For any commission inquiries, please reach out via the contact form on this website.
When it comes to portrait commissions, my preference is always to work from life as much as possible. I believe that the process of painting a person directly allows me to capture not just their likeness, but also the subtle nuances and unique energy they exude. Ideally, I would like to schedule as many sittings as necessary to fully bring the portrait to life. However, I understand that committing to multiple sessions can be difficult for many sitters, so I am flexible and can work around your schedule.
As a minimum, I typically start with a 3-hour sitting. During this session, I focus on sketching (either in pencil or paint) based on direct observation, experimenting with different lighting setups to explore how these influence the subject’s features and mood. A second sitting allows me to delve deeper into refining one or two specific ideas. After that, I take a photograph to use as a reference, which, combined with my memory and the initial sketches, helps me work on the portrait in a way that brings the energy of a life session into the final piece. This method ensures the portrait has a more natural and compelling feel, as if painted entirely from life. On occasion, I may request one final sitting towards the end of the process, just to ensure the portrait retains a true sense of the sitter’s presence.
While I prefer to work from life, I can also create a portrait based solely on a photograph. If possible, I prefer to use a photo I’ve personally taken to maintain the quality and authenticity of the reference. If this is not feasible, a high-quality photograph can still serve as a reference. However, please keep in mind that creating a convincing, original portrait from a photograph does come with some limitations. A photograph can often flatten the subject’s features, and subtle details that can be captured through direct observation might be lost.
For every portrait, I personally prepare the canvas using traditional, high-quality materials, ensuring the surface is ideal for the painting process. I also use premium oil paints that offer rich color and lasting vibrancy. Additionally, if you wish, I can create a simple, custom box frame that complements the style and size of the painting