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PEOPLE PORTRAITS

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Knowing how to go about purchasing a portrait is not always easy. I encourage people to think not only about what they want the subject to be, but how they want the subject to be portrayed. When a client hands me a picture that they want me to draw, I talk them through the following details:

What is your budget?
This is the most important question because it reveals what you are willing to put into the portrait. This will determine the size of the portrait, the detail on the background or clothing, and the medium you choose for your portrait.

What medium do you want?
Many have preferred graphite because it gives the classic black and white feel. Graphite pencil is my fastest medium because I know it so well. I have been drawing ever since I could hold a pencil. Graphite pencil comes very naturally to me, which makes it a very time efficient medium. Some portraits I have finished in 5 hours, 13 hours, 3 days, and/or a week and a half for the family portraits. This also will vary with the size and amount of subjects that are in the drawing. While there are those that enjoy graphite, there are those who are attracted to the color variation of pastel. Pastel gives a smooth surface and the ability to portray the subject in a lifelike manner. Because of the degree of layers and gradation of colors (the transition from one color to another) pastel is a medium that requires at least a two week period. I have been able to finish pastels within a week, but I would prefer, as would any artist, the buffer time. Oil paints are the most beautiful, peaceful, and challenging medium I have ever worked in. The ability to create any color I desire or need is comforting. There is no limited palette when you have any color at your fingertips. The amount of time that it takes to dry is more lengthy than other paints, but that also allows the artist time to blend the paint on canvas before it dries.

What size would you prefer?
I ask what they “prefer” because it gives me a feel for what they truly want no matter what their budget. Maybe they really want it to be a 24" x 30" but do not have the necessary expenses for a pastel. I recommend that a graphite drawing would probably be best for their budget if they do not wish to downsize. Or maybe they could come down in size to a 20" x 24".

How are you planning to frame the portrait?
If you want to go out and by a frame from A.C. Moore or Wal-Mart then it is best to save you the frustration of a custom sized portrait and choose standard sizes which will guarantee you that a matted frame will be available at your local store. This is what I recommend if you were working with a smaller budget. However if you have a custom frame shop in mind then I can work with you and together help you find a creative and personal size for your portrait.

Do you have a reference photo?
Many have their own reference photo while others will pay the extra fee to have me or my reference photographer take a photograph of the subject they want for their portrait. With any photo that you have I will have to review it. There are a few things that I require of the reference photo such as the clear detail of the eyes of the subject as well as other features. Some photos will wash out angles and creases in a face that are necessary while some photos will be taken at noon where “raccoon eyes and mustache” shadows under the eyes that make them look hallow and dark while the shadow under the nose gives the appearance that your loved one has a mustache. And here is a tip, the clearer and larger the photo the better the portrait because the unique distinctions of the subject will stand out verses me trying to figure out the detail on my own with the blended structures of the subject that comes from a blurry or low quality photo.

What details do you want left in or out of the portrait?
Some people will prefer to have scares, moles, freckles, patterns on the clothing, and objects left in or out of the drawing. These are details that are good to review because it will effect your reaction to any portrait I create for you. I charge more for the patterns on the clothing and detail in the background. It requires more time on my part and depending on the clothing, whether it's lace or a plaid shirt, will require an additional amount of time and energy such as having the Grand Canyon in the background instead of a house. I have had some clients come to me and ask me to change their glasses, outfit, and hairstyle for their portrait. Some will give me pictures of how they want their changes and others would describe the changes they want and leave me with that. If you want a different anything please have a reference photo of what you have in mind. This is not a problem for me although it does require a little more effort and time that you will have to put into consideration when thinking about the demands you have for the portrait.

This process should be serious and simple with many solutions, options, and choices to give you the satisfaction that you deserve with your solely custom and personalized portrait.