Original Artist
Original Artist
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 Original painting by renowed Artist Rene Alvarado Privately Owned Collectors  US $175,000.00
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 Earl Biss Original Oil Painting on Canvas POLO 1982 Fine Art LISTED ARTIST US $67,000.00
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 KENNY SCHARF 1978 Original Early Art 21 X 17 SHADOW CASTERS Artist SIGNED DATED US $60,000.00
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 Original Painting by Art Rene Alvarado Artist Master piece US $55,000.00
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 ANTIQUE OIL PAINTING ORIGINAL MEXICAN CHILDREN FAMOUS LISTED ARTIST GILBERT GAUL US $38,250.00
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 vintage mid century RAIMONDS STAPRANS original painting listed artist 1971 US $30,000.00
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 Rembrandt or Gottlieb Schick Portrait Painting by unknown artist ORIGINAL US $26,350.00
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 Chris Berens Signed Original Her Majesty Mr Sniffles Dutch Artist US $25,000.00
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 ORIGINAL CALIFORNIA ARTIST WILLIAM KEITH OIL PAINTING US $24,500.00
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 Anton Arkhipov Floating Angel Original Painting Artwork Art Listed Artist Frame US $23,500.00
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 Framed Original painting by British Artist DOROTHEA SHARP US $22,500.00
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 Anton Arkhipov ALFRESCO Original Painting on Canvas Listed Russian Artist US $20,600.00
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 Cuban artist Arturo Montoto Original fine art COA US $20,000.00
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 Original Oil NW Artist John Jennings Moose Wildlife Nature US $20,000.00
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 Original Oil Painting by CO artist Daniel Sprick US $20,000.00
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 Larry Garrison Vincent Original Artist Oil Painting 2 US $19,999.00
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 Original Oil Painting Yosl Bergner Israeli Jewish Artist Judaica US $19,800.00
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 Anton Arkhipov RevelryHand Signed Original Paining Custom Framed by artist US $19,300.00
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 Cuban artist Arturo Montoto Original Cuban fine art US $19,000.00
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 Anton Arkhipov Madonna Christ Original Painting on Canvas Artist Framed Listed US $18,600.00
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 HUGE 4x7 ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING CONTROVERSIAL ARTIST DELIVERY AVAIL NY NJ PA US $16,966.69
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 Original painting French Artist ROSA BONHEUR Deer Watering at Twilight 1890 US $16,500.00
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 LES KOUBA WILDLIFE ARTIST ORIGINAL OIL DEER USED FOR HOLIDAY 30 30 RIFLE AMO BOX US $16,500.00
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 Anton Arkhipov Moon Light Hand Signed Original Paining Custom Framed by artist US $16,200.00
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 Larry Garrison Vincent Original Artist Oil Painting 3 US $15,999.00
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 Original Oil Landscape Paintig by Aharon Messeg Israeli Artist Large Size Clil US $15,800.00
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Ordering A Portrait
Nothing can capture someone's essence quite like a portrait. It can also be a very special gift, treasured possession and future heirloom. Commissioning a portrait can seem a daunting prospect, but good communication and a good relationship with your chosen portrait artist will make the process straightforward and help overcome any difficulties that arise in the creative process.
It is important to realise that the lead time for a portrait can be as little as an hour or up to a decade, depending on the medium used and the popularity of the artist. There will also be a dramatic difference in price. The best thing to do is just to do a search on 'portrait artist' on Google and look through the portrait artists' portfolios that come up to get feel for the media and style of portrait that you like best. Graphite pencils typically cost least with oils at the other end of the spectrum.
The artists should list their requirements, including whether or not they need sittings and whether these should take place at their studio. If the artist lives a long way from your home it is customary to reimburse any expense they incur in travelling to your home for sittings. You may have to travel to their studio for the sitting. Sittings rule out the portrait itself being a surprise for a loved one, but you can instead give the entire process as a gift to someone you think will enjoy it. You can get around this by choosing an artist who works from photographs, of which there are many on the web.
It is vital to establish a relationship of mutual respect with the portraitist of your choice from the outset. Both of you will have expectations of the relationship and most artists will want to put their prerequisites and deliverables into a contract which you will both sign and expect to abide by. A deposit of up to half the cost of the portrait will normally be requested. This may sound like a high percentage, but the portrait, unlike original work, will have no value to another customer. In the case of larger, more detailed works, the artist may ask for stage payments. Most artists will expect to retain the copyright of the image, but this can be negotiated. Some artists will offer giclee prints of the original work for you to share with friends and relatives.
If photographs are to be used, these need to be of the highest quality. The services of a professional photographer may be required. A good artist will want you involved every step of the way and to sign off on each change as it is requested. This is very important as some media will not permit changes once applied to the paper or canvas. On the other hand, if the medium permits changes, these can be time consuming and expensive - perhaps to the point of creating a complete new portrait. Effective communication and a great relationship will prevent any such problems. Furthermore a good relationship between artist and client can last a lifetime and result in many more treasured possessions and heirlooms.
Other considerations include how the finished portrait will be packed and shipped, how it will be framed and even where it will be hung. There is no point in having a large, multi subject portrait commissioned if the recipient has nowhere to hang it. A small picture offers a lot more flexibility and can make it easy to put the work in a special place. Although pigments have become more lightfast over the last few years, it is a very good idea not to hang a portrait in direct sunlight, even at northerly latitudes.
Having a portrait created, although an involved process, is a unique experience and one that will lead to a wonderful gift and priceless heirloom.
Copyright Johanna C. Pieterman 2011.
Katy McAllister - Here's To The Heartbreakers (Original Song) - TW's Featured Artist
