Portraits from Your Photographs The first thing is to find some good photographs of the person you wish the oil painting to be done for. The larger the better, although I realize that isn't always possible. The quality of the photograph will go a long way towards improving the quality of your oil painting. The more photos you give me, the better chance I will have of creating a true portrait of your loved ones.
ProcedureIf the photographs are all black & white, I will need to know what colors the person's eyes, hair, skin tones and clothing should be. I will make suggestions for the background and clothing colors based on what would be visually pleasing. You may want to consider where the painting will hang also. The colors can be chosen to complement the decor of your room.
Once I have the photographs, I will design the overall layout of the painting in full color. We will discuss the size of the final painting as well. A very small photograph may not reproduce well as a larger painting. I will give my recommendation for the largest size I think is possible to go with the painting as well as the size I think would be best, given the photo and the location the painting will hang. Once we have agreed to the layout, size and colors, the actual painting will begin. A 50% deposit is required to begin painting.
Oil painting is a relatively long process. Oil paints, by their very nature, are slow to dry. I will typically paint the background first, then wait 1-2 weeks for it to dry. I paint the face next and again, wait a few weeks for it to dry. When every stage is complete, I go back over to add subtle details, shading and transparent glazes to add depth to the portrait. Between each stage is this waiting period. A typical portrait will take from 6 weeks to 3 months, depending on size, number of figures, background etc.
Once the painting is complete, I urge you to view it for yourself. If you are local, we can set up a time for you to view it. Out-of-town clients will be sent a photograph of it via e-mail. After your approval, the painting needs to dry for a month before I can put a protective coating over it. This will even out the finish on the entire painting and give it UV protection. The remaining balance is due upon completion of the painting.
Care to see a sample from my portfolio? This painting was completed as a 16x20. The original photograph was a black & white group photo taken from a wedding 40 years ago. The head of the figure represented in the painting was merely 1" tall! A lot can be done from a small original photograph. See the sample here.