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However, there are all kinds of portraits, and for me the most important aspect is producing something that represents the sitter in a dignified manner, be it formal, informal, or humorous. The main purpose of a portrait is to bring pleasure and fond memories to those who commissioned it.
I like to meet with my prospective collector for about an hour in person or by phone for preliminary discussions. During this time, I try to get a good idea of what is required, including the function or purpose of the portrait, the spirit or mood of the work, the artistic style preferred, where it will hang, and its size… and of course, the budget. A commission is a mutual process, with the collector having input and approval all the way along.
Because of distances involved, I usually work from a series of professional grade high-resolution photographs rather than in-person sittings. These days, many people are more comfortable and familiar with sitting for a photographer for a matter of minutes than with a painter for a matter of hours. Prominent people who are used to being in control of most situations may stiffen at the sitting, but my job is to build rapport between us.
After an initial discussion and sitting, I produce several small studies for approval. If there is a need for any small changes, it is much easier to do them at this stage, before moving up to the full-size canvas. This also relieves the element of doubt and anxiety over the appearance of the final portrait, which of course I want everyone to be pleased with and proud to hang. When everyone is happy, I move up to the final canvas.
Portraits and other commissions often take several weeks or months to complete, depending upon the scope of the work and the collector's availability. In most circumstances, all of the studies and preliminary drawings in a commission will become the collector's to keep. I mention this because many are under the misconception that purchasing an original artwork automatically conveys reproduction rights to the work. With all original artworks, I provide a sales contract and certificate of authenticity to establish provenance and secure the investment value of the piece.
To discuss commissioning a work by Brian Wilkes, please contact the artist directly using any of the contact points on this website.
For his first commission, Dr. Lucas Steele wanted an exterior of his dental clinic - conveniently located directly across the street from my studio! I created eight studies in varying styles, and he settled on this Expressionist approach. I also cited peer-reviewed studies on what makes waiting room patients feel most at ease, and incoporated those factors into the artwork. The seemingly radom brushstrokes aare arranged to draw the eye toward the front entrance, reinforcing the feeling that the patient is safe, secure, and exactly where they are supposed to be.
For his wife Taylor's birthday, Dr, Steele chose a commission based on this non-standard photo of his two children making mischief, which will doubtlessly be used to embarrass them in the future! A more realistic approach in style, I included the collector in decisions and changes along the way until he was delighted with the result.