First off, thank you for your interest! What follows are a few frequently asked questions and their answers with regard to my commissioned paintings and drawings.
Q:What are my style options? A: I can render your commissioned portrait in true-to-life realism, or add my own touch of fantasy.
Fantasy: I create vibrant figures with a strong emphasis on fantasy, attempting to explore a person's inner self or interests through outward symbolism. A piece done in this style will aim to capture the things about a person there are no words for. Is she as noble as a knight? Well, let's make her a knight! Is he as solitary as an octopus floating through the depths? I can make that beautiful.
Realism: I strive, even in my fantasy work, to make figures as photo realistic as possible. My paintings and drawings are best when I use photographic reference, and I am extremely comfortable in that method. I am adept at color matching for paintings, and will deliver a final piece that represents your subject in true-to-life detail.
Q: What materials do you use? A: For paintings, I use Utrecht artist oil pants made form the purest raw pigments and oil with no fillers and the highest possible pigment concentration. I use Gamblyn Galkyd medium instead of linseed oil so your painting will be dry and ready to hang when I deliver it. My canvases are stretched cotton over wood frames with gallery wrap sides. All materials used are professional grade and archive quality. Your painting will last for generations!
For drawings, I use Utrecht 70lb drawing paper which is excellent for charcoal and pencil drawing. I use either high quality pressed charcoal sticks/charcoal pencils (black) or Conte crayons (a variety of browns). Other than the browns of Conte, I do not use color in my drawings. DRawings are finished with a worale fixative to protect against smudging, and delivered inn a standard shipping tube.
Q: How do you determine pricing? A: All paintings with one subject, to avoid conflict or confusion, are priced at $1.00 per square inch. All drawings with one subject are $.50 per square inch. Adding people to the piece is easy too! For every additional subject, add $.50 per square inch for paintings, $.25 per square inch for drawings. It's simple, and easy to calculate, and there are no surprises on your end or mine! Once the size is determined, and the agreement signed, I ask for 50% upfront, fully refundable if the piece is not purchased, and the other 50% at time of delivery.
Q: So what is the process? A: From
start to finish, most custom pieces 30" x 40" or smaller, depending on how many
figures are included, will be completed within 30 days. On some
occasions, depending on size and subject matter, a little more time may
be required. After you email or call me, I like to meet over coffee or
tea and discuss your vision for the piece, and anything else you feel
is important for me to know. But our communication doesn't stop
there! I will keep you updated on the progress of your piece through
photos and emails. If you let me, I will include photos of my progress
on my blog!
Q: What makes a good photo for reference? A: Even if I'm painting fantasy subject matter, I'll need good photographic reference to work from. What I need are large enough images that the details of a person;s face and/or other features you'd like included in the piece (hands feet, shoulders, etc.) are readily visible, and in sharp focus. If the image is emailed to me, the resolution will have to be strong enough that when I print it, all details are visible and focused. I do like to have more than one photograph of a person so I can get a feel for them if I'm not going to be able to meet with them, but that's not necessary. The photos must be full color unless you are commissioning a black and white or sepia (Conte) piece. If it's feasible, I can also take my own photographs.
Q: What guarantees do you offer? A: I offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Artist and commissioner will sign an agreement before the work is begun that states that if the finished piece does not meet expectations, no exchange of art or money takes place. If you are not going to purchase the work, I do retain the right to show and sell the piece on my own. Whether or not you purchase the piece, all copyright and reproduction rights remain with the artist (You can't reproduce the piece for the purpose of sales or marketing - unless otherwise expressed by the artist). I encourage you to be involved in the process, to ask me questions and give comments, but a clear communication at our first meeting should put you at ease and give me all the tools I need to create something you will love.
I am available for any further questions you might have. When you are ready to purchase a beautiful, unique, original centerpiece oil painting or fine art drawing, please don't hesistate to contact me!
Driemeyer Terriers