In today’s art world portrait artists are very diversified in styles and way of commission approaching. As some famous artists styles are very sketchy look, some others use a highly realistic appearances. Accordingly, the portrait commission charges are also much diversified, from few hundred dollars to few hundred thousand dollars! This big difference is mostly based on every artist fame, popularity and level of connections. Style and quality are not necessary a reflection of the cost. Lorenzo’s portraiture work bare two distinctive characteristics on the way the final portrait paintings are created. Some are done in a relatively short period of time, with a highly live setting model appearance and applying a very popular painting technique called “alla prima”.

The other portrait paintings are done in a more sophisticated fine art technique, which includes several sketch studies prior to even start on the final painting. The final portrait painting is very detailed and has a "Classic Academic" look appearance, which can be defined by some as a formal look as opposed to the more casual style on the “alla prima” portrait.

Based solely on the time consuming as well as his current price market, Lorenzo’s charges for portrait commissions are very competitive in the art world. Portraits in the modern sketchy ”alla prima" style are very popular and the cost is less than a third of the cost of a "Classic Academic" portrait.

“CLASSIC ACADEMIC”   
Sample

“Nicole” oil on canvas 16x12 inches value is $2,800

“NICOLE” portrait was done from several life drawing portrait sketches as Lorenzo got acquainted with Nicole’s facial futures and decided for the final pose. In the classical Venetian tradition, grisaille (or verdaccio) was the first color tonality applied on canvas followed by many different layers of color glazing as the painting allowed after necessary drying time. From start to finish, the painting took 2 months for completion. Created as a sample of his art of portraiture, Lorenzo proudly keeps “Nicole” painting in his studio art collection of paintings and drawings.

“ALLA PRIMA”   
Sample

“Dr. Carney, D.C.” oil on canvas 20x16 inches value is $1,200

This portrait commission was done using several photos provided by the client. Dr. Carney expressed his intention to have a portrait for his office and to have a live warm and casual appearance to the viewers. The portrait painting function was not only to decorate the wall, but also to facilitate the connection between the doctor and his clients.

“Hey, Lorenzo, my clients talk to the wall and my assistant thinks I’m watching her even when I’m not present… What did you do to me?... Just kidding! I love the portrait. It is my latest best addition to my cabinet. Everybody has something to say about the painting and that breaks the ice. Thank you, thank you! You are a great artist!" Dr. Carney

 

Following is a list of Lorenzo’s prices for drawings, pastels and “alla prima“ portrait commissions.