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    • Annual Portrait Exhibition
    • PORTRAIT SEASON: PART ONE ‘THE SHOW GOES ON’
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Five steps to commissioning a great portrait

As a charity promoting portraiture, making commissioning easy is part of our remit.  We are here to help throughout the process from selecting the right artist to contracting, framing and delivery. Commissioning a portrait is an enjoyable experience with the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. Being part of the creative process is very rewarding.  With our help, it is not complicated and does not require prior experience.

Commissioning a portrait can be broken down into five steps.

  1. The Brief
  2. Choosing a Portrait Painter
  3. The Agreement
  4. The Sittings
  5. Framing a Commissioned Portrait


The brief

How much does a portrait cost?

Three portraits by Alastair Adams which sit well in their particular location

The artist, size, medium, and the number of figures in a portrait will contribute to its cost.  As a starting point, a head and shoulders drawing by a member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters start at £1,500 or a family group by a renowned artist could be in the regions of £100,000. With such a wide range is makes sense to set yourself a budget ceiling before completing your brief. Don’t forget that the artist’s fee does not include expenses such as framing, travel, accommodation or delivery.

The brief is just a list of all the practical details which relate to your commission. The things to think about are:

  • Subject
  • Size.  (If you measure a space, please be aware that artists normally talk about the canvas size when quoting, so an allowance of c. 10cm or 4″ all-round should be made for the frame.)
  • Medium; oil, pastel, pencil, etc
  • Completion date

Other considerations would include where the sittings will take place and, eventually, what clothes should be worn. Often the choice of artist has an effect on this, or conversely it can affect the choice of the artist.


Choosing a portrait painter

Portrait artist June Mendoza standing by her easel in her studio photographed by Aliona Adrianova

June Mendoza in her studio photographed by Aliona Adrianova

Our Members work in a wide diversity of styles but they have all been vetted by their peers, so the quality and consistency of their work is assured. None the less it is still important to choose the right artist for your commission. Because choosing the right artist is so important, we provide consultants to help you through the process.

You will find that choosing a portrait artist is instinctive. It is clear within seconds whether an artist’s body of work connects with you.  Therefore it is best to scan work quickly in the first instance to create a shortlist of artists who appeal to you. Once you have a shortlist you can then start to think and analyse.  Our Consultants can guide you through the portfolios with a face-to-face consultation in our Central London offices or, using your brief, they can shortlist suitable artists for you by email. They then remain on hand throughout so that commissioning your portrait is easy and enjoyable.

You can contact our experienced consultants, using the form below or you can browse and select portrait artists without the assistance of our consultants if you prefer.

Once you have selected an artist, it is good to meet to talk around the proposed portrait and to get the artist’s input.  These initial discussions are held without commitment on either side.


The agreement

Quote

Roscoe M Lord Menzies

Mark Roscoe ‘Lord Menzies’

Once the details are established, the artist should be able to give you a quote. There are usually two elements to the pricing: the artist’s fee and their expenses.

A letter of agreement is useful for establishing expectations and for preventing problems due to misunderstandings. Most portrait artists take a deposit before starting work and the rest on completion. Three or more staged payments can be made for larger works but a single second final payment on completion is more usual.


The Sittings

The number and length of sittings will vary according to the artist’s technique and style.  If an artist is working from life, six to ten sittings of about 1 1/2 hours to two hours would be average. The use of photography can cut this down to one or two sittings. Occasionally under very special circumstances, such as when a portrait is posthumous, there are artists who can work from photography alone.

Family portrait by Phoebe Dickinson

Family portrait by Phoebe Dickinson

Likewise, the length of time it takes to complete a portrait varies hugely. Three to six months is often the sort of time a painted portrait takes, but each artist is different and the availability of the sitter for the sittings is an additional variable.

Most portrait painters are happy to travel to their sitter.


Framing a commissioned portrait

Stack of portrait frames

Stack of portrait frames

The frame for a commissioned work rarely forms part of the commission. Choosing a frame that complements your painting is important so but most portrait painters will advise what sort of a frame suits their work. They will often arrange the frame for you too.


The completed portrait

Miriam Escofet's portrait of Michael Reynolds in situ with the sitter

Miriam Escofet’s portrait of Michael Reynolds in situ with the sitter

At the end of the day investing in a portrait is investing in a thing of joy for generations to come. A commissioned portrait is not only a token of love or esteem, but it can also be a great work of art and a legacy to the future; after all Mona Lisa, the Girl with a Pearl Earring and the Arnolfini Marriage are all examples of commissioned portraits.

Seeing a portrait for the first time is strange. We are used to seeing ourselves in the mirror or in photographs; by contrast, we have never seen ourselves when translated through the imagination of an artist before. The portrait will be teaching you to see  – the more you look, the more you will see.

Contact Annabel Elton, Head of Commissions on 00 44 (0) 207 968 0963 annabelelton@mallgalleries.com

CONTACT us for help and advice

Or use the form below 

Choose a portrait artist using our Artist-Finder

Choose an artist using our Artist-Finder

Portrait for Christmas Gift Vouchers

Portrait Gift Vouchers

For help or more information please contact Annabel Elton  

020 7930 6844 / annabelelton@mallgalleries.com

CONTACT US

HOW TO COMMISSION A PORTRAIT – ROYAL SOCIETY OF PORTRAIT PAINTERS

Category: portrait commission18th November 2018
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⚠️ Have you heard? ⚠️ Given the current c ⚠️ Have you heard? ⚠️  Given the current circumstances, we’ve extended the submission deadline for our Annual Exhibition.  This way, artists have a little more time to send images of their work (100% online) via TheRP.ArtOpps.co.uk  That being said, don’t wait until the last minute to apply! The deadline is in 10 days - Monday 25 January 2021.  Other great news: a brand new prize, worth £20,000, has been added to this year’s exhibition.  To summarise, the @rsportraitpainters Annual Exhibition gives you the chance to...  ✨ show your work to a prestigious panel of judges - all portrait painters and members of the RP,  ✨ exhibit with the RP’s members at @mallgalleries,  ✨ sell your work, meet collectors, and get commissions,  ✨ win £43,000 in cash prizes!  Do you (or someone you know) want to enter? Tell us and tag your painter friends in the comments!  #exhibitionopportunity #artcompetition #artcompetitions #artistcompetition #artprize #artprizes #artaward #artawards  #artistopportunity #artistopportunities #artopportunity #opportunitiesforartists #callforentries #callforartists #callforartist #artistopencall #callforart #opencallforart #opencallforartists #artistresidency #openexhibition #groupexhibition #groupexhibitions #groupshow #groupshows #artexhibition #artexhibitions #contemporaryartexhibition #annualexhibition
Do you paint or draw portraits? You might want to Do you paint or draw portraits?  You might want to look at our Annual Exhibition! It’s calling for entries until 25 January via the link in our bio: TheRP.ArtOpps.co.uk  It gives you the chance to show your work at @mallgalleries and online, sell your work or gain commissions, but also win amazing prizes:  🏆 BRAND NEW PRIZE: William Lock Portrait Prize – £20,000  🏆 Ondaatje Prize for Portraiture – £10,000  🏆 RP Award to the artist whose work best represents the year’s chosen theme – Childhood – £2,000  🏆 RP Prize for the Best Small Portrait – £2,000  🏆 de Laszlo Foundation Award for artists aged 35 years or under – £3,000  🏆 Prince of Wales’ Award for Portrait Drawing – £2,000  🏆 Burke’s Peerage Foundation Award for a classically inspired portrait – £2,000  🏆 Smallwood Architects Prize for a portrait in which architectural or interior features play an important part – £1,000  For the chance to show your work at the Mall Galleries and win one of these life-changing prizes, please enter via the link in our bio: therp.artopps.co.uk  Image: Elena Vladimir Baranoff, Awakening, Egg tempera, 42 x 37 cm, Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Exhibition 2019  #portraitpainting #portraitpaintings #portraitpainter #portraitpainters #portraitdrawing #figurativepainting #figurativepaintings #figurativepainter #figurativepainters #figurativeart #contemporarypainting #contemporarypaintings #artcompetition #artcompetitions #artistcompetition #artprize #artprizes #artistopportunity #artistopportunities #artopportunity #opportunitiesforartists #callforentries #callforartists #callforartist #artistopencall #callforart #opencallforart #opencallforartists #artistresidency #openexhibition
"It is always a thrill to have work accepted for t "It is always a thrill to have work accepted for the @rsportraitpainters exhibition, to have your work recognised by those working at the highest level in portraiture" says @martinbrooksart.  "Showing alongside so many talented artists at such a prestigious showcase as the @mallgalleries, it's a great opportunity and privilege with a wonderful community of artists and collectors, it is one of the highlights of my year"!  "Exhibiting my work with the RP has generated a wider audience and interest in my work which has led to more commissions and teaching".  "Recently I have decided to relinquish some of my teaching responsibilities at university to concentrate on my painting career - the RP exhibition and membership has given me confidence in taking this vital next step. I'm also working on completing various commissions and continue to teach at university and privately".  "I've been lucky to sell regularly at the RP show and sold two paintings in this year's exhibition. The RP has brought me many commissions, travelling around the country and meeting the most wonderful and interesting people to paint".  "Artists, apply now! The support and goodwill of RP members have been amazing. The RP represents a friendly and supportive group of artists, I thoroughly recommend the whole experience"!  If, like @martinbrooksart, you would like to show your work alongside the best portrait artists in the UK and get the chance to win £43,000 in prizes, please follow the link in our bio: therp.artopps.co.uk  Image: Martin Brooks, Head Study, Zsa Zsa, 40cm x 40cm, 2019  #portraitpainting #portraitpaintings #portraitpainters #portraitpainter #portraitartist #portraitartists #oilpainting #oilpaintings #oilpainter #oilpainters #contemporaryrealism #contemporarypainting #contemporarypaintings #contemporarypainter #contemporarypainters #contemporaryportrait #contemporaryportraits #mallgalleries #openexhibition #openexhibitions #callforentries #callforart #callforartists #opencallforartists #artopps #exhibitionopportunity #portraitdrawing #portraitdrawings #drawingportraits #portraitartists
✨ CALL FOR ENTRIES ✨ We’re currently inviti ✨ CALL FOR ENTRIES ✨  We’re currently inviting artists to submit work for our Annual Exhibition which offers...
👉 a show at @mallgalleries
👉 £43,000 in awards 
👉 visitors, sales & portrait commissions  🤔 Are you thinking about entering? Here are a few tips from Simon Davis RP...  "Unlike most open exhibitions, the RP’s selection panel is entirely made up of members of the society and there is no involvement by sponsors, etc."  "Entrants can rest assured that their work will come before working painters who are conscious of all the effort, soul-searching and skill that producing their work entails so it will not be treated lightly. We are all professional painters and so are fully aware of the highs and lows of the painful process of presenting work for selection. We choose the work with the utmost diligence and seriousness".  "The promotion and the constant refreshing of the practice of painted portraiture is very important to the Society and this is reflected in our attitude of inclusivity in the selection of our annual show. For inclusion in the show, we have no selection criteria other than the quality and craft of the work. Our sole aim is to stage an exhibition that is both fresh, inspiring and forward looking".  If you'd like to exhibit alongside the Royal Society of Portrait Painters' members, please visit therp.artopps.co.uk  Image: @simon_davis_painter, Taslima  #portraitpainting #portraitpaintings #rsportraitpainters #portraitpainters #portraitpainter #portraitartist #portraitartists #royalsocietyofportraitpainters #oilpainting #oilpaintings #oilpainter #oilpainters #contemporaryrealism #contemporarypainting #contemporarypaintings #contemporarypainter #contemporarypainters #contemporaryportrait #contemporaryportraits #mallgalleries #openexhibition #openexhibitions #callforentries #callforart #callforartists #opencallforartists #artopps #exhibitionopportunity #londonartgallery #londonartgalleries
"I've been submitting work to the @rsportraitpaint "I've been submitting work to the @rsportraitpainters Annual Exhibition for many years now and am very grateful to have been selected fairly regularly" says @jandersonyart.  "The submission process is super easy with the first stage being digital (via therp.artopps.co.uk), and it's exciting waiting to hear if you've got through to the next stage. I enjoy the buzz of the competition"!  "The RP is a very useful and prestigious showcase for artists at any stage in their career. When I was starting out it brought my work to the attention of galleries and buyers in the London market which led to further exhibitions and sales of work into both private and public collections. That connection has continued as my career has progressed".  "Since I began exhibiting at the RP, I've completed a number of prominent portrait commissions and exhibited in galleries across the UK and internationally".  "I would absolutely recommend artists apply this year! It's a great chance to get your work out there to be seen by a loads of people along side some of the best portrait artists currently practicing in the UK".  "I've regularly sold work at the show and was delighted to be awarded the HSBC Management Investment Award in 2005 which led to my painting being exhibited at the @nationalportraitgallery. That was a huge boost for me at the early stages of my career".  Would you like to enter the RP Annual Exhibition to show your work at @mallgalleries and win generous cash prizes? Then please follow the link in our bio: therp.artopps.co.uk  Image: Dignity, Oil on Board by Jenifer Anderson  #portraitpainting #portraitpaintings #portraitpainter #portraitpainters #portraitdrawing #figurativepainting #figurativepaintings #figurativepainter #figurativepainters #figurativeart #contemporarypainting #contemporarypaintings #artcompetition #artcompetitions #artistcompetition #artprize #artprizes #artistopportunity #artistopportunities #artopportunity #opportunitiesforartists #callforentries #callforartists #callforartist #artistopencall #callforart #opencallforart #opencallforartists #artistresidency #openexhibition
This portrait by David Graham is of 'Adriana'. It' This portrait by David Graham is of 'Adriana'. It's a beautiful piece, evocative of post-impressionism. Graham combines texture with a kaleidoscope of colours. The portrait was painted in oil and measures 76 x 66cm. Tell us what you think about Graham's dynamic style. 🔴 🔴 🔴
📣 WE’VE GOT GREAT NEWS! 📣 Our Annual Exh 📣 WE’VE GOT GREAT NEWS! 📣  Our Annual Exhibition will be offering a new prize...  Which will be worth £20,000!  Yes, that's right... £20,000. So, don't miss your chance to enter the Royal Society of Portrait Painters' Annual Exhibition. It is calling for entries until 25 January and you can submit your work via the link in our bio: therp.artopps.co.uk  This new award, entitled the William Lock Portrait Prize, will go to the most timeless portrait in the exhibition. We join @richardffoster, President of the RP, in thanking William Lock for his generosity and contribution to the genre of portraiture.  👉 TheRP.ArtOpps.co.uk  👈  #exhibitionopportunity #artcompetition #artcompetitions #artistcompetition #artprize #artprizes #artaward #artawards  #artistopportunity #artistopportunities #artopportunity #opportunitiesforartists #callforentries #callforartists #callforartist #artistopencall #callforart #opencallforart #opencallforartists #artistresidency #openexhibition #groupexhibition #groupexhibitions #groupshow #groupshows #artexhibition #artexhibitions #contemporaryartexhibition #annualexhibition @parkerharrisco @mallgalleries
"It has always been an enormous honour to be able "It has always been an enormous honour to be able to exhibit alongside world class portrait artists in the annual exhibition of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters" says @s_ploeg.  "The event always feels very special and the artworks on display are amazing. Of course, there have been many times where I have not had work selected and I always try (sensibly) to not let that get me".  "I have exhibited with the society 5 times since 2011 and it never loses its appeal and shine. Visiting the exhibition is a joy, not only to be able to catch up with fellow artists, but also to admire their amazing works".  "I have had various enquiries and commissions through the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. It is wonderful to be able to network like this".  "I would recommend artists to apply. It is a fantastic experience to have work selected and a boost for your CV".  To submit your work, you can visit TheRP.Artopps.co.uk  Image: Sophie Ploeg, Paul, 54 cm x 44 cm, RP Annual Exhibition 2015  @rsportraitpainters #portraitpainting #portraitpaintings #portraitpainter #portraitpainters #portraitdrawing #figurativepainting #figurativepaintings #figurativepainter #figurativepainters #figurativeart #contemporarypainting #contemporarypaintings #artcompetition #artcompetitions #artistcompetition #artprize #artprizes #artistopportunity #artistopportunities #artopportunity #opportunitiesforartists #callforentries #callforartists #callforartist #artistopencall #callforart #opencallforart #opencallforartists #artistresidency #openexhibition
You've asked, we listened! The Royal Society of Po You've asked, we listened! The Royal Society of Portrait Painters is exceptionally extending its deadline from 15 January to 25 January 2021. But don't wait until the last minute to enter! Here are our top 3 reasons to submit your work right now...  Firstly, the @rsportraitpainters is a well-respected institution with a history of celebrating portrait painting as well as an influential champion of contemporary art. Showing alongside its members in the Annual Exhibition is a mark of distinction in itself.  Secondly, selected artists will get the chance to show their work at the @MallGalleries, in central London. This show attracts many sales from collectors, but also commissions from art enthusiasts who would like artists like you to portray them... or their loved ones!  Last but not least, artists have the chance to win prizes totalling £23,000, including a first prize of £10,000, as well as a prize for drawing, for young artists, and more.  To enter, follow the link in our bio: therp.artopps.co.uk  #portraitpainting #portraitpaintings #portraitpainter #portraitpainters #portraitdrawing #figurativepainting #figurativepaintings #figurativepainter #figurativepainters #figurativeart #contemporarypainting #contemporarypaintings #artcompetition #artcompetitions #artistcompetition #artprize #artprizes #artistopportunity #artistopportunities #artopportunity #opportunitiesforartists #callforentries #callforartists #callforartist #artistopencall #callforart #opencallforart #opencallforartists #artistresidency #openexhibition
@anthonyconnollyrp is a celebrated portrait painte @anthonyconnollyrp is a celebrated portrait painter and a member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. Here's why he recommends entering our Annual Exhibition this year...  "The RP annual is the only place I can consistently see my work hung alongside the very best practitioners. This is really important to me. Seeing your work next to serious painting is the only way to know what your work really looks like. The annual exhibition attracts the very best portraiture from the UK and well beyond. It’s like playing chess; if you want to improve your game, play with the best chess players".  "The annual exhibition has a huge footfall, it’s right in the centre of London and is the annual point of reference for anyone who’s interested in making and commissioning portraits, so it’s important to me both aesthetically and commercially".  "If you take yourself seriously and you want to be taken seriously as a portrait painter, apply. Just applying will raise your game. It is competitive but your work will be seen and selected by elected members of the Society, practising portrait painters who know and care about painting".  "Since 1891 any portrait painter of any consequence has shown at the RP: GF Watts, John Singer Sargent, William Orpen, Augustus John… it’s a very distinguished line-up and it continues".  Do you want to follow @anthonyconnollyrp's advice? You can follow the link in our bio to learn more about the RP Annual Exhibition and submit your work: therp.artopps.co.uk  Image: Anthony Connolly RP, Catherine 2017, oil, 110 x 75 cm, Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Exhibition 2018  #rsportraitpainters #portraitpaintings #portraitpainter #portraitpainters #portraitdrawing #figurativepainting #figurativepaintings #figurativepainter #figurativepainters #figurativeart #contemporarypainting #contemporarypaintings #artcompetition #artcompetitions #artistcompetition #artprize #artprizes #artistopportunity #artistopportunities #artopportunity #opportunitiesforartists #callforentries #callforartists #callforartist #artistopencall #opencallforart #opencallforartists #artistresidency #openexhib @parkerharrisco
This week we're looking at all things red! This fa This week we're looking at all things red! This fantastic portrait 'The Painter's Child / The Sitting' was painted by Robin L Muller. Created in acrylic, it measures 48 x 40cm (66 x 58 cm framed). Comment below! 🔴 🔴 🔴
Following New Year celebrations, this portrait of Following New Year celebrations, this portrait of 'Gabriel' by @CharlotteSorapure captures that post-festivity slump we're all enjoying! Painted in the 'red room' of his Gabriel's family home, Sorapure notes that this painting was set to capture his teenagehood. Completed in oil paint this portrait measures a vast 120 x 100cm. 🔴 🔺 🅾️
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Royal Society of Portrait Painters

5 days ago

Royal Society of Portrait Painters
This portrait by David Graham is of 'Adriana'. It's a beautiful piece, evocative of post-impressionism. Graham combines texture with a kaleidoscope of colours. The portrait was painted in oil and measures 76 x 66cm. Tell us what you think about Graham's dynamic style. 🔴 🔴 🔴 ... See MoreSee Less

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