Commission

Fee/Commissions, Testimonials,
Portrait Procedure, and Questions

Martha

I (the artist) will come to your home or office to paint in your personal surrounding or invite you to have a session at the studio. I will encourage a portrait session and a photo shoot to gather information, and this will generally last a day. I will require preliminary sketches, making a color composition study to show you (client) for approval. The work of art is then created, time of completion is discussed.

The visual design will start with a Head and Shoulders or Half Length with Hands or Full Length. Three major positions with many variations of poses.

All paintings are completed with the finest grade materials and painted on linen canvas, created in the time-honored tradition of classical painting. Painting with one focus, you.

Framing: My reputable framer has quality frames at reasonable prices. If you would like to use my framer, please let me know during the consultation. I would be honored to assist you with any design that would complement the painting. Details will be discussed that relate to the finished painting when it is complete. The frame is a cost, not include in the painting fee.

Fee: Each portrait is priced individually to suit the client's needs. The pricing of the work of art depends on the size and complexity of the content and subject matter. In consideration of the artist's services, the purchaser shall pay the artist the total purchase price in installments, a payment schedule. Please feel free to contact the artist for pricing information and to discuss an agreement that will work for the artist and client and be followed in good faith.

"My goal is to create a one-of-a-kind work of art that will be cherished for generations."

A $200.00 non-refundable deposit will ensure your commission is placed in line for a commission work of art and will be deducted from the portrait balance. Portraits are priced by body parts and the desired complexity around the subject, including the size of the picture.

Pencil, Tri-color pencil, Charcoal, and Watercolor portraits when sitting or photographed depending on size details will be given.

All travel expenses outside a reasonable distance will be incurred by the client. Sales tax is additional where it applies.

Portraits in oil begin at $560.00. Please contact the artist for details.

Testimonials

Ron writes…
I have seen a lot of artworks in Galleries and Museums over the years. Took Art History in College as an elective. I've always been impressed and amazed by the sheer talent and artistry of my cousin since childhood, Tom possesses. There aren't many "so-called" artists blessed with his gift. I am extremely happy he saw fit to accept my commission, as I have always envied his work.

Noah writes...
The nice thing about being a living historian is that it allows me to go places and experience life from other perspectives. Sometimes it takes me to unexpected places, like the inside of an artist studio. Such was my adventure with Thomas O'Brien. I met Tom at the Chadd's Ford Days event when he asked me if I would be interested in posing for a painting. I accepted and went on a journey in a new world with Tom. While Thomas O'Brien was constructing my Ned Hector persona on canvas, he allowed me to take on the eyes and mind of the artist, in which I explored the world of an artist, creating a work of art. This painting means a lot to me. It represents a journey into a new world for me that was not understood –seeing- the patience of an artist. I became knowledgeable of Tom's artist endeavors.

Alisa writes…
I am so pleased with the results of my experience with Thomas O'Brien. He is methodical, precise and always kept me abreast of the process. I was looking for a historical-looking portrait to showcase myself as Martha Washington who is one of my main first person portrayal characters in my business "The Ladies of History". Thomas completely delivered the "look" I was going for. His prices are very fair and the process was fun. I highly recommend Thomas for any portrait painting needs.

Questions?

The best way to reach me is by email: tom@thomaskobrienartist.com

I'm Interested in a Commissioned Portrait, but I Don't Have Any Idea How to Go About It

If you are new to buying or collecting artwork, I will be more than helpful to offer you a free consultation in person or over the phone to discuss ways of making your ideas come to life.

Do You Require a Contract?

Yes! At the first sitting or during the photography session, I will ask my client to view and agree to two standard commission contracts. The first is a Procedure Agreement, and the second is the final "Work of Art" Agreement. At that time, please submit a non-refundable deposit of $200.00 of the total agreed-upon fee.

Choices?

Decisions to make between artist and client before designing a picture plane that will turn into the "Work of Art".

  • 1 Where will it hang?
  • 2 What will be the particular size of the canvas. 
  • 3 In what setting and location is he or she to be painted?
  • 4 What kind of costume will be worn?
  • 5 Talk to the sitter or do research (let the sitter talk to you)!
  • 6 Who is commissioning "the Work of Art," the Client or Purchaser?
  • 7 What is the sitter's reason for having him or her painted?
  • 8 What will be the props, location, pose, costume-etc. in the painting with the sitter?