". . . a brush with nature"

I always feel so honored to be asked to paint a portrait for someone, to be entrusted to create a keepsake for that person that, hopefully, will be treasured by them and/or their family for years to come. I always try to do my very best to capture not only a likeness of the subject, but also the essence of what makes (or made) that individual unique . . . what makes them special . . . what makes them “who they are.” I want to get to “know” the person I am going to be painting. 

Most often I gather this information by hearing reminiscences about my subject from the person commissioning the painting. Occasionally, I already know my subject or will have the opportunity to meet and talk with them, but often the portrait is being painted because the much-loved person has already passed away. The memories shared with me are always rich with emotion.

In addition to all of that knowledge, a great reference photo(s) to work from is of upmost importance. Details are important. The photos I work from must be clear enough and large enough to accurately provide me with all the information I need. These details are often fleshed out with questions asked and answered between myself and my client to confirm additional information such as more precise eye color, etc.

In this blog I would like to have you join me on the progression of a particular portrait commission I had the great honor to paint. My client had recently lost her husband. She wanted to have this painting done in celebration of the love of her life and the life they had shared together. I was happy to “get to know” this man as she knew him. In the end she was very happy with the painting and later commissioned another painting of herself to go along with it. 

My heart is happy.