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GARETH HAWKER |
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All images are protected by copyright. |
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PROCEDURE The following is intended to give a general impression of how a portrait might develop; but, as each commission involves a unique personality, the procedure varies with each portrait. MEETING 1 (PLANNING) About 1 hour The main purpose of this meeting is to give you a clear idea of what may be involved in commissioning a portrait. It also provides an opportunity for you to let me know whatever you may have in mind. We might consider the general mood of the portrait; formal or informal; public or private. Your costume is often worth thinking about at this stage. The style of framing, integral to the final effect, would also be worth considering. We might discuss the timing of the sittings and where they would take place, whether at my studio in Norwich; or at your house; or at your office perhaps. By the end of this meeting I would hope to have provided you with all the information you might need to be able to decide whether you wished to proceed with a commission.
SITTINGS About 1 hour each. Between 1 and 4 normally required. I would take a very large number of photographs with a digital camera. This means you would be able to see results almost immediately on my laptop computer. Time permitting, I may be able to design some possible compositions on the spot. A single sitting may well be enough for a head. One or two more may prove necessary when hands are involved - there are so many more possible variations of posture. The sittings could take place on different days, or all on one day if more convenient. At the conclusion I would have enough material to go back to my studio and plan out some possible designs.
MEETING 2 About 1 hour. At this meeting I would show you what I had in mind for the final composition. Sometimes I would bring a full-size charcoal outline and place it on your wall: this would help in visualising the effect the finished painting might create in your room. Assuming you could give your approval, I would require no more sittings, and would complete the picture at home in my studio.
MEETING 3 About 1 hour. I would bring along the finished picture, preferably framed. Very occasionally a portrait may need a little retouching at this stage.
VARNISHING After about 12 months the paint will have hardened thoroughly and maybe gone slightly dull, so it will need a coat of varnish to bring back the freshness. The varnish will also protect the picture surface from dust and atmospheric pollution. It would be your responsibility to arrange for the varnishing, and to cover the cost, but I should be delighted to put you in touch with a qualified picture restorer who works near you.
TIMESCALE We could have the initial meeting and sittings as soon as you like. The final painting may take 6 months to complete depending on my other commitments. |
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