Pricing art is complex, and while this commission portrait price guide gives a good idea about the cost of commissioning a portrait by Marina Kim, it is only a framework.
Please get in touch to discuss your ideas.
Commission Portrait from Life Sittings
I prefer working from life sittings for many reasons. A portrait painting is a collaborative experience between the artist and the sitter. While a project based on photographs is still teamwork, it misses out on the interaction during the hours of drawing and painting from life. I work faster painting from life than from photos. If you would like to learn more, please visit a page about my portrait painting process.
Life sketching, a portrait in one session – £350
This commission requires one life sketching session of one to two hours at my studio or your place and works particularly well for young children. During the sketching session, the children might be watching a film, drawing, reading or even napping, as was the case with one nine-month-old baby. By the end, I will have made several rapid sketches capturing the sitter’s essence. These will be line drawings in pencils on A4 paper; you can choose the best ones or keep them all – this is up to you. In the past, a few of my clients decided to keep a sketch for themselves and gift the other one or two to grandparents for Christmas or other occasions.
Read about life sketching commission
Further examples of portrait commissions
Portrait drawing from life sittings – £550
I work in pencil or charcoal on A3 paper for this portrait drawing commission. We can finish the picture in one session of about 3 hours, or in two shorter sessions with a break between them.
Small portrait study in oils – £750
A quick study from life in a painting medium approximately 35×30 cm. It takes two life sittings from start to finish.
I use a variety of painting mediums, usually oils or acrylic, on canvas, canvas on board, or gesso-primed board. We can agree these in advance of the project.
Head and shoulders portrait painting- from £1800
A small head and shoulders portrait painting commission from life sittings in oil on canvas is approximately 45×35 cm. It usually takes three to five sittings, either at my studio or your home. If your time is limited, we can compress the sittings by making them longer and taking fewer days. I have done one of the past commissions in one long (Summer!) day. Alternatively, we can arrange two sittings – one at the start of the project and one at the end, with the portrait being painted from pictures in between.
Three-quarters portrait painting – from £3000
This three-quarters portrait painting commission from life sittings in oils or acrylic on canvas is approximately 70×55 cm. I usually leave the background uniform, focusing attention on the sitter. We will spend 5-6 sittings painting from life, and I will also work on the painting between the sittings.
Large portrait painting – from £4000
This three-quarters or full-length portrait painting in oils or acrylic on canvas, approximately 100×80 cm, will have a more detailed background to reflect the sitter’s personality. I want to spend eight to ten sittings painting from life, and I will also work on the portrait between the sittings.
Small portrait painting with two people – from £4000
The size is approximately 45×70 cm, and the number of sittings is 6-7. I will start with sketching and discussion, then proceed to the painting. The sessions are flexible. The sitters don’t have to be together for the entire process, but I would like the group to meet for at least two sessions. In addition to our meetings, I will be working on the background and details of the painting without the sitters.
Large portrait painting with two people – from £8000
The size starts from 80×120 cm, and I recommend 12 or more sittings. The routine is similar to the portrait option above.
Commission Portrait from Photos
Commissioning a portrait from photographs can be the more practical or the only way to go about the project if you are busy or live far away from Rye. The logistics of a group portrait can also be managed using photos. We will find the best solution for your circumstances.
Small head and shoulders portrait – £3500
This is a highly finished, almost photorealistic portrait in oils or acrylic on canvas, approximately 40×40 cm. Parents and grandparents often commission paintings of their children in this style to delight in their complexion’s peachy quality. I achieve this by taking a long time painting with a small brush and paying attention to minute nuances of colour and tone.
Large portrait painting – from £5000
A larger painting, with background elements and exciting composition, will look grand on your wall. Whether a portrait of a child for a family home, a corporate portrait, or perhaps a retirement present, it is a remarkable way to celebrate a person’s life. We will discuss your ideas for the picture, starting with the “why” and what size and painting medium would work best.
Group portrait – from £15000
Group portraits from photographs are not just about likeness. They offer an opportunity to create a narrative in the picture. It can be an open book or a hidden message.
This commission will undoubtedly rely on the help of photographs. Although it misses the immediacy of a painting from life, this approach has the advantage of careful planning. We will begin by talking about your intentions for the picture, then set up one or two photo shoots. Once I have sufficient visual material, I can start working on the composition. Your participation in the process can be as active or light-touch as you would like. When the composition is set, the painting commences. It can take 3 to 12 months to complete the project.
Commission Portrait with Pets
I love animals and am a dog person myself. My visitors often ask if I paint portraits of pets. The answer is I paint portraits of people with their pets. It is about you, and including a furry companions in the picture adds to your story.
The process will typically combine life sessions and work from photos. Price-wise, a pet will add 20% to the commission price.
