANNING YOUR PORTRAIT
Portrait painting is a creative process that requires careful planning and consultation between the artist and the client commissioning the portrait. During initial consultation the size and basic composition of the work are discussed. Key elements, such as lighting, background, location, and expression, are carefully considered. The artist makes preliminary sketches and takes reference photographs. All this is done in a relaxed, informal atmosphere, either at your home or business, or at the artist's studio. (If you are not a resident of North Carolina, USA, please contact the artist for details on how to plan for your portrait.)

PAINTING YOUR PORTRAIT
Although painting from life has advantages, clients generally prefer not to spend many hours in several sessions sitting for a portrait. For this reason, the actual painting of the canvas is done in the artist's studio using the preliminary sketches and selected reference photographs. Head-and-shoulder portraits usually are completed within a couple of months; larger and more detailed works take longer. If necessary, minor adjustments can be made before the portrait is framed.

PRESERVING YOUR PORTRAIT
The finished work can be delivered framed and ready to hang. Or you can choose to have the portrait framed yourself. In order to preserve your fine-art portrait, the surface should be protected with a museum-quality archival varnish. To prevent cracking, archival varnish is applied only after the paint has thoroughly cured (usually about 9 to 12 months). By returning your portrait to the artist for varnishing, you will be protecting and preserving the work for posterity as a valuable heirloom.

Recommended reading: Commissioned Portraiture in the May 2006 issue of Fine Art Connoisseur, available at FineArtConnoisseur.com. Here's an excerpt from the article:

"For most people, sitting for a painted portrait is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. You can guarantee a great experience and a satisfying finished portrait by taking the time to research the perfect artist for your needs, and by approaching the event as a collaboration with the artist. You'll be left with a beautiful work of art that will be enjoyed for generations to come."