A portrait sculpture is the single greatest way to preserve the memory and honor of a loved one, a friend or a colleague. For centuries, gifted sculptors have captured the spirit and the likeness of people from every culture who have been honored and remembered for generations.

Presidential Sculptor Keith Allen Johnson is a master at capturing the heart and likeness of his patrons in heroic proportion. The Sculptor is currently accepting a limited number of commissions for 2008 and 2009.

To commission the Sculptor:
1. CONTACT THE STUDIO: You may express your interest via e-mail, telephone, or in writing. The Sculptor will contact you by phone to discuss the project in detail. The sculptor will then ask a series of question that will help bring clarity to the project. A general completion date and price range of the portrait will also be discussed during the first contact. A full description outlining the scope and directives of the project will be sent out to you for your review along with the Commission Contract.

2. PRICING INFORMATION: There are many variables to consider when pricing a portrait sculpture such as the actual size and pose of sculpture, the length and style of the hair, hats or other adornments, clothing styles and intricacies, open or covered anatomy, design of sculpture base, etc. The following list will help give you a general price range for life-size portraiture:

Head $8,000 to $12,000

Head and neck $12,000 to $22,000

Head, neck and shoulders $22,000 to $28,000

Head, neck, shoulder, and chest $28,000 to $48,000

Full Body Portrait $100,000 to $200,000

3. OFFICIAL COMMISSION: Confirmation for the commissioning of the Sculptor is made in writing when the signed Commission Agreement (sent or e-mailed to you from the studios of K.A. Johnson) and a one third (1/3) initial payment is received by mail. Upon receipt, work on the project can begin.

4. PHOTOGRAPHS: In cases when the subject of the portrait is not available, deceased or when the project is intended to be a gift that is a surprise, the Sculptor may consider using photographs alone to create the portrait. In this case, the photographs should be detailed, well lit and of sufficient size. Depending on the pose, the photographs should include both left and right shots of: a side profile, a 1/2 angle, a frontal shot, rear 3/4, and back of poses shots. Other photographs may be requested as dictated by the pose.

5. FIRST IN PERSON APPOINTMENT: In the case where the subject person is available, arrangements can be made for the Sculptor to study the composition of the subject person and take detailed digital photographs and measurements. This appointment will be approximately 1-1/2 hours. During this appointment we will also further explore other important details of the pose such as clothing and the mood of the pose.

6. SECOND APPOINTMENT: When the sculpture is advanced to about 70% of completion in clay a second appointment may be scheduled. Additional photographs may be needed at this time. During this visit the client/subject has the opportunity to participate in the project by making creative observations with the Sculptor. This appointment is an actual sitting to make adjustments and progress the sculpture portrait on to completion. Estimated time is 2 hours.

7. FINAL APPOINTMENT: This last appointment is again an actual sitting. In most cases the portrait can be finished at this point. When both parties are satisfied with the likeness and feel of the portrait the modeling phase of the sculpture is finished.

8. SECOND INSTALMENT: To be received before proceeding to the foundry for mold making and bronzing. We will also discuss and agree upon how the sculpture is to be cast, patinated (colored) and mounted if necessary.

9. FOUNDRY WORK: The portrait sculpture is then ready to be cast at the foundry. At the initial wax stage the sculpture piece is reworked as there is some finishing required to bring the sculpture to its final perfect state prior to bronzing.

10. PATINATION & BASE: The Sculptor will supervise the patination process at the foundry and mount the sculpture portrait onto a base if appropriate.

11. DELIVERY & SHIPMENT: Final payment is due upon completion. The sculpture can then be hand delivered, shipped or arrangements can be made for pick up at the studio.