copyright 2009 janet koukol www.janetkoukol.com janet@janetkoukol.com
My intention for all my portraits is to intuit and bring forth the spirit of the person in both words and image. Portraits can serve as a daily inspiration, a reminder of our best self, the self that we would choose to be in all situations and circumstances.
When you commission a portrait, this is usually how the project proceeds: I will request that you send me a file of the picture that you wish me to work from. (please read my photo guidelines below) I then work from the photo that I receive. If you have other photos of the subject(s) that you think will give me more information about that person, I ask you to send these as well. We also will talk or email about the people involved, your relationship with them, and establish the qualities and images that you think best represent the subject(s).
We will also discuss finished size-I usually try to work to an standard frame size, (11 x 14, 16 x 20) to make framing easy and cost effective for you.
Payment is by paypal, check or money order.
When your portrait is near completion, I will email a photograph for your review. We will discuss background and other insights that I have had while working with the subject(s). I usually intuit the words that I incorporate into the final print. I intend for the words to be a daily inspiration to the subject(s) and a very real part of their daily emotional and spiritual life. I intend it to help them to see the best in themselves and to be more loving and compassionate because of their love for themselves.
Upon completion, I will either hand-deliver if in the Crystal Lake area, or USPS the the finished print. I also send the original colored pencil and ink original, which has most of the image, but not the words. Most people frame both.
The entire process takes 4 - 6 weeks. Your time on the calendar is reserved when we sign the Commission Agreement.
If you would like to commission a portrait, please see my
or email me and describe the project. I will write up a simple Commission Agreement for us both to sign, and I will begin. janet@janetkoukol.com
how to commision a portrait:
portrait prices:
Currently I charge $350 - $450 per person. Ornate costumes or other extra details cost more to include. (pets etc.)
I always include information-rich backgrounds, gathered from your description and my intuition of the subject(s). I believe these extra visuals work as important messages to the subconscious.
Payment is made 1/2 up front and 1/2 upon completion of the painting. To give you a general idea of the fee for commissions, most of my projects have been priced between $650 and $2250. Your payment includes the finished print and the colored pencil and ink original. Framing and shipping cost is not included.
Please allow approximately $15 for shipping. All work will be rolled for shipping. A 8.25% sales tax applies for illinois rsidents.
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photo guidelines:
Any photo can be turned into a portrait, but only the best photos will translate into realistic representations of the subject(s). Sunny or brightly lighted images of the individual are ideal.
I will need a clear, detailed color photograph of the subject(s), preferably taken in natural light. Please choose color photos where details of the face are clear, with plenty of gradation in the highlights, lights and shadows (not too bright or too dark). Good lighting, able to see the eyes clearly,etc. The photo you send me must be at a resolution of 150 dpi or more. ( a jpeg, tiff or photoshop psd file) - I can help you with this when we talk.
If you send me physical photos, I will return them to you with the finished work.
I do not recommend combining subjects from different photos. The light ing on the subjects' faces in different photo's is rarely the same or coming from the same direction and it results in a total lack of realism in the portrait. Memorial portraits where one of the subjects has passed away, are an exeption. I will accommodate this.
combining photos:
changes to photos:
If you are wondering about whether I can change features from a photograph, keep in mind that when it comes to facial expressions, I am limited to what I see in the photographs. I can't adjust a persons pose. I can't add a smile, turn a head to the side, change someone's weight, or add a different expression.
I can smooth out a troubled complexion. I can't remove or add eyeglasses.
In the event of needing to improve a composition, I will change the color of clothing or the relative positioning of two people, and I always take artistic license with the background and accompanying words. Please let me know if this is a problem.
portraits:
your authentic self is beautiful. love yourself into being that.
