The following is a description of the stages in commissioning a sculpture. Red text is extra stages that require the construction of a model first e.g. for an abstract piece or one where the sculptor has more freedom in determining one or more of the following; subject, theme, style. Or if the piece is going to be larger than a few feet. The yellow text are stages for a sculpture that requires a likeness of an individual.
1. Discussion with client concerning objectives, subject, theme, style, size, material and estimated costs. This can be by phone or email.
2. Formal commission: you confirm to me the commission in writing by e-mail or mail and a start date and timescale agreed.
3. Submission of sculptor's idea with sketches (two or three-dimensional) to clearly show idea and appearance in the proposed setting. Discussion of sketches with client. (Five percent of approximate cost-figure to artist. Two and one-half percent to be paid at the initiation of the sketch stage and the remainder at the satisfactory conclusion of the sketch stage. (Not usually required for a portrait or bust)
4. Designing of model. During this period the sculptor will establish the exact cost of the total project, unless it has been predetermined by a budget figure. (Ten percent of the approximate cost-figure to artist. Five percent at the initiation of the model stage and five percent when the work on the model is accepted.)
You send an initial payment - usually one third of the total amount I have quoted you (minus any fees for sketches and models) and a start date is agreed on. Note: Prices for a sculpture vary according to size and the degree of detail required in the sculpture. As a rough indication, a human figure of about 30cm is approx £500 - £2000. For a lifesize portrait or bust: total cost is approx £ 3200 - 4800. For a whole figure lifesize of an adult, from GBP £16,000 - 18,000. The above prices are for a completed bronze. If an additional base of stone, wood, or other other material is required this is not included in the price as I may have to have it made elsewhere.
3. Initial appointment (if subject is to pose): of approximately one hour... I take pictures and measuments, we discuss the angle and mood of the pose. Accurate quote
4. "Fleshing out" the portrait sculpture: then I get the bust advanced to about 70% or so in clay (this is not an exact science so percentages are a complete estimate!).
5. The second appointment is an actual sitting to make adjustments and progress the sculpture portrait. Estimated time is a couple of hours minimally.
Additional travel expenses will be incured for visits to client.
Completion of the clay original. Client assesses the work. Sculptor either visits client or vis veras. For small pieces photos can be sent instead. Adjustments made as neccessary.
7. At that point I shall require a second payment before proceeding to make a mould. We will also discuss and agree how the piece is to be cast, patinated (coloured) and mounted.
8. Moulding & Casting the artwork: I will either do this myself or get the sculpture portrait cast in the foundry depending on the size, rework the piece at the wax stage (there is ALWAYS some finishing required as there is a limit to wet clay as a material and some details are best worked in the wax).
9. Patination & Base: By all means, let me know if you have a patina colour preference to suit the location where the sculpture will be placed.and mount the sculpture portrait onto a base if appropriate.
10. final third payment Delivery/Shipment: Finally, upon completion of the work in bronze, I shall either bring/ship the bronze bust to you or you can pick it up from myself. The cost of shipping will vary according to location and is also not included in the quote.