Style

If you have not yet done so, please read the short statement on the welcome page, as well as the "about" section of this website.  Look through the gallery.  Do you like what you see?  If you are here, I assume that you do.  I do too.  All my work is certainly not the same, but it should be fairly easy for you to see commonalities.  My painting appeals greatly to some, and not so much to others...and that's OK!  That is what it is supposed to do.  It is an individual expression by me.  It is what I see.  Can I do something in a different style?  Sure.  But I guarantee it will it will lack energy and immediacy, and other intangibles that are difficult to place.  At any given moment, I am painting the way I am seeing and the way I am feeling.  Please don't ask me to do otherwise.

Reference photos

I prefer that photographs used as reference are taken by me when possible.  There is no additional charge for this.  I consider it to be part of the creative and artistic process, and quite frankly, I know what I need in order to portray more than just a likeness on canvas.  I strive to capture more than that .  In addition, it gives me an opportunity to get to know the subject a bit which truly helps me to get a feel for the direction of the painting.

Of course I realize that this is not always practical,  so a conversation regarding what to look for when taking or selecting the best possible photograph for the portrait process is always a good idea.  Pictures selected without considering these factors generally do not have the elements necessary for a strong portrait and result in paintings of lesser depth and potency.  A photo may be very special for many reasons, but it still may not be the best choice for a painting.

Poses

Below are some common poses for a formal portrait.  To give you an idea, they are listed in order of complexity and will be priced accordingly.  They can also be a good guide for judging the complexity less formal poses.

Cameo

Head Only. Suggestion of neck & collar. Solid textured backdrop style background

Bust

Head & Shoulders. Allusive tonal Background. No Hands

Half Pose

Waist up. Includes hands. Loose impressionistic background.

Three quarter Pose

I'm sure you're getting the idea by now...

Full Pose

Captures the entire body, often made life sized.

Pricing

Work is priced by size plus additional cost for more complicated or challenging compositions and is quoted on an individual basis.  To me, each project is as unique and special as the subject whom it represents and I always enjoy the opportunity to discuss with you beforehand exactly what you would like to see in your finished portrait. 

Should you choose to commission me, all prices will be explained, agreed upon, and firm before we begin.  No surprises.

Please contact me for a pricing menu to give you an idea of what the cost may be for some common sizes and poses. 

Payment

Unlike most, I do not require a deposit of 50% or more to begin work.  I do things a bit differently.  My goal of course is for you to be thrilled with the piece you commission, but also to be able to retain my artistic freedom to express what I see in the way that the moment suggests to me.  This sometimes has surprising results. (Which hopefully is among the reasons that you have chosen to consider me to do this very important and special work for you.)  My style tends to be a bit loose and impressionistic, which may play out to a greater or lesser degree in your piece.  Quite frankly, I never know myself until it is done.  

For these reasons, I prefer to take a small, non-refundable deposit (approximately 25%) to cover materials, setup, and just a bit of my time.  Then I get to work. When the piece is finished, I present it to you, and if it is everything you hoped for, the balance is paid and it is yours to enjoy forever.  As a rule, I prefer not to make adjustments to finished pieces if it is avoidable. That being said, this is your commission and your happiness is very important to me.  I am always gladly open to discussion.  In the event the finished painting does not meet your expectations and cannot be made to do so...or you just plain don't like it, you have the option to walk away, no hard feelings. Your deposit will be forfeit, and the finished painting will remain as my property, I will retain full rights to it to use, display, sell, etc. as I see fit.  (As of the time of my writing this, this has never happened)

Finished Piece

Your finished painting will be archival grade. I use only materials that meet the highest standards to insure your painting is heirloom quality.  It will be oil paint on canvas (or, in some cases linen) stretched on a wood frame.  Depending on the schedule of delivery which we agree upon, it may or may not have had time to be properly varnished when you receive it.  If it is not, you may return it to me once it has fully cured and I will happily apply the varnish for you at no additional charge.  If this is inconvenient, I can provide instructions on you how you can get it done, or even do it yourself.  Although it is not difficult, it is an important step in properly protecting your painting, bringing out its full body and depth, and evening out the surface texture.  It cannot be skipped.

Framing

I do not frame the works.  However, if you desire, I will have it framed for you by a professional at their cost plus 15% for my time.

Delivery & Shipping

Any shipping or delivery charges will be additional.

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  Copyright for all works is retained by the artist, Richard J. Heller.