Clients include executives, academics, adults, teens, children, families and pets.
My vision of portraiture combines old glazing techniques, which give depth and luminosity, with contemporary edginess and colours. It’s a slow process, requiring drying between the many layers of applications. My main focus is on the subtleties of facial expression and the use of colour to bring out the richness and complexity of personality. Like most artists today, I prefer to work from brief sketches and detailed photographs taken during the first meeting. A second technique using less glazing is best for some work and is priced accordingly.
How does commissioning work? After the initial contact, I’d like to meet with the person(s) who is (are) to be the subject of the painting, preferably in their own relaxed environment. At this point we can discuss desires and expectations, size and colour preferences, and price. I am happy to take directions and equally happy to discuss or advise or take complete artistic control. I’m very flexible and like a challenge. If the subject is ready for it, I’d like to take some photographs and make a few sketches and observations. At this point I ask for a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the full price.
By the second meeting I will have worked out a preliminary composition to be discussed and revised if necessary. More photographs might be useful. If all is well, I ask for the next payment, 30% of the full price.
Around the half-way point I will ask for a further payment of 30% of the full price. I would be happy to provide a photo of how the portrait is progressing. The easiest way would be to send a jpeg. Or, you are welcome to visit my studio.
When the painting is finished, the final 30% payment is due. Framing should be discussed. The cost of framing is left to the client. Many clients already have their favourite framers, but if you wish, I will be happy to oversee the process for an additional fee of $200. Delivery depends on location and would be arranged accordingly.
Pricing is fluid according to size, complexity, and technique. The glazing technique is more time-consuming than a more conventional technique and is priced accordingly.
small portrait: (up to 20” x 16” or 20”) face and shoulders: from $2,000 to $4,000.
medium: ¾ figure: (30” x 40” or 60”): from $7,000. to $15,000, depending on technique.
large groups or family: (approx. 40” x 72”) : from $15.000 to $30,000, depending on technique and number of people involved.
Travel: I live in Cobourg, Ontario but would not expect to be reimbursed for travel within a 200 K radius. Beyond that, help with gasoline or train prices would be welcome.
Biography: please visit my general art website: www.rodmer.com/Merike.html
Contact: email me at merike@rodmer.com or telephone: (905) 372-2410