past commissions
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eli oil on canvas
pricing & procedure
step by step simple procedure . . .
1.
all portraits are created using customer supplied photographs of the subject. submit one or more photographs that you feel appropriately represent the subject. color or black & white photos will work. i will take a look at them all and make a determination as to which i think is best.
2.
we will discuss my selection. if we are in agreement, the work can begin. if not, you may be asked to submit additional photos until we come to a consensus. very often the most unlikely photos make the best reference for a portrait.
3.
we will discuss other elements of the portrait such as size, color, background treatment etc. any significant deviation from the format that you see displayed in the portraits on this website may affect the price. i will ask you to trust my judgment in creating a unique and exciting work of art.
4.
i will send you a simple contract, request a downpayment of $450 and begin the portrait.
5.
the portrait will be completed within one month. i will send you a photo of the completed painting for your approval.
6.
if you are satisfied, i will ask for the balance of payment and either u.p.s. the portrait to you or you can pick it up at my milwaukee studio. if you are unsatisfied, you are under no obligation to remit the balance, but i will keep the painting and the downpayment.
note: a frame is not included – nor in my judgment needed. the paintings are on gallery wrapped canvases and designed to look just as finished without a frame as with one – but, of course, you’ll be the judge.
if you have any questions, please call or email me for clarification.
pricing
$850
oil on 14" x 14" x 1½" gallery wrapped canvas
shipping/handling is approximately $60 within usa.
sales tax to wisconsin customers only.
price may vary with custom requests.
about
a few reflections about portraits . . .
the most wonderful and exciting location in all the universe is the human face. through the face every mystery of the natural world is absorbed and committed to the mind. and through the face, every intent of the heart is exposed for public display. the face is like a document inscribed with the most intimate dialogue between the soul and the forces of the entire cosmos. there is nothing more delicate or expressive.
a portrait can, at best, capture and display only a word or two of this subtle conversation. but a carefully chosen word can remind us all of the magnificence of nature as well as our role as unique and indispensible parts of creation itself. the human face is the center of the knowable universe and I hope my portraits will always be a useful symbol in the service of confirming that reality.
a bit about myself . . .
professionally, i have kept myself busy for nearly half a century in the world of either fine art or commercial graphic design. i have opened and closed art galleries, picture frame shops, screen printing and display design firms, interior design and construction companies as well as a sign painting business. i’ve done a good amount of theatrical design work as well – both artistic and industrial.
through it all i have found time to pursue my interest in oil painting, occasionally exhibiting my work at galleries and art fairs in wisconsin. i have always worked in a representational style unless commissioned to produce commercial murals or graphics requiring another treatment or personality. i spent a few months at the university of tulsa on an art scholarship but am largely self taught. for inspiration i continually return to the unapproachable beauty and sensitive craftsmanship of the work of vermeer, da vinci, and van eyck.
© 2011 james koconis