How to Order



WHAT MEDIUM?

What medium you choose for your portrait is often a matter of personal taste and can also depend on the particular subject I am painting.

Watercolor is a beautiful medium that offers spontaneity and the ability to blend transparent colors. It allows me to create realistic opaque detail in my paintings. It can be used in traditional portraits and also works well when depicting a montage of images. I use transparent watercolors and gouache which are painted on an acid free watercolor board or paper. Watercolors include an acid free matting and need to be framed under glass.

Pastel and Pencil drawings have a certain softness and layering of color that appeals to many people. I use graphite pencils, colored pencils and various grades of pastel to create the realistic and fine detail of the animal. I use acid free bristol drawing paper or pastel paper, depending on the subject. Pastel and Pencil drawings include acid free matting and need to be framed under glass.

Acrylic is a versatile water based medium that can be used with many different techniques. I enjoy the layering of colors, fine detail and often use painterly brushstrokes similar to oil. The end result is a painting with strong color and textural interest. It also does not require the drying time as an oil painting does. I work on a fine gesso panel or board that does not require glass when framed.

Oil is a beautiful medium that is rich with color and texture, yet also depicts the softness and realistic quality of my work. There is nothing compared to the luminous tonal quality of oil. My oils are painted on either a professional canvas or finely sanded panel. Oil paintings should never be framed under glass.


PRICES ARE QUOTED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS WITH A PRICING BROCHURE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST


Once you decide on a design and medium, the process begins by obtaining the photography reference. I can either arrange a photography session or work from your photographs. You can send them as prints , on a CD or email them to me in a high resolution image. All photos are returned.

I require a 50% deposit to schedule your painting with the balance due upon receipt and approval of the portrait. If the painting is shipped, an additional fee is charged for shipping and insurance.

PHOTOGRAPHY

I prefer to photograph the animal myself, which gives me an opportunity to meet the animal and create a truly unique portrait. A photography session is arranged within a reasonable distance from my studio. Distance and overnight travel are charged accordingly.

YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS

Sometimes, a portrait is inspired by a favorite photograph you may have. Professional photographs are excellent providing permission is obtained from the photographer.

I like working with good clear photographs that are usually taken in the soft sunlight of early morning or late afternoon. These should emphasize the desired position, expression and color of the animal. It is important to have the camera level with the subject and include close-ups of the eyes, face and special markings. Sometimes, it may be necessary to place the animal on a table or chair for the best angle.

If the portrait includes more than one subject, I like to have at least one photograph of them together for the correct size relationship. If this is not possible, individual animals and backgrounds can be incorporated into the composition. A formal portrait such as a horse with full tack, requires additional reference photographs.