A commissioned portrait by a well-trained portrait artist such as Dan Rogers is vastly more moving than a piece of art you pick out at a gallery. The benefits of hiring an artist to complete a custom painting are vast. A custom portrait holds sentimental value. It captures an image that is dear to you. It honors the individual portrayed.  It captures the feelings you have toward that person. It reflects the person’s personality. It allows that person to live on and touch the people that view the art for generations to come.

The risks you take when commissioning a portrait can be limited to virtually none as long as you hire an artist that is as well-trained and skilled as Dan Rogers, and as long as you understand the process and when it is crucial to contribute your feedback to the artist. If you are serious about adding a priceless treasure to your art collection, please read this section carefully. By following a few simple guidelines, you will be able to commission a portrait that will be cherished by its owner.

An Enjoyable Process That Ensures Satisfaction

Client Interview
For commissioned artwork it’s very important to understand from the beginning what the client would like to see or feel when viewing the finished work. Therefore the creative process begins with an in-depth conversation to get to the heart of the subject and the client’s wishes. This is the first of two crucial steps to make sure you will be delighted with the final painting.

Photo-shoot
A 2-hour photographic session is then scheduled and travel arrangements are made. During the photo-shoot a digital camera and lighting equipment are used to capture references of the subject while exploring various poses, views, backgrounds and lighting arrangements. Measurements of the space in which the painting will be displayed, color notes and composition notes will also be recorded.

Initial Drawing
Dan then returns to his studio. An initial charcoal drawing is applied to the canvas and a photograph of the drawing is sent to the client for approval. The client is allowed one round of revisions to the drawing without an increase in the quote. This is the second of two crucial steps to make sure you will be delighted with the final painting.

Painting
Once the initial drawing is approved, Dan will spend the next few weeks to months painting the portrait. The time it takes will depend on the complexity and size of the piece. Major revisions are extremely difficult after the painting has been completed, so it is vital that you express your true feelings during the client interview and drawing phases. If a revision to the painting is necessary, this can be negotiated.

Framing
Clients can choose to handle the framing themselves, or to have the artist pick out a frame that compliments the portrait.

Shipping
The final painting is packed with great care and shipped via Fedex. If the client is local to the Chicago area Dan will deliver the final painting personally.

Enjoy
Once delivered, the painting will add tremendous beauty to the room in which it resides. It will be a valuable and wise investment. Dan Rogers is committed to enriching the lives of his clients with a work of art they can enjoy for years to come. His disciplined process allows his clients to guide the work accordingly to ensure they cherish the final piece.