Working with the client

[Joan Breckwoldt]

Hi Michele,

Thank you for your reply. I was typing at the same time you did so didn't see your reply til just now.

Your reminder that there are a lot of different way to handle the same situation is well taken. I think I will have a better idea of the best way to handle it (for me) after a few more commissions.

I sure didn't like pulling out that reference photo though. We went from talking about the mouth to the eye, even the length of the little boys sideburns came into question!

I am concerned about the client getting surprised by the finished portrait though. Michele, what do you show the client before you begin the work? Do you show them a sketch of the pose, for example?

I would love to hear how anybody else handles this process too.

thank you,

Joan

[Michele Rushworth]

The client and I choose the reference photos together and I have them initial which ones they want me to use for the painting. I only show the ones I think would make a good portrait.

I also paint a small color study in oil (8x10 up to 16x20) of what the final painting will look like in terms of color, composition, cropping etc. I have them initial their approval on the back of that too, and request any modifications in writing.

Only then do I start the actual painting. That way everyone knows exactly what to expect before I spend a month or two on the portrait itself.

[Joan Breckwoldt]

Originally Posted by Michele Rushworth

The client and I choose the reference photos together and I have them initial which ones they want me to use for the painting. I only show the ones I think would make a good portrait.

This is my plan. It's funny, I read all about how the portrait process (specifically dealing with the clients) should go and I have a nice plan but then . . . . . it gets off track. I guess what I learned here is I need to be more in charge. They came to me for a service and I need to show them how to get the satisfactory end result. (Nicely, of course. )

thank you for sharing your process Michele,

Joan

[Alexandra Tyng]

Joan, I just remembered there is another related thread in this section called "Color studies for clients." I haven't read it over lately but I remember Michele and I both described our processes, and they are quite different, so you might get some ideas from it.

Here's the link:

http://forum.portraitartist.com/showthread.php?t=6111