Artist Process:

Laura Tryon Jennings refers to her portrait paintings as "Essence Portraits" as the figures are set in a scene that represents their true personality and surroundings.  These paintings focus on the client’s surroundings and seize the true essence of the subjects.  Jennings meets with her clients in the environment they would like to be painted, so she can feel the atmosphere.  It's important for her to meet with her subjects to find out what’s really important to them and bring all of their energy and nuances into the painting.  She works with her client to find how to represent their individuality and the feeling they want to create.  The client and Jennings come up with creative ways to incorporate items representing people or pets not able to be in the painting.  Some clients choose to have a series of paintings done every couple of years as their children grow, with the intent of giving each of their children a piece from the collection.  A unique and poignant way to ensure those everyday intimate moments — ones often overlook — are captured for eternity.  In a recent interview discussing her commissions, Jennings stated, “Catching someone’s essence on canvas is very exciting. It’s fun to capture someone’s unique stance or mannerism in a setting where they feel most comfortable, typically surrounded by everyday objects that mean so much to them."  She takes several photographs of the figures in their environment and uses them as guides while painting the piece in her studio.  The client does not view the photographs or any of the progress of the painting.   Commissions typically take between three to six months, but can possibly accommodate something sooner depending on her schedule.  On occasion she will work from the client's photograph depending on the content.

About the Artist:

Jennings has been painting "Essence Portraits" for 20 years.  She typically accepts a limited amount per year.  Some of her collectors include Joan Lunden, Bruce Hornsby, Mary Higgins Clark, Harvard University, Fogg Museum (painting archived), Blue Cross Blue Shield, University of Southern Indiana, , HLM Venture Partners, and Merrill Lynch.

Travel:

Travel to client’s home is vital part of each commission.  Jennings will travel throughout the U.S. for commissions, in order to attain an accurate sense of the person and their surroundings.  The client covers travel and accommodation (mid-level hotel) costs.  Sometimes clients get together and split the cost of air fare, accommodations and the original client gets a 10% discount on their painting.

Financial Agreement:

A 45% non-refundable deposit is due upon agreement.  The remainder is due upon completion of the commission. Pricing is estimated as it's dependent on complexity, detail, number of figures, and pets.  Below are the most common sizes.  Other sizes are available.

Full Color Oil Painting Estimated Pricing: 

16" x 20"........$2900-$3900 (typically this size is done with one figure)

24” x 36”………$5,100-$7,300

30” x 40”………$7,200-$9,000

36” x 48”………$8,900-$12,500

48” x 60”………$11,000-$17,000

Outlined Painting Estimated Pricing:

(example of style: "Wonderment")

16" x 20"........$650-$900

18" x 24"........$800-$1,200

24” x 36”………$1,100-$1,400

30” x 40”………$1,500-$1,900

36” x 48”………$1,900-$2,500

48” x 60”………$2,900-$3,900

All paintings are oil on canvas.   Oil on linen is available for a few hundred dollars more depending on size.