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The Portrait Process G. William Nichols, PhDOn Getting Started Because each Nichols portrait will be for you a precious heirloom, cherished
for generations to come, Dr. Nichols approaches each portrait as a unique creative adventure. He seeks to get to know his
clients before he commences work on a portrait. He generally works from a combination of photographs that he takes himself
or that are provided. When he does posthumous portraits, he collects as many photos of the subject as possible. Preparation for the portrait is very important. The goal of the preparation phase of the portrait-process is to provide Dr. Nichols with all of the elements that he needs to produce a portrait that is sterling in its likeness to the subject and dramatically striking in its portrayal of the subject. It is crucial that the initial concept of the painting be developed in collaboration with the client. Dr. Nichols helps each client make decisions on the mood and setting of the portrait, its composition, what the subject will be wearing, the background, personal objects, where the painting will hang and other conceptual elements. .
Do you have to sit for a portrait? Only
if you wish. Dr. Nichols provides clients a choice. He paints some of his classic portraits in these ways: (1)
Some portraits are done from photos that you provide. The photos provide likeness of facial features but always need a full
range of other elements that the artist brings to the painting himself. (2)
Sometimes Dr. Nichols' portraits are painted from photos that he takes himself. He will often photograph
the person or group in a wide range of angles and positions to get the best possible likeness and
variety of expressions. (3) Then on some ocassions
people prefer to be painted from a series of personal sittings at a special location or in his studio.. Each portrait
is personalized as to the background, mood, style and position and clothing of the subjects. The photos are primarily
used to provide facial expression and likeness to the portrait. . Developing the Layout Dr. Nichols believes that a quality portrait will tell the story of the subject by the way
he or she stands, the angle of the gaze, body rhythm, setting, lighting, surroundings and expression. He combines elements
from his photographic, compositional and color studies with his intuitive impressions of the subject to produce a special
kind of portrait. With this approach, a Nichols portrait goes far beyond a mere photograph and becomes
for you a rich, compelling work of art. When he finishes his photography, he returns to his studio to work out a draft layout
composition and color scheme through a series of studies and sketches. When the draft layout is finished, he presents it to
the client for approval. After approval, he returns again to his studio to finish the portrait. Once the painting is complete, Dr. Nichols, will work with you to pick just the right frame to complement
the portrait. The price of the frame is not included in the artist's fee. However, if you wish for Dr.
Nichols to purchase a frame for you, he is happy to do and will supply you with the cost of the frame. Timing Is Critical. Nichols accepts only a limited number of commissions per year. He only accepts requests that he can complete within his and his client’s timetable. He does not accept a request if there is not adequate time to complete the painting according to his standards. .A 50% deposit, along with any travel expenses, is required upon signing of the commissioning agreement
of the portrait to secure a place in his docket. An additional 25% payment is due at the time of the client’s approval
of the layout draft. Final payment is due upon completion of the portrait. If a second figure is
added to the portrait, the client will add 50%. If additional people are added, 30% will be added for each
additional figure. Costs for larger portraits (over 36 X 45) or multiple portraits are available upon request.
Unusually complicated background settings, intricate clothing patterns, pets or additional objects may be extra and
will be decided prior to the commissioning agreement. If travel is required, travel expenses are extra. Shipping, packing,
handling and insurance are included in the price quoted. |
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