Pricing

Phyllis suggests emailing or calling to discuss the many options available.

A number of variables determine the price of a portrait. These include choice of medium-whether to have the portrait done in graphite, watercolor, or oil when commissioning a portrait of a person or animal, or choosing between watercolor, oil, or pen and ink for a house portrait.

Except for candid watercolor studies of children, which are approximately 12" x 14" and are often done from a favorite photo you have of your child, portraits of people are completed close to life size. Final size is determined by the size of the subject and by whether there are one or more people in the finished piece. In addition, you may choose a head and shoulders portrait or a half, three-quarters, or full- length portrait.

House portraits and animal portraits can be done in a variety of sizes-houses from 11"x14" and up; animals from 8"x10" and up.

An additional variable is whether or not a background is included and how complex it is and whether clothing and jewelry is simple or very patterned and detailed.

Procedure

Phyllis works from a good photograph, hers or yours, but she prefers to take her own photos of the subject when that is possible. If a photo session is required, it is included in the price, and can take place at Phyllis' studio, your place of residence, or any other appropriate or meaningful location. The portrait pose will be selected in consultation with the client. If you are providing photos, there must be one that is chosen for the actual pose and preferably several others which aid in seeing details. It's very important that the face is clearly defined and the picture as a whole is in sharp focus. (For best results, the final decision of whether a photo is usable must be Phyllis's.)

Extra costs

Travel, if not within 1 hour of Phyllis's Hartsdale, NY studio, shipping, and framing are NOT included in the price of a portrait.

New York State sales tax, if applicable, is added to the price at the time of payment.

A nonrefundable initial payment of one third of the full fee is required at startup. Anticipate approximately six weeks to four months or more for completion. Phyllis will let you know if it is possible to fulfill your request for a specific deadline.

When working long distance, Phyllis will email or send a photo of the finished work and if satisfied, the purchaser may pay the balance by check or credit card. Upon receipt of the final payment, she will ship out the commissioned piece.