Commissioning a portrait is quite a serious decision. There are commitments to be made on all sides and a certain degree of faith is involved since you are putting yourself in the hands of the artist, not to mention parting with money.
It is important, therefore, to have clarity about all aspects of the project at the outset so that everyone involved can feel confident going forward.
Meeting and getting to know the person or people involved is the fundamental basis of the work. These are very informal sessions that do not involve posed sittings and elaborate set-ups. They are, in fact, simply conversations throughout which hundreds of shots are taken with a hand-held camera to provide material to work from. If any particular set-up is required for context, then that can be arranged separately.
Dr Eddie Morris CBE
Peter Dellensen
Although a photo session provides the raw material for creating a portrait, the understanding and perception that comes from face to face conversations and the absorption of the subject’s character and personality by the artist is the real substance that is carried through into the final work.
Decisions about the composition can either be left entirely to the artist or decided together with everyone who is involved.
Each one of us unique, and the same, infinite, time and care is devoted to every portrait no matter who it is, and no matter the price being paid. The work is everything.
Peter Dellensen
Peter Dellensen
Delphi Thomson-Richardson
Lucien Freud once pointed out to his sitter that they were only there to enable the painting to come into being. In other words, the painting would emerge of its own accord over time, as a kind of organic process of nature.
It is usually possible to give a rough estimate of time for completion, but there has to be plenty of leeway since the painting itself dictates the time involved.
The first step is always an informal conversation to make contact and discuss options with an open mind. If everyone is happy to go ahead a contract is drawn up to provide for the financial details etc.
Delphi Thomson-Richardson
The price for a commission is something that has to be negotiated and depends on the size and complexity of the composition and how many figures are to be included etc.
A 50%, non-returnable, deposit is required which provides for the project to be seen through to completion. If, for any reason, the work is rejected the client can walk away at that point and the painting will remain the property of the artist. However, this situation has never arisen with the portraits of Terence McKenna, and even if there were to be some points of objection, they can be resolved with further work if necessary.
Copyright in the work remains the property of the artist.
Chris and Birthe King
In general, Terence travels to meet clients at their home which often helps to create a more relaxed atmosphere, especially when working with children. However he is happy to work at his studio in Norfolk or any venue that suits the project.
Header: Willow Major.
CONTACT:
Tel: +44 (0)7789 054848
Email: terencemckenna49@proton.me