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Ordering a portrait can be a bit intimidating for some, so I would like to explain the process to you. Perhaps this will help you along, and you can finally get that painting you have been thinking about.
Firstly, it's important that you choose an artist that paints in a style you really love. This might change over time, so make sure it is how they are currently working. At the moment, I make fairly loose and sketchy portraits with oil paints on paper, with the paper showing through in large areas. If you do not like this, do not choose me.
If you do like how I paint, I would absolutely love to work with you! So now you need to choose a photo to use. And if you can't choose one, I recommend sending me several photos, so I can suggest which one is most suitable as a painting reference.
You can choose a head shot, or a full or partial body view. As with my painting of grandpa Øistein out skiing. Showing the person doing a favorite activity, like skiing, gardening, cooking, watching tv etc, can be a very nice way to show more of their personality.
After we agree on a photo, I make a quick sketch for you, suggesting a composition or two. Here we also decide if you want to include a loose background, or keep it very clean. It can be very powerful to have a bust like portrait, like the portrait I made of Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
When we agree on a nice composition, I start painting. And when I am almost done, I will send you a picture of it, so that you can propose some final adjustments, before we leave it to dry. It should be dry enough to ship in a week or so.
The paintings are shipped rolled up, to keep cost low, and the paintings safe. Tracked packages with insurance, is now only NOK 135 within Norway, NOK 312 to Europe, and NOK 348 to the rest of the world. (January 2025)
The painting comes rolled with an acid free backing that you keep with it when framing it. It is always important to frame paintings like this with some space between the glass and the oil paint. You can either use a mat board or mount, called passepartout here in Norway, or a spacer that you attatch to the glass, behind the edge of the frame.
A spacer is used when you want the paper to fill the whole frame. It can be a strip of mat board or foam board. It is important that everything that is touching the painting is acid free though. A frame shop or framer will gladly help you with this if you are unsure of what to use.
If you live in the Oslo area and are able to collect the painting from my studio, I offer to frame it, and have it ready to hang upon collection.
I hope this helped, and if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail.
However, if you are ready to start the process, you can order your portrait painting here.
I am looking forward to working with you!
- Elisabeth
