My process for commissioned portraits:
 

I find it works best both for myself and for the subject to work from photographs, and I usually insist on taking them myself, to ensure I have all the information I need. I do paint from existing photographs as well, if the photo meets a few conditions. I am always open to discuss this with you.
 

As a first step, I would meet the person who will be portrayed if possible. I always prefer to get to know each other a little, discuss the aspirations for the painting and take photographs. I’ll then use these photos set up the painting.

For large sized compositions, I can work up a few sketches of different composition ideas to show you. With these we can discuss which is preferred for the final piece and make any adjustments needed. Sometimes this means that I will come and meet you again, take more photos and work up new sketches until we are all content, at which stage I’ll move on to the final painting. I find this is a good process to keep communication open throughout, and to ensure there are no unexpected surprises at the unveiling.