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A portrait is a work of art depicting one or more individuals within a meaningful setting which should reflect something of their personalities and lives. The artist does not embark upon this mission lightly, and it is important for all parties to feel comfortable with the entire process. Before undertaking a commission the artist attempts to spend time with the subjects, to learn characteristic movements and expressions. Once the decision is made to commission a portrait, Ficcaglia meets with the client to discuss the practical details: what it will include, how much of the subject will be portrayed, what sort of setting is desired, where the finished work will hang, whether vertical or horizontal format is preferred, and what size the painting will be. These issues are often explored at the same time the artist meets with the client to take the reference photos which will be used as a basis for the portrait. Selecting the Reference Photographs Once the film is developed, the prints are studied together to make an initial decision about which photo(s) depict the desired facial expressions and which represent the pose and the background the client and artist agree upon. At this meeting a sense of the finished painting should emerge. During this process it is important to keep in mind that the final work should represent not only a good likeness of the subject(s) and a portrayal of his or her personality, but also an appealing work of art in its own right, and therefore the artist maintains the option of guiding this choice. The Finished Painting The photography session may occur a month or more before the portrait is begun due to a number of factors. Especially where the subject is a child, the parent may wish the painting to depict a specific stage which may be fleeting; in other instances, the client may wish to have a specific season reflected both in the subject's attire and in the background. Therefore reference photographs can be completed ahead of time to take such preferences into account. In cases in which there is a significant lapse of time between the photographic session and the beginning of the painting itself, the client will be notified when work is to start. The actual painting time may take from three to eight weeks or more, depending on its size and complexity. Often the client has the opportunity to see it once or twice as it develops. Where this does not occur, the client is invited to view it when it is almost complete, and following that visit, any minor adjustments to the painting can be made. Full payment is due when the clients accept the painting. The painting goes home with the clients and they have one week to live with it. If any minor changes are requested at this point, the artist will attempt to accommodate them so long as the integrity of the work is not affected. Also, while the client has physical possession of the work of art, the artist retains all copyrights to the painting, as well as all rights of reproduction in any form. A Portrait in Progress Below are the stages in
a painting, from the first “blue phase” in which the composition
is blocked in using ultramarine blue oil paints, to the addition of
the first colors, to the finished piece. In the picture to the left
the photos which were used as references can be seen; the righthand
photo was used for the little girl’s face, while the lefthand photo
was used for the boy's face and for their pose and the “roundabout.”
The background is from yet a third photo. |
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 Click on image for larger view |
 Click on image for larger view |
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Portrait Price Schedule 2007 Size 16 X 20 $1000 (head and shoulders only) Additional Charges 50% for each additional subject (including animals).
Please note that artwork is also subject to 7% New Jersey sales tax. Additional Services Framing may also be an option. Archival quality giclées (prints) of the work can be obtained from the artist at $25 for 8x10's, $40 for 11x14's (sizes are approximate and depend on the dimensions of the work). Terms Complete payment is expected upon acceptance of the work. Upon completion, the client has one week to return the portrait for minor changes. For more information, please email portraits@leslieficcaglia.org or write to: Leslie M. Ficcaglia |
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Home | Portrait Gallery | Children's Gallery | Figurative Gallery | Portrait Process | About | Links The original oil paintings on this website were all created and copyrighted by Leslie M. Ficcaglia at portraits@leslieficcaglia.org. Use of these images or their reproduction by any other individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Copyright
2002-2003. All rights reserved. |
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Initial
Phases