Choosing a Portrait Artist

Points to Consider When Choosing a Portrait Artist:

*     An artist rendered portrait is not a photo but should capture a likeness or spirit of the individual. This can vary from artist to artist based on ability, colour palette and even compostion.

*     Make sure you see plenty of work the artist has done in the past. Decide if you like their choices regarding colour, composition and overall style of the work in the artist's portfolio.

*      Don't be afraid to ask for examples of the original photo that the artist worked from in his/her portfolio pieces. There may be additions and/or omissions of details within the work. Make sure you have a clear understanding of this process as it relates to your portrait commission. If you really want some detail added or omitted make sure the artist is clear on this point. For example you may choose to change the background or colour of background.

*     Ask artist for their ideas or opinions and particularly related to compostion. A head and shoulder portrait is lovely, but a cropped and focused compostion can also be quite wonderful.

*     If you want to have updates during the process ask the artist. Some artists may not like to be constantly updating a client with photos but it is best to determine this prior to comissioning a portrait.

*    Be aware that colour on computer screens varies tremendously and will likely not represent actual work as calibration of screen to artwork and and visual on your computer is a long shot.

*    Above all make sure you like the majority of the artist's portfolio pieces. If you do admire the style in which they work it is likely you will love your finished portrait.



To view examples of photo comparisons from my portfolio see the following link to my website:



http://christinebeattieportfolio.weebly.com/portrait-comparison.html