When someone contacts us to inquire about commissioning a portrait, our associates know exactly what questions to ask to determine how best to help clients. Sometimes there may be a little hesitation since most people have never been through the process before.
Portraits, Inc. Executive Partner, Julia Baughman has worked with clients for years and has learned what works best. “Before I schedule an appointment with a prospective client to show them samples, I like to know how I can be most helpful,” she says. “I want to find out if they are interested in a portrait of a child, adult or an entire family, and I want to know whether the painting is commemorating a special occasion and needs to be completed by a certain date.” There’s no point in having someone look at paintings of children if the subject will be a retiring judge or recommending an artist who’s booked for the next two years if they want to present the painting at an upcoming building dedication or a 50th wedding anniversary. Julia also likes to ask if they have a feeling as to whether a traditional or contemporary styled portrait would best match the interior design of the home, office or public building where the painting will eventually hang.
After those preliminary discussions, one of our associates meets with the client in their home or office, in the associate’s office or at our corporate headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama. We have notebooks filled with photographs and original portrait samples by a number of artists in different styles and mediums to review. Associates also provide biographies of the artists, which include records of education and training, names of notable clients and an indication of how the artist works. In most cases, the associate can also describe their personal experiences working with the artist and visiting his or her studio. Because they have worked closely with most of the portrait painters, they can explain whether or not the individual relies on photographs, sketches, videotapes or a combination of those sources.
Kathy Southerland, one of our associates in Charlotte, North Carolina, has a gallery of original portraits in a studio she built near her home. She invites clients to her studio to view a variety of samples. “I encourage people to talk about paintings they have admired in the homes of friends, in museums and in my studio,” she says. “That helps me in recommending artists whose style might be most appropriate for the portrait they have in mind.” In discussing the different options, associates explain how the artists work and how long it might take for the painting to be completed. We’ll discuss timing and the actual portrait painting process in our next FAQ post.
Portraits, Inc. was founded in 1942 in New York on Park Avenue. Over its 70-year history, Portraits, Inc. has carefully assembled a select group of the world’s foremost portrait artists offering a range of styles and prices. Recognized as the industry leader, Portraits, Inc. provides expert guidance for discerning clients interested in commissioning fine art portraits.
