Many portrait artists insist on working from life, but there are a select few who possess the special skill to bring life to a posthumous work. Although artists might feel nervous about undertaking a posthumous commission, it is a branch of portrait-commissioning which can bring much joy.
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Selecting Reference Material
When commissioning a posthumous portrait, you will need to identify a key image of the sitter. A posthumous portrait should be more than the copy of a photograph, however a photograph will often form the basis for the structure of the work. Where possible, the artist should be given supplementary information about their subject, such as additional photographs, film, and the opportunity to speak with those who were close to the individual.
Choosing An Artist
Once you have selected your reference material, the next stage is to select an artist. Because posthumous portraiture does require a special skill, it is best to seek the advice of a commissions consultant, who will take your brief and provide you with a selection of appropriate artists. With your permission, the consultant will then share your key image with the artists, to ensure that they can work from the selected image, and so that you can be given quotes for the type of work you would like to commission. The consultant will then send you a portfolio of artist-options from which to choose. Once you have chosen an artist, they will be given access to all of your reference material, you can discuss the project, and confirm whether both parties are happy to proceed. At this point, and if you are happy, a deposit is taken.
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A posthumous portrait of Victor J Newman by Keith Breeden
“I feel very honoured when I am entrusted to paint a posthumous portrait. It is a very challenging but rewarding commission to work on, and you must be very mindful of the fact that you are painting someone who was hugely important to those around them” – Miriam Escofet, experienced posthumous portrait painter.
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