The Creation of a Portrait

The first portrait session takes two to three hours and starts off with a social visit. This helps me get to know my subject, develop rapport, and observe characteristic gestures and expressions. We can meet at the subject's home or office, or at my studio in Woodstock, NY. The sitting follows, where different poses are explored and photographs are taken. When appropriate, I may also paint or sketch from life.

Children require a little extra patience. Mornings are usually best. I prefer "visiting" with the adults first, while the child is present. This strategy helps make the child feel comfortable with this new "friend of the family", resulting in more natural expressions for the portrait.

After reviewing my selection of photographic reference and my composition plan, we decide on the best ones to use. The painting is usually completed without need for additional sittings. In the event of a posthumous portrait, the portrait may be painted from existing photographs.

Oils are on stretched linen, pastels and drawings are on archival paper.

There is a range of appropriate sizes for each of the above. Unless a specific size is required, I will choose the best dimensions for the composition planned while maintaining a nearly life-size head. Maximum size for a vignette is 11"x14". Additional figures in the same portrait are discounted 50%. No charge for including a pet, or for elaborate backgrounds.

Prices do not include framing, long distance travel/living expenses or sales tax.