Child

My goal is to create expressive paintings of people, capturing a sense of personality through likeness and gesture-- and by portraying them in a setting that is meaningful to them. I work from life and from photographs-- either existing photographs (as in an out-of-town or posthumous portrait) or ones I take for reference. At our initial meeting, we discuss the size of the painting, where it will hang (if known), the general composition and setting (indoor/outdoor), and any specific clothing requests, etc. I like to get a sense of the subject's personality, their most characteristic gestures, and their living environment. Then I take a series of photographs with different poses, compositions and lighting. Thanks to my digital camera (with preview capabilities), the photos can be reviewed during the photography session, so we can together select the pose and composition to be used for the painting. Sometimes I will combine multiple photographs in the final composition-- the position of the body from one, the facial expression from another, the background from yet a third. This is especially true when the painting contains two or more subjects.

At my studio, my general process is as follows:

	First I sketch the composition onto the canvas using charcoal. Once I am satisfied with the general likeness and composition, I add color starting with the most important area-- the face and figure.
	Next I work across the entire painting, laying in local colors and values. I look at the overall pattern of lights and darks, and make any necessary adjustments to achieve a pleasing composition and to ensure that the face remains the focal point. I also add more contrast and color to the face, refining the likeness with each step.
	Colors and details are added with large gestures and crisp colors. I like to complete this step in one (sometimes long) day because it is so much fun to see the painting come alive. It's also easier to blend colors, adjust edges, adjust values, enrich shadows and create an underlying unity to the painting when the paint is wet.
	I let the painting dry thoroughly, then refined it with many layers of subtle glazes-- adding richness and depth yet maintaining the underlying painterly quality. I adjust colors and values as needed and add any final details or refinements to the subject (especially the eyes and hands), clothing, or setting. If possible, I like to consult with the client when the painting is almost complete, together making any final adjustments to facial expression and likeness. My goal is to have the painting reflect the way the client sees the subject, not just the way I do.

Size	Price including frame
9x12	$ 625
12x16	$1,000
16x20	$1,200
20x24	$1,800
24x30	$2,700
30x40	$4,500
36x36	$5,000

* add 25% for each additional figure in a painting.

* A deposit of 10% is due at the start of the process; the remainder is payable when the painting is completed and the client is satisfied with it.

* Prices are subject to change

* I look forward to working with you!