Prices begin at $2,500, and vary depending on complexity. Please contact me for more information if you are interested in commissioning a painting, or if you would like to schedule individual or small-group art classes.

Initially, we will make an appointment to meet and discuss your preferences for the portrait and estimate the cost. If you to choose to commission a portrait, we may prepare the source material for the picture in a variety of ways: you may have photos of your own that you would like me to work from; you may have the subject(s) attend sittings in which I make preliminary sketches; and/or you may let me photograph the subjects to create a new composition, in a setting of your choosing.

During a photo session, the subject(s) may test various outfits, poses, and settings, all with special attention to the best lighting. I will review the developed photos and together we will choose the best combination of poses, expressions, and backgrounds. Final selection and approval of source photos may take place in person or by mail or email.

During the creation process, I am happy to take photos at your request and e-mail them to you so you can see the portrait's progress.

Without fail, my likenesses are truthful. If the likeness is TOO truthful for your taste, never fear! Simple corrections---e.g., perfecting colors, lengthening hair, removing a few wrinkles, etc---are free. I'm a perfectionist. And I want you and your family to be absolutely happy with your painting. I should note that I do charge extra for any more complicated change that adds a new item into the picture ---e.g., changing the picture to show the subject holding a magazine, where no magazine existed in the original agreement.

The time required to finish the portrait will depend on my work schedule at the time and on the complexity of your commission. A very basic work may take me no more than a few weeks; a significantly complicated and oversize work could be a year-long process. If a particular deadline for completion is important to you, please let me know. We may still be able to begin the portrait, even if scheduling conflicts exist: I can create a card and, in some cases, a photo-book showing the artwork's progress, which will explain to the lucky recipient (and whet appetites for) the gift that is to come.

For information regarding the conservation of a pastel painting, please see
http://www.pastelsocietyofamerica.org/main/index/ and click on “the pastel medium.”

I require that my clients allow me to participate with them in the choice of framing. There are special requirements for framing a pastel portrait, and as I care deeply about my art, I want to ensure its best protection.

Once you have the painting in your possession, you can maintain it best by keeping it in an air-conditioned environment and out of direct sunlight.