A Painted Portrait

Welcome , this is a small  temporary site with some good basic information that I hope will be helpful . If you have any questions about commissioning a painting, I do my best to return all phone calls!

 I paint  custom portraits of people and their family pets.  I work in pastel, watercolor and acrylic.

another portfolio can be seen at www.creativewilmington.com/mcduffie

If  you would like to have a painting . It is a pretty easy procedure. There is no charge to look at your photographs and to go over any ideas you may have.  I need a good quality photograph, or I can take the photographs myself. This usually takes about an hour or more as I take quite a few. There is a  $50 -$75 charge for the photo session.(depending on number of sitters.) I also give you the photographs at portrait completion.

Step 1. Basic client consultation:  During this time we will discuss the subject, placement, or composition, size of portrait, the general spirit of the piece, the pricing, where it will be placed in the home. You are welcome to look through my portfolios and see origional work.
Step 2. A photo session: This is painless, and typically a good time!     

Step 3. Photo review: Sketches can  be presented to client for approval, and first payment is due. Usually a third of the  total cost.
Step 4. After I begin the work, and I am about a third of the way through, I like for the client to see where I'm at with the painting and recieve another third of the payment. I can email Photos or client can visit studio. I work from my home   in Rocky Point off Hwy.117 (near the old Pauls Place)  approximately 15 mins from Market Street Wilmington when heading North on I40.

Step 5. When your piece is finished, I'll have you look at it again for final approval. At this time if  there are any minor changes that need to be made such as a lighter shade of eye color for example, this can be easily adjusted. I am happy to make changes to insure that you are very pleased with your painting. I collect the balance at this time.  These procedures help to guarantee a great final outcome, as you have been part of the process and  have seen the work evolve over time , and are not surprised by something you havent intended at the end. I love what I do and want you to be excited to take your painting home. 

Please note that all procedures are approximate.  I am aware of busy scheduels and try and make adjustments for them.  And again if photos  are not taken by the artist, the customer may provide a good clear image that will be returned upon portrait completion.

Price Estimation:

• Domestic Pet Portraits - $350 for head and shoulders (16x20 - 18x24 ) or $600  and up for full body.
• Children & Adults - $800 -900 for head and shoulders (16x20 - 20x24)..(with torso)  3/4 portrait w/ hands (18x24-24x36) $12-1800, Full body ,special pricing  may be determined by size. of image but typically a  20x24-30x40 is $1500 plus. Additional charges may apply for complexity of work ,(detailed backgrounds and landscapes.for example) NC taxes ,and framing , and shipping charges as needed. Multiple subjects (20% -50%off) each additional  subject depending on how they are placed in the composition.  (no charge for your one pet in a painting with 3 or more subjects)
• Charcoal portraits , monochromatics or siennas- starting at $300 for pets and $450 for children and adults
• Above all the technical conciderations that make a good portrait , whether it be a beloved pet,  intutive painting or a precice childs portrait, my intentions are to infuse each one,with energy, color and  life enhancing qualities that  mirror the spirit of each unique personality.  I enjoy working with kids and pets and taking the photographs myself can help to get to know the subject. I want each portrait to be my best work possible.  Completion time for a (head&shoulders ) portrait is 3-5 weeks, larger portraits 3months unless several subjects may take up to 6 months or more . I paint quite a few portraits as a gift , for birthdays,  Mothers Day and Christmas , so please plan early.                            For questions contact Deborah McDuffie directly at (910) 612-8373 or (910) 675-3757. also for more pictures www.cwilmington.com/mcduffie

My other site, www.deborahmcduffieart.com, is currently under construction.