Let me give you some insight into the fine art of making a realistic portrait. I’ll tell you what to expect from the beginning. I’ll include some ballpark pricing for your fine art oil portrait commission.

First step: Contact Me for Your Oil Portrait Commission

The first thing that happens is that you email or call me to commission an oil portrait. 

Let’s talk about what kind of portrait you have in mind.

• A child, boy or girl, of what age? 
• An adult, man or woman? 
• How many in the portrait?

Are you thinking of any sort of pose?

• Head and shoulders 
• ¾ view showing the hands
• Full length

Do you have good existing photos that you can email me? I will offer my advice on what would be best. I can give you a ball-park price for your oil portrait commission  in this conversation

If You Live Locally to Me 

I would invite you to my studio.

•  We can look at my painting samples together. 
•  You can decide which ones you like and I can get an idea of what I can do for you.
•  We can actually meet each other. 
•  When I am painting the commissioned portrait, I think about all the information that I have gathered. 
•  Meeting the subject in person is always fantastic. 
•  I can paint without it, of course, and still get raves, but it is a good idea all the same if possible.

Reference Photography

Are you reaching me long distance across the internet or by phone? 

• Supply me with good photos for me to use. 
• Sending several photos helps me get to know the subject better.
• Even long distance, I can make you a commissioned oil portrait that you will love. 

Or, are you thinking about getting professional photos made where you live? As a fine artist, I will advise you a bit on this. 

Also, if you will give me the contact info of the photographer, I will speak directly to them. I will give suggestions that would lead to photos particularly appropriate for a magnificent painted portrait.

Do you live locally to me? Can you come for a photoshoot (included in the overall price)? That is ideal.  

Painting a stunning portrait includes knowing how to tweak the pose of the subject in the reference photo. I can suit the personality and the pose together. Also, with my photographer husband we get the best lighting.

What is the Cost of a Commissioned Oil Portrait?

Once the price has been decided upon for your oil portrait commission, we put an agreement in writing. Prices are $3,000-25,000 per person, depending on whether they are children portraits or adult, the size and the complexity.

This will include:

• Scheduling the date of the photoshoot
• Or what existing photos I will be using

Other particulars are written out such as: 

• Name of the subject 
• Type of pose 
• Size of painting 
• Estimated completion time 
• The total price
• Sales tax if applicable 

You sign it, give me a 50% deposit (with sales tax if applicable) and I sign it and give a copy to you. The painting itself now gets scheduled into my calendar for approximate completion.

The Fine Art Painting Process

First the canvas usually gets painted with a light-brown-toned background. Then I look at my photo references and draw out the subject on my painting surface. Sometimes I start in full color with thin strokes, and build up thicker and more opaque layers as I go along.

Alternately, I begin with a monochrome palate. Using thin brown washes, I paint the figure very loosely. I add darker brown paint where it is needed. Then I could add mixtures of brown and white paint, going in for more details if I think it is necessary. However, I usually just put dabs of white for highlights to finish off the preliminary sketch. From there I go into color. First with see-through washes of color. I then add more and more layers of increasing thickness of paint.

I tend to focus most on the face at first, although somewhat roughly, just to get a little personality into it.

Then I move on to the rest of the figure and background. I stand back and look at my painting from a distance often. I go back to the face (my favorite part), apply myself to more and more details, until something draws me out to the rest of the painting again.

Many times, people could happen to see the portrait and think it is done, but I know there is still more precision and excitement to be put into it. The last few sessions I am just “picking” at it with little highlights, darks and details. 

Viewing the Completed Commissioned Portrait

When I am done, people tell me that I capture much more that the likeness of the person. They say I capture the “very soul” on canvas. I have also been told that seeing my portraits is a spiritual experience. I understand this. 

When I spend so many hours with the photo references, it feels like I do truly get to know my subjects. When I paint them, my attention is on showing the very best of the person. I want viewers to be inspired when they look at my commissioned oil portraits. Seeing the finest qualities of my subject, they are reminded that they possess greatness too, and they return to their lives happier, friendlier and better able to make good decisions. 

People who pass by my portraits of their loved ones daily have mentioned feeling peace, happiness, pleasure, joy and stability.

If you are local, you would come over to see it in person once completed.

If you are at a long distance, I would email you a picture of it for your approval.

Why Choose Jessica Rockwell as Your Fine Artist?

The subjects are very alive

When people look at my paintings of subjects they know, they recognize them instantly. They enjoy the richness of tones, brushstrokes and color. They realize that this is a beautiful work of fine art of someone they know. They are moved.

People see how very well I capture a likeness

They see the gallery on my website called “Photo to Painting” which shows how well I capture a likeness. They see that my paintings look even better than the photos. There is a depth of understanding in my portraits.

All portraits are very vibrant and real

They know that when they see the 100+ portraits of mine on my website.

People like my style as a fine artist

The face is the accent of the painting and the most detailed. Hands and bare feet are next in detail, then the rest of the figure. The background is less detailed. Everything works together.

Cousin to Norman Rockwell 

There is always some fascination in knowing that I am a cousin to the iconic American illustrator/painter Norman Rockwell. I think they get some of the same inspiration from him that I do. They are reminded of the different ways he portrayed the freedom of a still-young America.

Please contact me for the beautiful oil portrait commission that I will paint for you!