Considering a portrait? Do you have a loved one you'd like to immortalize? Would you like to capture a moment in time, commemorate an event, take an active role in a remembrance? There is much to think about when commissioning a portrait, but the process is relatively easy if you take it step by step. First, we'll consider the technical information, the fees, and then the procedure.

Technical Information:

Will I work from life, or from a photo?
Which medium will be used?
How large will the portrait be?
Will I paint the full body, from the hands up, or the shoulders up?
Will there be jewelry or other "props?"
How will the background be handled?
How many people will be in the portrait?
Would you prefer a realistic approach, an emotionally expressive rendition, or an original, unusual conveyance?

Will I work from life, or from a photo?
Most of my portraits are painted from life, and if you can visit my studio for portrait sittings, this is recommended. I will also consider traveling to you, but will include travel charges in the price. I do work from photos when this is the only way. I have done many portraits of ancestors in the family, but please understand that I will have other questions for you, too. The photos are helpful, but I also prefer to have the background of the subject.

Which medium will be used?

My preferred medium is called mixed media, which is usually a combination of some or all of the following: ink, watercolor, oil, acrylic, pastel, oil pastel, and colored pencil. I enjoy working singularly with pastels, oil pastels, and paint.

(Am completing this section, so please e-mail with questions. Thank you.)

How large will the portrait be?
Will I paint the full body, from the hands up, or the shoulders up?
Will there be jewelry or other "props?"
How will the background be handled?
How many people will be in the portrait?
Would you prefer a realistic approach, an emotionally expressive rendition, or an original, unusual conveyance?