Impressionist portrait of a beautiful young woman with black hair and brown eyes on a dark green background painted by Talya Johnson Impressionist portrait of a beautiful young woman with black hair and brown eyes on a dark green background painted by Talya Johnson

To Paint is to
Love Again

It’s only when we look with eyes of love that we see as the painter sees. His is a love, moreover, which is free of possessiveness. What the painter sees he is duty-bound to share. Usually he makes us see and feel what ordinarily we ignore or are immune to. ~Henry Miller

Talya Johnson: Modern Portrait Artist of Contporary Impressionist Portaits

Fine Art Portraiture

Commission A Portrait: Process

Before committing to the commission process, I will ask my client or person being painted to review my portrait gallery in detail to ensure they are familiar with my work, art style and general aesthetic. There is a 50% non-refundable deposit due after our initial consultation, and before our photo session. I will make sure our agreement and time-table is in writing and that I have a good photograph or sketched composition of my subject in hand. If you are supplying me with your own photographic references, rather than having me complete the photo shoot, I will need a copyright release from the original photographer. The remaining balance of portrait project is due upon completion and approval of the finished painting, prior to delivery or shipping. In general, a small oil painting will take anywhere from 8-12 weeks to complete. The finished portrait generally needs 10-12 weeks to dry. It's important to note that the artistic process of painting your loved one cannot be put on a timeline. I've had a portrait painting come together in just a few hours and I've had another original portrait take over a year. I will keep you updated of my progress. Discourse is often critical to my process and practice in creating the perfect final portrait.

A note about a posthumous portrait painting. I've painted several memorial portraits of loved ones who have passed on. I consider these opportunities a sacred honor. In these cases, acquiring the right reference photo or photos is imperative. Please understand that while I want to be able to paint every loved one. I cannot create successful portrait from a poor reference material. 

Impressionist oil portrait painting of little girl punting resting her chin on her hands by contemporary impressionist portrait artist Talya Johnson
Impressionist Portrait

the right artist

Before committing to the commission process, I will ask my client or person being painted to review my portrait gallery in detail to ensure they are familiar with my work, art style and general aesthetic. This will help ensure that I am the right artist for your commissioned painting. My style is loose and painterly. I often use bright colors, and informal poses. I am always happy to recommend other local artists for your special painting if I feel I am not the right fit.

Using reference photos

There is a 50% non-refundable deposit due after our initial consultation, and before our photo session. I will make sure our agreement and time-table is in writing and that I have a good photograph or sketched composition of my subject in hand. If you are supplying me with your own photographic references, rather than having me complete the photo shoot, I will need a copyright release from the original photographer. The remaining balance of portrait project is due upon completion and approval of the finished painting, prior to delivery or shipping.

How long does it take?

In general, a small oil painting will take anywhere from 8-12 weeks to complete. The finished portrait generally needs 10-12 weeks to dry before varnishing. It's important to note that the artistic process of painting your loved one cannot be put on a timeline. I've had a portrait painting come together in just a few hours (2 hour portraits) and I've had another original portrait take over a year. I will keep you updated of my progress. Discourse is often critical to my process and practice in creating the perfect final portrait.

Affordable Portraiture

As a portrait painter, I believe all people should have the opportunity of being seen, heard, and reflected back in a compassionate artistic manner. I've had many portrait sitters express how they felt validated and empowered through the process of sitting then viewing their painted portrait. ~Tali

Commissioned Portrait Pricing Guidelines

Small Casual head and shoulder portrait or custom painting

A full-color oil painting or pastel painting is created on hardboard, or choice of cotton or linen canvas mounted on hardboard. Sketches and duotones are painted on media specific paper. A color study, drawing, and all small casual portrait paintings include the following:

  • Free 30 minute consultation
  • Single head and shoulder portrait with a simple background, working from approved customer photo
  • Minimum for a small portrait or custom painting is 11x14 inches at $1000 and includes a 2-hour sitting, if desired.
  • Free US shipping. International shipping 15% of painting cost plus duty tax.
  • For live sittings, artist travel within the Portland, Oregon TriMet and Salem area included.

Duatone/Study prices for oil, charcoal, pencil, pastel, ink, or watercolor working from customer photos are priced at $5 per square inch for the final painting.

Medium corporate half length portrait or custom painting

Medium portraits and custom painting are painted in oils or pastels on hardboard or stretched canvas/linen and include the following:

  • Free 30-minute consultation
  • 3-hour sitting (these can be broken up into two different sittings) or a photo session
  • Single head and shoulders to half length portrait including hands if desired
  • A few personal details in the environment/background. Please note this does not include pets. If you would like your pet painted into the portrait additional costs apply.
  • Free shipping to US. International shipping 12% of painting cost plus duty tax.
  • Artist travel within the Portland, Oregon TriMet. *Artist travel expenses to outside Portland TriMet or Salem area will be added to price.
  • 16x20 inches starting at $2600
  • 18x24 Inches starting at $3000

Large legacy three quarter to full length portrait or custom painting

Larger works and custom painting are painted in oils or pastels on hardboard or stretched canvas/linen and include the following:

  • Free one hour consultation, 4-hour sitting (these can be broken up into two different sittings) and a photoshoot
  • Single three-quarter portrait to full length portrait including hands and feet if desired
  • Specific detailed environment/background
  • Free shipping to US. International shipping and handling is 10% of painting cost plus duty tax.
  • Artist travel within the Salem or Portland, Oregon TriMet area. *Artist travel expenses to outside Portland TriMet will be added to price.
  • 24x36 inches starting at $5000
  • 30x40 inches starting at $6000

Professional Grade Materials

Reputable modern portrait artists will use archival materials. A custom portrait and oil painting by Talya Johnson is created using strictly professional grade artist pigments (oil paint) on archival papers, hardboard, canvas, or linen to ensure the longevity of the artwork.

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