Establishing trust

[Kimberly Dow]

Originally Posted by Linda Brandon

Hi Kim,

This is all good (and interesting) advice. I paint a lot of older women and I really enjoy doing so. I go out of my way to reassure them that I find them very beautiful and I am going to do the very best that I can to make them look fantastic. To do this you really have to believe as an artist that it's not just the young women who are interesting. (I have a vested interest in taking this position, by the way. )

I never hesitate to find the most flattering way to look at somebody. Let somebody else do the wrinkled character studies - it won't be me! Remember that you can do lots of "easy" steps such as lenghtening necks and fingers and taking out jowls and you will still get a convincing likeness and make your client happy.

Your right on Linda. I have never had a client I didnt find attractive - so far anyway - so I havent had to fake it. Sounds shallow, but anyone who is going to pay me to do what I love becomes most gorgeous anyway.

At a show recently a woman asked if I ever did older women - and I said yes, that I was about to do so-and-so - but I realized she was looking at several of my figuratives that were all gorgeous young women. So - I am very pleased to be doing this commission for that reason as well.

Beth - I guess in my mind the thought of charging the $300 for the photo shoot is to protect myself if that is as far as we ever go. It's in addition to the cost of the portrait. I am going on the assumption that I can take hundreds of photos and showing the best ones to the client will help seal the deal. I know that is not how most here do it generally - I may have to re-think it. The downside is that with only 300 in so far - there is more of an easier out for the client - a small loss if they change their minds. I've yet to have a client that is what I would consider wealthy - at least not for commissions. I've sold a few paintings to wealthy clients, but as far as commissions go I am still working towards reaching the right audience. Yes - hopefully this will lead to more. I have my heart set on Tom Selleck myself - her husband hunts with him - woohoo.