How to Commission a Portrait Painting
The idea of commissioning a portrait painting may seem like a daunting task, a mystery, or a highly guarded secret, but it’s actually quite simple.
Step 1. Discovery
The discovery process begins with a simple conversation. Together we discover who you wish to honor and what they mean to you. We'll gather and review existing source photographs, or arrange for a sitting.
Step 2. Design
Working with selected reference photographs, we develop preliminary design concepts for the commissioned portrait. The design stage enables clients to visualize the composition, color, and creative direction for the custom artwork.
Step 3. Progress
Progress meetings are an exciting and interactive stage of the creative process as the painting begins the initial transformation. Progress updates take place on Zoom, the phone or in-person as your painting commission develops.
Step 4. Creation
Your portrait painting commission evolves over the interactive meetings and the next stage is to transfer the underpainting to a stretched artists' canvas and add oils, textures and glazes to bring the painting to life.
Step 5. Unveiling
The most exciting experience is when we unveil your finished artwork! You'll be delighted to display a uniquely meaningful work of art which serves as a daily reminder of who you love and what they mean to you.
Discover More About the Process
Listen to Bobbie discuss her process. ⬇️
Some Behind the Scenes Video Reels
Choosing the Right Photos
Sometimes it's hard to know which photo will make the best painting.
Complimentary review.
Share any favorite photographs that you are considering as a painting and receive a complimentary review. Just imagine the possibilities that can be created from your photographs into finished works of art.
OK, I'm interested... how does this work?
1. CHAT
Let's discover who you wish to honor and why they matter to you. Call or fill out the guest form to get started.
2. CREATE
Through a series of progress meetings, we work interactively together to transform your vision into a beautiful work of art.
3. LOVE!
Imagine enjoying your custom artwork with pride and love, remembering the stories that are told through the painting every day.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions.
What is a painted portrait?
A painted portrait combines photography and painting together. Using a modern hybrid mixed media approach, I blend a variety of mediums and tools, including electronic brushes, a digital tablet, and traditional artists' oils and glazes.
Each painting commission begins with one or more reference images and is transformed into a work of art, initially on the computer using a painting software, to deconstruct and to rebuild the image, stroke by stroke, as a hand-painted rendering. Following the initial rendering, the painted portrait is transferred to canvas and is enhanced with oils, textures and glazes. In the end, you'll have a painting you'll love!
How are you different from a traditional artist?
While a traditional fine artist starting from a blank canvas has extraordinary talent, there are times that a pet's likeness may not carry through to the end. With the traditional arts, there is always the chance that a finished painting might not actually look like them. Why take the chance that your painting not be exactly the way you expect?
Modern tools today allow us the advantage of electronically compositing and constructing the ideal reference image long before the first stroke begins. The reference image I use for any given painting might come from a combination of multiple images blended together. You'll be able to have the painting you always wanted and be able to see the progress along the way.
What does a painting cost?
Simple head & shoulder paintings which are ideal for one subject, such as a child or a pet, are available for $1200-1600. Most custom paintings on canvas range from $2200-5900 or more and vary in investment based on size, scale and complexity. Together we'll determine where you will display it and what is the proper size to enjoy it everyday.
For portrait paintings that depict a 3/4 length, have more than one subject, or include a complex background, I often suggest a size starting at 16x20" or 20x24". For full length portraits, it is not uncommon to scale your finished painting at 30x40" or larger. Often the size and composition is determined by where you plan to hang the work of art.
For a classic head & shoulders portrait painting of a single subject, the petite 12x12" size is a scale for a charming portrait that conveys the personality of an individual child.
How do I know if my photograph will work as a painting?
Great question! The best plan is to email or text your photograph (sometimes a few reference photos are helpful) and we'll discuss which would make a great painting.
You may be surprised by what can work as a reference photo. Even with those less-than-perfect photographs, beautiful paintings can emerge. Before dismissing any photos as not being worthy, please share them to bobbie@bobbiebush.com. I'll typically get back to you the same day.
How long does it take?
Great question.
It varies depending on the number of commissions I am working on at the time. In most cases, commissions take 6-12 weeks to allow for revisions, proper dry time and/or framing. Some commissions can be turned around sooner if there is a special occasion that needs to be met!
How the studio differs from traditional painters.
The painted portrait technique is a modern alternative to traditional oil paintings.
Each painting commission begins with one or more reference images and is transformed into a work of art, by blending photography and painting together, through the use of a painting software as the chosen medium. This mixed media approach combines a variety of tools, from modern electronic brushes to traditional artist's oils and glazes.
What sets the studio apart from a traditional painting studio is that, since the paintings are based directly on a reference image, the painting will always carry your pet companion's likeness and unique personality all the way through to the finished work.
Why take the chance that your painting is not exactly the way you expected?
More Questions Answered.
I have digital files from a photo shoot, can you paint from that?
Yes, as long as we have permission. If you have images that were taken by a professional photographer, United States copyright laws require that I obtain written permission. I have created some beautiful paintings from images taken by others, and as long as permission is granted, then yes!
How do I know if my photograph will work as a painting?
Great question! The best plan is to email or text your photograph (sometimes a few reference photos are helpful) for me to look at and evaluate if it will make a great painting. I'll typically get back to you in a day or two.
What if my photo is not great quality?
You may be surprised what can work as a reference photo. Even with less-than-ideal quality photographs, beautiful paintings can emerge. Before dismissing a photo as not being worthy, send it over for a free review.
Why is your process better?
While a traditional fine artist starting from a blank canvas has extraordinary talent, there are times that a person’s likeness may not carry through to the end. With the traditional arts, there is always the chance that a finished painting might not actually look like the person. Why take the chance that your painting not be exactly the way you expect?
Is this just a filter or effect?
Not at all. Each painting is a labor of love, with extensive handwork, stroke by stroke, using an electronic brush and tablet, followed by a series of hand-applied oils & glazes using traditional artists' brushes that bring out a rich texture and the feel of an original oil painting.
Do you use oil on all the paintings?
Most but not all paintings. A number of commissions I create are able to emulate the distinct look, feel and visual texture of a real painting even without the final application of oils. Some of the painted portraits I create for clients are stunning even without the additional layers of oils & glazes. From time to time, a client may not have the luxury of waiting the additional weeks necessary for traditional oil paints to cure prior to delivery.
What Clients Have to Say...
"Worth Every Penny."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I have thousands of photographs on my phone and yet none that were quite special enough to say "this is my James". Then I came across Bobbie and the paintings that she creates from snapshots and fell in love! I knew right away this is what would show him how special he is to me. When the painting arrived in the mail, he jumped up and down screaming "It is ME! It is James! Worth every penny spent! Thank you Bobbie for melting my heart with this beautiful painting."
-Jeanine
"Absolutely Perfect."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I cried when I saw it. It's like Lily is right here. I realize how perfect it is. Absolutely perfect. I can't thank you enough."
-Marybeth
"A Lifelong Memory."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. She absolutely loved the painting. You made this a lifelong memory and we are thrilled. Everyone involved praised your amazing abilities."
-Dr. Kashefi
"Magnificent."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Your paintings are more realistic than most other artists I had looked at. Working together was a great experience, as you communicated every step of the way. Seeing the finished product is really very exciting. It's magnificent."
-Grand Master Maggio
"So Full of Life!"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Bobbie Bush is amazing. Professional, personal and her work is amazing. She did portraits of my two dogs and they are so beautiful and full of life! I love having them hang in my dog training area. She was easy to work with and kept in touch throughout the whole process."
-Sarah
Like what you see?
Just click any gold button to inquire. We begin with a discovery call to learn more about who you have in mind to celebrate in a painted portrait and why they are important.
Only 5 commissions accepted a month.
Will yours be one of them?