Getting Started Is Easy
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Send Me Your Photos
The first thing we need is a really fabulous image of your special someone. The quality of your portrait is directly related to a high-quality photo. Here are some guidelines for choosing your photo:
- GREAT LIGHTING – the better the lighting the better your loved one looks – natural light works well
- SIZE – make sure your photo is around 1 MB or more – the more data the better
- NO OBSTRUCTIONS – make sure your subject is not obscured by any objects like hats, scarves, or blankets (I once had a woman who was frustrated because I couldn’t get a good likeness of her daughter when half of the face was under a scarf!)
- CRYSTAL CLEAR – sharp detailed photos are golden
Photos that don’t work:
- grainy photos
- photos where a strong flash is used
- photos taken at night (grainy and usually with a flash)
- blurry photos
- don’t use newspaper clipping (talk about grainy!)
I am a people-pleaser and I have tried desperately to produce portraits from poor sources – no one was pleased with the results. Now I refuse photos with these problems but trust me, everyone is happier when we do it the right way.
Next Steps
After we’ve decided on the best image to use, there’s a lot to discuss. We’ll talk about size, color, paper, and most importantly – expectations. I’ll give you a planned completion date and get started!
Now the Waiting
You’re going to have to be patient here – art takes time!
Monotone portraits are usually completed in two weeks (expect longer waits around Christmastime). For full-color pastels, you can expect to wait about three months. Oil paintings need time to cure enough to be varnished; expect about six months (although this is very dependent on size).
Framing
The artwork is not framed. I know, that kinda sucks, but it helps me keep costs down and gives you control over matching the frame to your decor.
Pastel Paintings: pastels are made with delicate flakes of pigment and will need to be protected under glass. If you’re a hands-on sort of person, framing yourself is easy and I can point you to some excellent tutorials. Or simply take your painting to your favorite framing shop.
Oil Paintings: good news, my oil paintings don’t need framing (not that they can’t be framed, it’s just not necessary). I paint my oil paintings on cradled hardwood which have beautifully natural profiles.
Payment
Once I’m finished, there are a variety of payment options. Venmo is usually easiest.
Lastly, Delivery
If you’re nearby, come on over! If you require shipping, that can be arranged.