Procedures

The creation of a portrait begins with an initial meeting between the client and the artist which includes, or is followed by one or more sessions, called "sittings". Sittings involve posing the portrait subject for photographic reference material.

Preliminary Sessions: (Initial Meeting)

A preliminary meeting or session may entail informal discussions regarding the purpose of the commissioned portrait, its dimensions as well as financial considerations. Discussions relating to the subject's attire, possible poses, background or setting ideas as well as framing and hanging requirements are also defined. The client may submit any and all ideas he/she may have pertaining to the completion of the portrait. Often, the first actual sitting may also take place at this time.

First Sitting: (First or Second meeting)

If the first sitting does not immediately follow a preliminary session, a date and time is set for the first sitting. A sitting may last approximately 1 to 2 hours; (with children it is often necessary to allow for more familiarization time. Bernard will take the necessary time for children to become comfortable, even though this may entail an additional visit(s) with the child. The artist considers it essential that a child be completely comfortable with this new stranger in his life, however short the interaction.)

Most of the time spent in a sitting is taken up with the artist-painter shooting up to 150 photographs of the subject. These photographs, through their accumulated and/or combined reference information assist the artist in the accurate anatomical rendering required in the successful completion of a portrait. This contemporary procedure for information gathering eliminates the traditional need for numerous time consuming (and tiring) sittings; once required in the creation of portraits.

A second sitting, if needed, will be arranged between the client(subject) and the artist.

Last Meeting: Delivery

The last meeting usually takes place at the time of delivery. Generally, delivery occurs one to three months after the first sitting. (The timing may vary according to complexity and/or individual commission requirements.)

Alternately, a commissioned painting can be completed and shipped to the client within a period of time established by the painter and the client.

Gallery commission Completed work; (within a three month period) - time frame is flexible. Crating, Shipping, Insurance up to $200.
When three or more clients commission work in the same travel period, the artist's travel and accommodation expenses are included in the list price.

For each additional person or animal add 30% to the list price. (No additional persons are possible in a portrait listed under the first two dimensions in the oil portrait category.)

Backgrounds

There are no additional charges for backgrounds. The artist will com plete a background which best suits the portrait. (It is not necessary for the subject to be posed in the .required. background or geographical area. The artist is an accomplished creator of environments and can duplicate or accommodate requests when provided with appropriate reference m aterial.)

Framing

Framing is not included in the portrait price. If requested, the artist or agent will make framing arrangements)

Any other requirements not listed in this commission information form.

Alterations

All artwork will be completed in a professional & tasteful manner. In a portrait, the client's expectation of "likeness" will be respected. If it is deemed that the artist has been remiss in his responsibilities concerning likeness and/or tasteful representation, alterations will be gratis. All other alterations or additional changes requested by the client will be completed at the client's expense*.

Alteration fees

$200. per hour + crating, shipping, insurance & applicable taxes and duties.

Payment Schedule

A 1/3 deposit (**), is required at the time of confirmation. A payment schedule may be customized, at the discretion of the artist or agent, prior to the completion of the commissioned portrait. Otherwise, the full balance is due on receipt of the finished portrait.

A schedule of post-dated cheques may also be considered. A 1/3 deposit (**) is required. The balance must be paid, at the time of delivery, using no more than 5 post-dated certified cheques, money orders or bank drafts.

All repeat customers receive a 10% discount.

(**) Non-refundable