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Welcome
Describe the consultation.
Describe the portrait sitting.
How do I prepare for my portrait sitting?
What are the recommended ages for a portrait?
What is appropriate to wear for a portrait?
Separate or group portraits of children?
Can you paint a portrait from old family
photographs?
When ready to schedule a portrait sitting.
Client review and selection of proofs and
portrait order.
Describe the portrait delivery
How do I care for my portrait?
What if my portrait requires adjustment?
Pricing and Considerations
Matching and Complementing Portraits
How many professional Portrait Artists
are employed by ……
How many professional Staff Photographers
are employed by …..
How many professional Artist Representatives
are employed by …..
How many professionals are employed and work in the Corporate
office and other offices of …
What is the mailing address and physical address of the Corporate
office and Corporate Studio…
Welcome to LEON LOARD™
LEON LOARD™ is proud to have served thousands of oil portrait clients
in the entire southeast and nation for over 60 years. Thank you for your interest
in our portraits and we look forward to the opportunity of working with you. A second
generation family company, we are working to expand and continue the wonderful tradition
of fine oil portraiture for many generations to come.
LEON LOARD™ has become two separate companies: We are LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS
and LEONLOARDCOMMISSIONEDPORTRAITS. LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS
offers our beautiful handpainted Signature oil portraits, The Gallery Canvas™ and The Studio
Painting™. All stages of requesting a portrait can be performed in the comfort
and convenience of your home or office. From the no fee initial consultation, the
portrait sitting and portrait order to the delivery of your finished portrait, All
of our clients have the confidence that their finished portrait will be perfect knowing
that the In-Studio artists employed by LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS are full
time professional portrait painters. The entire procedure is designed to make the
portrait process rewarding and pleasant for our clients. Our history of success pleasing
clients and promoting our portraits enables the artist to concentrate on what he or
she does best - painting.
For over 60 years, LEON LOARD™ has developed an excellent reputation
for client satisfaction. Our goal for over 60 years continues today - to educate and
guide our clients with knowledge and integrity. Our priority is to ensure your investment
in an oil portrait is simple, convenient and most importantly, a perfect match to
your individual taste and budget.
LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS is dedicated to our rich history of fine oil
portraiture displayed in your home or institution. Please call us at 800.235.6273.
Describe
the Consultation
A Consultation is optional but is preferred. A LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS
Artist Representative will gladly visit your home or office to show actual portrait
samples of our Gallery Canvas™ and Studio Painting™. He/she will also share
many Before & After examples of our portraits where you see the actual client
selected proof(s) and a photograph of the actual finished portrait. You will learn
about framing options and he will describe the entire portrait process. Different
size samples will be shared and will lend insight to clients who want to visualize
the ideal size portrait. Our professional Artist Representative will warmly greet
you and will work to answer all of your questions. He will ask what you may have in
mind regarding the look and feel of your desired finished portrait. He will ask you
the location(s) you prefer to pose the subject. If you do not already have something
in mind, he will make suggestions. This information will be shared with our Staff
Photographer before the sitting. If you are unsure, our Artist Representative will
ask you to consider and make a decision before our Staff Photographer arrives for
the portrait sitting. The actual consultation ordinarily takes about 30 minutes to
one hour.
Describe
the portrait sitting
Upon arrival for the portrait sitting, a LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS Staff
Photographer will warmly greet you and will confirm with you what you may have in
mind regarding the look and feel of your desired finished portrait. He will ask you
the location(s) you prefer to pose the subject. If you do not already have something
in mind, our professional will offer suggestions. The actual sitting time with each
individual subject will require approximately 15-30 minutes depending upon the subject.
A child may allow the lesser time when due to their short attention span. A typical
sitting of a child should require approximately 30 minutes. Groups of individuals
may require more time.
Our Staff photographer will conduct the entire session and will shoot approximately
50-60+ digital images in order to ensure that he obtains a thorough composite of expression,
pose and background elements from which to select (when the proofs are shared with
the client several days to one week later-see next section). The proofs will be edited
and the top 40-50 images will be printed for the client's review.
How
Do I Prepare for My Portrait Sitting?
View this web site and our literature in order to gain ideas
about your preferred posing, clothing and background.
For clients who desire an outdoor background, it is not necessary
to conduct the sitting outdoors on a sunny day. In reality, the
quality of proofs taken indoors is far better due to our Staff Photographer's
ability to control lighting and shadows. Squinting eyes, splotchy
shadows, harsh angle of the sun, and wind can be eliminated by having
the sitting indoors. It is then the artist's job to paint in the
type of background desired by the client.
The LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS Staff photographer wants
to hear your ideas concerning posing and the feeling and look you
have in mind for the portrait. This information will be helpful
in the way our Staff Photographer conducts the sitting. However,
don't worry if you don't have ideas or requests for our Staff Photographer.
He or she will professionally conduct the session and the end result
will be a thorough composite of poses and expressions from which
you can choose.
Many clients feel that they must cancel a sitting appointment
when their child scratches his face or has a temporary blemish.
Because the oil paint used in our work is opaque, these problems
can be overcome by painting them out. We do recommend rescheduling
when swelling causes the subject's facial features to be enlarged.
When a client desires a specific background or setting, it is
not always necessary that the sitting take place in that particular
location. Most often the sitting can be done indoors and the desired
background can be painted in, as the client desires. We do recommend,
however, that if a specific piece of furniture or family heirloom
is to be incorporated as a background element, it should be posed
correctly around the subject during the sitting, or that our Staff
Photographer takes a photograph of the element.
It is not necessary to cancel a sitting if a child loses teeth
before the sitting takes place. Teeth can usually be painted in
if an awkward gap shows. If the loss of a tooth (usually a top tooth)
changes the structure of the mouth, however, the client may want
to consider waiting a while. Because our Staff Photographer usually
shoots for a more timeless and subtle expression (rather than a
toothy grin), losing teeth should not be a concern.
We recommend that our clients wait to dress their children until
our LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS Staff Photographer arrives.
Upon arrival, our Staff Photographer will require approximately
10 minutes to set up - a perfect opportunity to dress your child.
NOTICE!! In preparation for a sitting, we recommend that the
subject have a haircut if necessary at least two weeks before the
scheduled sitting to avoid the "just shorn" look. Subjects
should wear their hair as they normally do- no fancy portrait hairdos
or you won't be pleased with the proofs.
Regarding hairstyles, small changes can be made such as adding
wisps, filling in gaps and bangs, painting out stray tags of hair,
etc. We can't completely change hairstyles or lengthen hair substantially.
Certain changes can be made to clothing. Clothing colors can
be changed if the desired change is a light color to another light
color, or one dark color to another dark color. It is not possible
to change a black/dark shirt or dress to white, or a lighter color.
What
are the recommended ages for a portrait?
While all children mature differently there are certain ages
that seem most popular for children's portraiture. The most appropriate
age for a young child's portrait is between the age of 3 and 5 years.
This is the fleeting time when a child still has a "baby"
look but definitely has his own personality and character traits.
It is important that you catch your child before getting into that
"snaggletooth" stage when his features begin to change
so dramatically.
Once your child has grown out of the awkwardness of losing teeth
and possibly braces, there are many age opportunities that are appropriate
for a portrait.
What
is appropriate to wear for a portrait?
This is variable depending on the personal tastes of the client,
the degree of formality or informality of the home and the desire
for a particular look.
Girls: We suggest a simple, classic dress in light colors complimentary
to the child. White, or any of the many shades of white, ecru, or
any light color are beautiful. Visit www.StrasburgChildren.com
for more wonderful suggestions and learn of a possible store in
your area. Keep the dress simple, without extreme ornamentation,
especially around the face. Remember that you want a portrait of
a girl in a dress, not a dress with a girl in it. If a hair bow
is used, it will look best if it is small and delicate. Large bows
tend to look as if they are perched on the head and detract from
the face. Avoid patterned dresses or dresses that are trendy.
Boys: Again, the degree of formality desired will guide you somewhat.
Heirloom clothing can be worn with the younger age group if your
son does not object. Visit www.StrasburgChildren.com
for more wonderful suggestions and learn of a possible store in
your area. At this age, a sailor suit is a nice alternative to French
hand-sewn clothing in the event that your son has grown out of (or
never did wear) lace. A simple but comfortable look is a nice button
down or polo shirt with khakis or shorts. This can be dressed up
by adding a cardigan or pullover sweater. If you desire a very informal
look, sport shirts and jeans are acceptable, particularly if your
son is very outdoorsy. After all, it is your house and your painting.
We suggest you avoid a suit and tie on small boys, as they can appear
overwhelming and bulky.
Women: Again we believe classically styled clothing with simple
lines is best. This does not necessarily mean the painting will
be formal as the pose also affects the feeling of the portrait.
This helps to avoid the dated look of more trendy clothing. Clothing
should be fitted or at least trim so as to flatter your figure.
Avoid fussy, high or elaborate collars, as they will detract from
the face. Baggy or loose fitting clothing will look sloppy. Trendy
hairstyles will also date the painting, so wear it to be becoming
without screaming the era in which the painting was done.
Men: If you choose a suit, be sure it is conservative, medium
to dark in color, classic in style and well fitted. A white shirt
and a tie with some color and subdued pattern is best. Wear your
hair as you normally do, but get your hair cut about 7 to 10 days
in advance of the portrait sitting to avoid the just shorn look.
If a more informal look is desired, a button down shirt with a blazer
or sweater will give you this look along with comfortable slacks.
Separate
or group portraits of children?
Again, this is dictated by your desire to see the children together,
or you may prefer an emphasis on their individuality. Obviously,
budget comes into play. If children are painted individually, at
a future time, his or her painting can be handed down as a family
heirloom within their own family. Doing this will avoid the future
question inherent in a group portrait, "Who gets the painting?"
Can you paint a
portrait from old family photographs?
A posthumous Gallery Canvas™or Studio Painting™portrait
can be created using an existing image as a reference tool, depending
on the condition of the image itself and the clarity of the subject's
facial features. Our talented artists can create a beautiful portrait
as a lasting tribute for a family member or business leader who
is no longer living.
We often encounter situations where clients desire a portrait
of a loved one at a younger age. For instance, if you are having
a portrait of a younger child, and an older child has already
passed the desired age for a child's portrait, a beautiful portrait
can still be painted.
Our Staff will scan the respective image(s) and this image(s)
becomes the digital image basis for the to-be-painted portrait.
Then, one of our skilled artists paints the subtle digital image
that has been printed on the canvas provided from selected image(s),
ensuring a genuine likeness. Clients may elect to have a detailed
background painted depicting special elements from their home
or other described setting,
Please share your photographs with our Artist Representative
and he will assess the condition of the photograph(s)
and the clarity of the subject's facial features. Our Artist Representative
will explain what options are available to you.
When ready to schedule
a portrait sitting
Review our Portrait Sitting Schedule, click on your state and
town to view the scheduled sitting date(s) for your area and to
view a special portrait offer or frame offer for your area. From
here, you may Book A Sitting Online. Through our online booking
form, you can also pay the Portrait Sitting Fee of $150 by credit
card ($125 if fee is paid at least two weeks prior to the sitting
week) through our secure server or
If you do not wish to use our online form, call 1-800-235-6273
and press option #1 to schedule and pay for your Portrait Sitting,
with the appropriate sitting date with time in mind. Please provide
a credit card or you may send the $150 sitting fee ($125 if fee
is received at least two weeks prior to the scheduled sitting week)
as confirmation of your sitting commitment, Confirm the Portrait
Sitting location and provide directions.
Client
review and selection of proofs and portrait order
The client's review and selection of proof(s) occurs within 14
days of the portrait sitting and takes place in your home or office.
It is important that you ask questions and make as many decisions
as possible while a LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS Artist Representative
is present to assist you! - Our Artist Representative will arrive
at your home with the top 40-50 proofs photographed by our Staff
Photographer. All proofs will be graded and the best proofs will
be marked as good, excellent, etc. We believe these select proof(s)
will help make the best portrait. But, the client makes the final
proof selection, because he/she knows the client best!
Our Artist Representative will display actual portrait samples
of all types of the portraits we offer. He/she will also have a
selection of frames for your review. Portrait samples help the client
visually differentiate between the types of portraits available
through LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS. In addition, decisions
regarding size, framing, background, color usage, etc. are made
much easier by seeing actual sample portraits in your home.
LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS Artists Representatives are
very knowledgeable in all aspects of oil portraiture. It is important
that the client rely upon the artistic and technical knowledge of
our Artist Representative in selecting the appropriate proof, size,
background, and frame for the portrait. Our Artist Representative
will present all of the options available on the day of proof selection
in order to make the client feel confident and relaxed in placing
the portrait order. It is important that upon presentation of the
proofs by our Artist Representative, any family members who are
integral in the decision process be present on that day.
A 50% deposit is required upon proof selection, which completes
the portrait order. LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS accepts
Visa, Master Card, and a personal or business check. If the client
is not able to make a proof selection on the day of proof review,
a 50% deposit is required in order to leave proofs with the client.
The selected proof(s) must be returned within 2 weeks.
If the proof(s) selection is not made within 14 days of portrait
sitting, any portrait ordered will be priced at the regular price(s)
then in effect. We are exploring our storage capabilities and realize
in the future, it will be necessary to limit the amount of time
we keep portrait sitting images on file. The resulting effect will
be that if a proof(s) is not selected timely, the only option for
a portrait will be to conduct a re-sitting with another portrait
sitting fee.
In addition to making a decision regarding proof selection, size,
background, and framing on the day of proof review and selection,
it is helpful for the client to have other information ready for
our Artist Representative. For example, it is helpful to have information
on intricate detailing and coloring, such as clothing, jewelry,
and color snapshots available.
For previous clients who are matching or complementing an existing
portrait for color, background or size, please inform our Staff
Photographer that you already have a portrait from LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS.
He/she will take photographs of your existing portrait(s) to ensure
that each portrait painted in the same family is painted consistently
regarding proportion, background, values, colors and technique.
Describe the portrait
delivery
LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS is working to develop a system
that will allow us to accurately project when portraits (and frame)
will be shipped. This projected date is difficult to predict because
1) portraits may require some final fine tuning before being considered
complete and varnish/drying time may vary, and 2) we may not have
yet received a special ordered frame. Nonetheless, it is our goal
to notify each client by mail approximately 1 week prior to shipment,
that we plan to ship that particular portrait the following week.
We are unable to predict the actual day and time of shipment.
We do understand that Fed-Ex will make three attempts to deliver
a portrait. When a client is not home to receive the portrait,
a notice will be left with telephone numbers, etc. to allow each
client to call and make arrangements to redeliver, etc.
All portrait shipped are packed in a special box that protects
the portrait (and frame) during shipping. (Any photos or clothing
used as a reference for the portrait will be included in the box.)
Please save this box with packing materials for at least 30 days
(or until you are sure the portrait requires no adjustment.).
If a portrait adjustment is necessary, we request that you call
us at 800.235.6273 and press option #2, to request a call-tag
be sent to pick up your portrait. (There is no charge for adjustments
and related shipping fees.)
Larger portrait sizes are shipped by bus and are prepaid. When
a client has a larger size portrait, we will call and make arrangements
to ship, etc.
All portraits are shipped with the final balance due COD plus
shipping charges. All portraits have a shipping and handling fee
unless a client picks-up his/her portrait at our Corporate office.
You may write a check to Fed-Ex and pay the delivery person or you
may call us in advance of delivery and pay the entire balance plus
delivery charge by credit card.
Portraits are generally shipped by Fed-Ex and the price for handling
and shipping smaller portraits and frames is $60. Larger size portraits
may be shipped by bus and the fees range from $60-$100+. All portraits
have a shipping and handling fee unless a client picks-up his/her
portrait at our Corporate office.
How do I care for my
portrait?
To keep portrait free from dust and buildup, dust portrait and
frame lightly with a soft, dry cloth.
Do not use any type of cleaning agent to clean your portrait
and frame
If my portrait becomes damaged, please call our corporate office at 800.235.6273 and press option #1.
What if my portrait requires adjustment?
LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS will make every reasonable effort to satisfy our clients. Most clients are in awe when they
receive their LEON LOARD™ portrait. When viewing your portrait for the first time, be sure to stand at least 6 feet
away from the portrait. A portrait should not be scrutinized up close, but at a distance, so that the entire portrait can be enjoyed.
We ask all of our clients to live with their portrait for at least 30 days. During this period, we have learned that most portraits
tend to grow on our clients. But if aspects of the portrait continue to need adjustment, please call us at 800.235.6273 and press
option #2. We will talk with you and ask you to please write and describe all the necessary adjustments you believe exist. We
will promptly send a call tag or make other arrangements to collect the portrait and return it to our In-Studio artist and he/she
will make the necessary adjustments. Our In-Studio artist will read your comments and may call you if he/she has questions. If
you know in advance you prefer to talk with the artist, please state on your note and our In-Studio artist will call you before
beginning the portrait adjustment. There is no charge for adjustment(s) and related shipping fees.
Pricing and Considerations (Fees effective 3/1/10 - 12/31/10)
THE GALLERY CANVAS™ . . . is painted with only quality oil colors in a loose, very painterly fashion by one of our
senior, In-Studio skilled artists whom you select . . .
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| 36" x 48" |
$5,595 |
| 36" x 42" |
$5,595 |
| 30" x 40" |
$5,195 |
| 30" x 36" |
$5,195 |
| 26" x 32" |
$4,695 |
| 24" x 30" |
$4,695 |
| 22" x 28" |
$4,695 |
| 20" x 24" bust |
$3,245 |
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THE STUDIO PAINTING™ . . . primary Signature oil portrait of the In-Studio artists of LEON LOARD™ . .
. has a more photorealistic, defined and exacting quality than a Gallery Canvas™.
|
| 36" x 48" |
$3,595 |
| 36" x 42" |
$3,395 |
| 30" x 40" |
$3,095 |
| 30" x 36" |
$2,595 |
| 26" x 32" |
$2,295 |
| 24" x 30" |
$1,995 |
| 22" x 28" |
$1,745 |
| 20" x 24" |
$1,545 |
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All the prices above do not include additional background, additional
subjects, framing or shipping.
$150 sitting fee (1st subject, each additional subject is $50 additional) received before sitting date week. The fee is reduced
$25 to $125 if mailed and postmarked (or given to our Artist Representative) at least 2 weeks before sitting date week. One fee
per portrait. Fee does not apply to portrait order. Portrait order/proofs are selected within 14 days of portrait sitting. Client
may retain proofs only with portrait order. Image reproduction fee is $150.
50% portrait order paid as a deposit, when portrait order/proofs
selection is made. Balance paid when portrait is delivered.
Additional % charge(s), based on the regular portrait price, are
added to portrait order for a non-Old Masters background. E.g. Outdoor
settings, furniture, staircases, rugs, etc.
Regular portrait prices above are 50% more per each additional
subject in same portrait. Pets/animals are ordinarily 25% additional.
Portraits are generally shipped by Fed-Ex and the price for handling
and shipping smaller portraits and frames is $60. Larger size portraits
may be shipped by bus and the fees range from $60-$100+. All portraits
have a shipping and handling fee unless clients pick up his/her
portrait at our Corporate office.
The LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS Artist Representative
and Client acknowledge the projected completion time for each portrait.
When a portrait has been completed and is ready to be shipped/delivered,
client will receive a written notice stating same and balance due.
Upon this written notice, client agrees to accept portrait for delivery
when shipped and pay the balance due COD or before portrait arrives.
If client does not pay the balance due within 30 days written
notice of when the portrait is ready and balance due and no adjustments
are pending, client agrees to pay a finance charge of 1.5% (per
month) of the remaining balance for a period not to exceed 90 days.
All portrait balances outstanding for more than 90 days will be
referred to an attorney for collection. If an attorney is retained
to collect the balance due, client understands and agrees to be
responsible for related attorney fees, court costs and finance charges.
All portraits are shipped with the final balance due COD plus
shipping charges. All portraits have a shipping and handling fee
unless a client picks-up his/her portrait at our corporate office.
You may write a check to Federal Express and pay the delivery person
or you may call us in advance of delivery and pay the entire balance
plus delivery charge by credit card.
There is a $30 charge for returned checks.
Matching
and Complementing Portraits or Frames
For previous clients who are matching or complementing an existing
portrait for color, background or size, please inform our Staff
Photographer that you already have a portrait from LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS.
He/she will take photographs of your existing portrait(s) to ensure
that each portrait painted in the same family is painted consistently
regarding proportion, background, values, colors and technique.
No matching or complementing portrait will be exactly like the
previous portrait.
The color/tone of a matching frame will be similar but not identical
to the previous frame due to the frame manufacturer's procedures.
How many professional Portrait Artists
are employed by LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS?
Seven professionally trained In-Studio artists paint in our Corporate
Studio. Many years of education and training are required to paint
the Studio Painting™. More training is required to paint the
Gallery Canvas™. Four of our In-Studio artists have earned
Masters degrees, 2 have earned Bachelors degrees and 1 has an associate
degree in Fine Art. Collectively, our In-Studio artists possess
over 100 years of professional painting experience. We look forward
to serving many generations to come.
How many professional Staff Photographers
are employed by LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS?
Six professionally trained portrait photographers serve as our Staff
Photographers. They are located in various parts of the southeast
and each serves a two-state geographical area. Our Senior Staff
Photographer, Greg Johnson, also travels to other parts of the United
States for portrait sittings. Our Staff Photographers cover our
entire service area by following a portrait sitting schedule that
is planned 6-12 months in advance. Other portrait sittings are scheduled
as opportunities develop. Collectively, our Staff Photographers
possess over 100 years of professional portrait photography experience.
We look forward to serving many generations to come.
How
many professional Artist Representatives are employed by LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS?
Twelve professionally trained men and women serve as Artists
Representatives throughout the southeast. Most live in different
states and serve a 1-2 state geographical area. Arnold McRae, owner
of LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS, also travels to other parts
of the United States to visit clients and promote our growing portrait
business.
Each Artist representative has been educated and trained to be an expert in the field
of oil portraiture. All Artists Representatives possess the knowledge to help ensure
that your investment in a portrait is simple, convenient and most importantly, a perfect
match to your individual taste and budget. Our goal for over the past half-century continues
today - to educate and guide our clients with knowledge and integrity. We are thankful
for our rich history of serving clients in the southeast and many other states across
our country. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unequaled. We look forward to
serving you in the same fashion. Please call us today at 800.235.6273.
How many
professionals are employed and work in the Corporate office and other offices of LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS?
Ten professionally trained men and women serve in our Corporate office and other
offices working with clients and facilitating communication thought our company. All
customer service, sales, marketing, printing specialists, shipping, frame inventory,
business office functions and our regional computer network is based at our Corporate
office. Each staff person has been trained to provide the best portrait customer service
and satisfaction possible. We look forward to serving many generations to come. Please
call us today at 800.235.6273.
What is the mailing address (and the
physical address) of the Corporate office and of the Corporate Studio of LEONLOARDOILPORTRAITS?
Mailing address: P.O. Box 230216 • Montgomery, AL 36123
Physical address: 3018 Woodley Terrace • Montgomery, AL 36106
Thank you for your interest in our oil portraits.
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