Portraiture and Fine Art Paintings
Judy Sprague Fine Art
Commissioned Portraiture
Working from Photograph Provided by Client
A PORTRAIT COMMISSION IS THE PERFECT WAY TO CREATE A FAMILY
HEIRLOOM FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
Introduction:
I work from photographs provided to me by clients. I started creating commissioned pastel or charcoal portraits back in the 1980’s and completed over 85 portraits, all working from photographs. I tried having people “sit” for me, but I found that either they “wiggled” too much, or I couldn’t concentrate – I needed lots of time to “study” the intricacies of the face or body to get it “just right.” Then I moved to paintings of other subjects for the past thirty years or so, seldom doing a commissioned portrait, but occasionally creating my “character portraits” – which often sold quickly when I entered them in juried shows.
If I accept a photograph from a client for a commissioned portrait the photograph must be very clear and large enough that I can see details of the portrait, especially around the eyes. There will need to be discussion of what the client expects and what I can provide. If you wish I can email to you photos of previous commissioned portraits that I don't put on the internet.
I don’t work “small.” In other words my completed pastel portraits would be no smaller than 14x18 for a single head and shoulders. When people say, I really just want an 8x10 – then I can’t do this. I need to work on a larger surface. When I see your photograph we can discuss size options.
Procedure:
1. The client provides me with a photograph, tells me what they are wanting.
2. We discuss the intricacies of the photograph. I tell the potential client what I can do with that photograph, the time frame involved, materials used, and answer questions.
3. The customer needs to understand that pastel paintings MUST BE FRAMED. Pastel can smear easily if touched – and only is safe if it is framed under glass. Framed pastel portraits can last hundreds of years –therefore my price will include framing.
4. You will want to know the total cost and expected time frame for completion of the painting. It would be a minimum of six weeks at the earliest and possibly much longer depending on my workload.
6. You will want to know if you can get your money back if you don’t like the painting. So this is what I do. First, we discuss in detail what you expect and what I can produce. You can see similar paintings I have completed.
7. When you are comfortable with placing an order and I have given you a total cost including framing, appropriate sales tax and packing and shipping (if you are not picking up the portrait in person) and a written Agreement has been created we will both sign the Agreement and 50% non-refundable retainer will be required before I proceed. The retainer acts as a guarantee that secures my time. Much effort and time goes into the painting. The retainer signifies a pact between the client and myself. It guarantees my commitment to the commission and in return the client agrees to honor that commitment.
8. I will email photographs to you of my work as I go along. That way you can see how I am progressing. I will email you a photo of the portrait for your final approval before I have it framed.
9. When the portrait has been framed I will email you a photo of the framed painting. When full payment has been received your painting can be either picked up or shipped.
10. Appropriate sales tax and packing and shipping fees will be figured and included in your price quoted at the beginning of our contract.
Commissioned PASTEL Portraits
2026 Pricing
Judy Sprague Fine Art
Portrait created from client’s photograph
Created on archival paper
Per Person in Painting
Head and Shoulders $1,700
Upper Body, some clothing $2,200
Upper Body, including hands $2,700
Upper Body w/additional objects $3,200+
Examples of portraits with additional objects have been child sitting in chair, bride holding bouquet, athlete and their football, musician and their musical instrument, or person reading their newspaper or book. The fee is based on complexity of object.
Plus sales tax and shipping.
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Commissioned CHARCOAL Portraits
2026 Pricing
Judy Sprague Fine Art
Portrait created from client’s photograph
Created on archival paper
Per Person in Painting
Head and Shoulders $1,200
Upper Body, some clothing $1,700
Upper Body, including hands $2,200
Upper Body w/additional objects $2,700+
Plus sales tax and shipping.
