Commissioning a Portrait Sculpture

A portrait bust takes on average 50 hours, this is for the finished clay likeness that is ready to mould and cast.

My work is cast either in plaster, resin, bonded stone or bronze.

On accepting a portrait commission, a preliminary sitting of two hours is required at my studio, your home or office. This is to become acquainted with you, discuss your requirements and do the initial measuring and blocking out of the portrait. A comprehensive series of photographs, covering all angles will be taken from which I will work on the sculpture in-between sittings. Sculpting from life will require 16 - 20 days, sitting between 2 and 3 hours at a time. Commonly a portrait is achieved from a combination of sittings and photographs as this suits most clients and I prefer to work from life to finalise the sculpture.

An informal written contract will be drawn between artist and client, outlining what has been discussed and a quote for the completed work. On commencement of the sculpture a third of the agreed fee is required in advance. On completion and acceptance of the clay portrait I will ask for the second instalment and the remaining balance is to be paid in full upon delivery of the finished portrait sculpture.

If a bronze cast is requested then please allow up to 90 days from completion of the clay, as the foundry may be busy.

I oversee all aspects of the casting to ensure that the utmost quality is maintained.

 

Click here to request further information on commissioning a portrait sculpture

Mark Longworth 2010