Is Portraiture Seasonal?

[John Reidy]

I have noticed a spike in the interest of portraits this summer. I have been soliciting work since last November and am suddenly being approached by those efforts.

This brings me to my question - is portraiture a seasonal business? It never occurred to me before now but it does make some since.

Any practical experience?

[Michele Rushworth]

I know there's a thread on this subject around here somewhere. My personal experience has been that inquiries and contracts come in at all different times. One fall I had four good sized commissions come in, so I thought it had something to do with people thinking about gifts for Christmas (though my backlog is such that none of the paintings could be delivered until well into the next year.) The following fall, no new commissions came in. So who knows!

[Julie Deane]

Hi John -

Enjoy your spike - mine was this last spring, and has petered out for the nonce......I can't see any seasonal pattern at this point.

Julie