Portrait Commissions
For the best results, I prefer to work directly from the subject. I like to have from four to ten 1-hour sittings for a very detailed portrait head but can do rougher studies in much less time. The last thing anyone wants is for a person (particularly a child) to be reminded of tiring, boring, or frustrating sittings every time they see the finished work. Hence, the sittings are only as long as the subject is comfortable. Children are not asked to strike and hold a pose but rather given something interesting to do - like play with toys or clay. Likewise, adults aren't kept to a rigid pose - they're free to play with toys as well. In conjunction with sittings, I take photos to continue working when the model is unavailable.
And, yes, I can also work solely from photos or even videos - either taking the photos myself or instructing the client on what I need in the way of images - but it is more difficult. Finished sculptures may be in bronze, aluminum, fiberglass, foam, plaster, clay, wood, resin, epoxy, or whatever best suits the project. Choices/possibilities for portrait sculptures are Relief, Full-Round, or Fragment. Prices vary depending on the availability of the subject, size, scope (head study, bust, full figure, etc.) finished material, and how much of a backlog I have. Often I'll do the original in bronze and extra copies in gypsum cement for other family members (at a much lower cost).
And, yes, I can also work solely from photos or even videos - either taking the photos myself or instructing the client on what I need in the way of images - but it is more difficult. Finished sculptures may be in bronze, aluminum, fiberglass, foam, plaster, clay, wood, resin, epoxy, or whatever best suits the project. Choices/possibilities for portrait sculptures are Relief, Full-Round, or Fragment. Prices vary depending on the availability of the subject, size, scope (head study, bust, full figure, etc.) finished material, and how much of a backlog I have. Often I'll do the original in bronze and extra copies in gypsum cement for other family members (at a much lower cost).
Commissions in General
After discussing the project with a client, I usually prepare concept sketches and rough estimates for consideration. When a concept is chosen, sometimes I'll make a maquette to explore the design in 3 dimensions. This model may serve as a reference for executing a larger version of the design or it may be scanned for a data set to build an armature in foam (to support clay) or even a finished sculpture in wood or stone. Interface or site preparation requirements are planned out in advance. I can install or deliver the finished artwork.