Portrait Artist Cyril Coetzee
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Portrait Artist - Cyril Coetzee

The Commissioning Process

I am able to paint portraits entirely from good quality, photographs though I do find it helpful to meet the sitter, even if it is a brief online video meeting. In cases where I am able to meet the sitter face-to-face, I like to do a series of photographs and some sketches which I will then selectively use to complete the commissioned painting. I am always willing to travel to the sitter, though this does affect the cost.

A close likeness of the sitter is a hallmark of my work and I am able to paint either with a ‘looser’ handling showing more brush mark, or alternatively using a technique which is more detailed and ‘polished’.

At the time of the initial sitting I discuss appropriate clothing, lighting, setting and other props with the sitter, who is then invited also to be involved in the selection of photos or sketches to be used. All paintings are oil on canvas, and the dimensions vary, depending on the requirements. Delivery will be arranged on completion of the portrait and I am happy to assist with framing advice should the client require it.
Contact Cyril

Price

If you wish to commission a portrait please be in touch with Cyril regarding prices. There are several factors that may influence price and these are individually discussed with each client. WhatsApp Cyril at 084 760 2092 or email info@cyrilcoetzee.com

  • Head & Shoulders (30” x 24”) £ 7 000.00
  • ¾ Length (40” x 32”) £ 11 000.00

    (up to and including hands)

  • Full-length (60” x 48“) £ 14 000.00
  • Head & Shoulders (75cm x 60cm) €8 500.00
  • ¾ Length (100cm x 80cm) €12 500.00

    (up to and including hands)

  • Full-length (150cm x 120cm) €16 500.00
  • Head & Shoulders (75cm x 60cm or 30” x 24”) $10 000.00
  • ¾ Length (100cm x 80cm or 40” x 32”) $15 000.00

    (up to and including hands)

  • Full-length (150cm x 120cm or 60” x 48“) $20 000.00
Contact Cyril

Commissioning Old Master Copies

Price is dependent on various factors, such as the size of the painting to be copied, the amount of detail in the original old master painting, and turn-around time. Please contact us on info@cyrilcoetzee.com and we can discuss the possibilities. A 50% deposit reserves a place on the waiting list and holds the current quoted price. Painting will commence once the deposit has been paid. Framing, shipping, import duties, crating, insurance and sales tax, if applicable, are not included.
Albrecht Dürer - Self-Portrait - 1500 - Alte Pinakothek

Frequently Asked Questions

This depends on the experience and professionalism of the artist, the size of the painting, the level of finish requested, all of which determine time spent. Various artists charge different prices. Amateur artists charge less because they have less experience and are less established in the market. Professional artists with an academic training, who perhaps have won awards, or been acclaimed in the media or who have painted high profile sitters will charge a comparably higher fee.
Prices is relative to the profile of the artist, the quality of the work delivered, level of experience of the artist, professionalism in terms of punctuality and track-record.
The quality of the work will be apparent from the artist’s other work. Their reputation, the kind of exposure they have received and the profile of the people painted will indicate their calibre.

The quality of the final painting and its lifelike quality depends on the skill and experience of the artist, not on whether it is painted from life or from photographs. Some painters like to paint from life, since there is a degree of ‘getting to know the sitter’, and because of a traditional expectation. Other artists prefer to paint from photographs because it is more convenient for the sitter and because it is not always possible to paint from life, especially in the case of children, or sitters who are very busy, or subjects who are deceased.

The brush marks are more visible, the edges are softer, it is more ‘impressionistic’, and the shapes of colour are more atmospheric and less defined. Some people prefer a looser handling, and others prefer more polish.

There are crisper edges, the surface is smoother, and the brush marks and shapes of colour are finer and more detailed. Some people prefer a looser handling, and others prefer more polish.

If the artist is a reputable and experienced professional, this should not occur. However, in the event that someone is unhappy with an aspect of a portrait painted by a professional and reputable artist, the artist should always be accommodating and consider the complaint of the patron. If the patron has a reasonable request to alter a painting, because the portrait does not adequately resemble the sitter, then the artist should be willing to adjust the painting.