What are the artist's responsibilities to you, the client?

From the first meeting, you must be given all requested visual and/or written documents which profile the artist's prior accomplishments. This information should prove to your satisfaction that the artist in question is competent and qualified to do the commissioned work you require. Agents and galleries should be as helpful as you want them to be. If they are not, go elsewhere. 

The painter's main task is to deliver a commissioned work within a reasonable period of time. The commissioned portrait must show a reasonable   likeness of the subject and be tasteful in its total rendition. If the painter is remiss in one or both of these areas alterations, at no extra cost, should be forthcoming. All other alterations would normally be at the client's expense.

What is my responsibility as an art consumer ?

You must feel completely comfortable that the painter you are commissioning (choosing) has the qualifications and competence to accomplish the task entrusted to him/her. After selecting the person who's work you most enjoy, you must make yourself, or the person who is the subject, available for the scheduled sitting(s) and trust that all will be well.   

Remember this is a business transaction and the rules of business apply. When you miss a doctor's appointment without due advisement there are costs involved. When such a problem arises during the portrait process the costs to the painter or sculptor must be taken into account.

© Bernard Poulin- 1995-2007