Portrait commissions have a long tradition in the South and eastern parts of the United States. In the quest for permanence in an unstable world, portaiture has reentered the American psyche, in part, fueled by recent museum exhibitions of the American Impressionists such as John Singer Sargent, William Merritt Chase, James McNeill Whistler, Frederick Frieske and others. Tirage Gallery presents the following portfolios of nationally recognized, experienced portrait painters who are currently accepting commissions. Commission prices are exclusive of travel expenses, framing, shipping and applicable taxes. Portrait commissions usually take two to three months to complete after meeting with the subject and agreement on the contract terms and specifications.

Arthur Egeli

Arthur Bjorn Egeli is descended from a prominent family of noted artists. He is the grandson on portrait painters Lois Baldwin Egeli and Bjorn Egeli, who painted the official portraits of Nixon and Eisenhower. His parents, Joanette and Cedric Egeli are among the most sought after portrait painters in the United States. He is the Grand Nephew of cartoonist Robert Baldwin, Nephew of Artists Peter Egeli and Carolyn Egeli and Mary Lois Ekros.

He fused his color training with Impressionist Henry Hensche and figurative studies with his father and grandfather to a unique style of portraiture, often executed en plein air. In 2001 Arthur received the Award of Merit from the American Society of Portrait Painters and the William Schultz Award for Oil from the American Impressionist Society.

All of Arthur Egeli's portraits are approximately life size and he works from a combination of sittings and photographs. The first session is a collaborative effort with the client. Together they determine the setting wardrobe, the use of indoor or outdoor lighting. These should reflect the unique qualities of the subject and forever capture his or her personality and style. Mr. Egeli takes a series of photographs exploring the different possibilites and shares them with the client. Once Mr. Egeli and the client agree on the pose, the size of the portrait is determined. Mr. Egeli then returns to his studio to execute the painting. If needed, Mr. Egeli may ask for a final sitting to finish the portrait.

The process takes a minimum of three months from the time of the first sitting. Portrait prices are exclusive of travel fees (if needed) and begin at:

• Child - Head & Shoulders: $5000.
• Child - 3/4 Length: $8500.
• Child - Full-length: $10,000

• Adult & Teen - Head & Shoulders: $10,000.
• Adult & Teen - 3/4 Length: $14,000.
• Adult & Teen - Full-length: $16,000