A Blend of Old Styles and New Technology

Each portrait begins with a meeting to discuss in detail the client’s expectations for the finished painting. Once the necessary decisions have been made, such as the degree of formality, setting and subject’s clothing, a time will be scheduled to take photographs.

I take numerous photos using a high resolution SLR type digital camera. Together, my client and I will select the best images to use as reference material for the portrait. It may be necessary to digitally combine two or more photos for optimal results. From this point, an interesting composition is created and the color is corrected on the computer. Often I familiarize myself with the intricacies of the subject’s facial features by making a detailed graphite drawing or monochromatic oil study.

Once I am ready to begin painting, I carefully draw the subject in position on the canvas. I execute the painting while viewing the digital image displayed on my computer monitor as I can see color nuances and shadow detail more accurately than from a printed photo. This technique provides many of the advantages of working from a live model but with much greater convenience for my client. Each portrait takes numerous painting sessions and twenty- five to forty hours to complete. I paint using a layering method which has been utilized by portrait painters for hundreds of years. Each successive layer brings a greater degree of beauty and accuracy.

As the portrait nears completion, I consult with my client regarding minute adjustments to ensure that a perfect likeness is achieved. When my client is completely satisfied, the painting is finished. If desired, I will be glad to assist with frame selection.