Can anyone shed some light on the amount of time an artist should allow for completion of a portrait? I know that every artist is different, some may take longer on a specific piece than another. Do you take several commissions at one time and work on them at various stages, or take a commission, complete it, then start another? I realize that a portrait done in oil (painted in layers) takes significantly longer to dry than a pastel portrait that takes no time to dry. What then?
As a new professional, I'm finding it difficult to juggle the commissions I'm receiving (thank goodness I have new commissions
). and judging the time these pieces will be (or rather should be) completed. I'm also feeling rushed by the clients to be finished in time for Christmas.
Is there a "rule of thumb" for turn around time for portraits? How long should it take? Thanks in advance for the input.