Process: Every client has different needs, availability and priorities when it comes to their portrait. Therefore, the process of creating your piece will depend on what it is you are looking for and how much time you would like to spend sitting for it. Generally speaking the process will look something like this: We would begin with an interview where we could get to know each other a bit and discuss your personal wishes regarding the piece. Some of the information we might cover during the interview includes what you want included in the painting, if you plan to hang it somewhere specifically, how we can best schedule your first sitting.
After the interview, if you decide you would like to continue on this journey of having your portrait painted, we would meet at a location (maybe your home, a studio or other location) best suited for the portrait. On top of preliminary sketches, I always take reference photos to work from at my home studio so that any time you spend sitting for me is a bonus rather than a requirement on your part. Once the painting is completed I am always more than happy to accompany my clients to pick out a frame for it if they should choose. How long the portrait will take depends on the subject matter, time of year and many other variables, however, you will have an idea of the wait time after the initial interview. Generally, a piece will take between two to six months. If you are interested in setting up a free consultation/interview, you can contact me at gabrielle@vankleefdesigns.com.
Materials Every portrait is hand-painted using the highest quality, hand-made oil paints available on the market. The canvas I use is a traditional, oil primed, Claessens linen stretched over European wooden stretchers. I value the archival quality of every painting I make because, at heart, a portrait is a true heirloom piece, meant to be passed down and cherished throughout generations. If you have any questions regarding the materials I will use for your portrait, please feel free to inquire! Pricing: Just as the process of having your portrait painted is personalized and unique, the pricing will vary depending on how large the painting is, the complexity of the composition and how many people or subjects are to be included. As a general guideline I have provided some pricing categories below to give you an idea of the options available. After the initial interview I will be able to provide you with a finalized price.
Head and upper body: $3,600.00 Half figure with hands: $6,250.00 Full figure standing or sitting: $9,000.00