I work from photos. On occasion I take the photo(s) myself, but more often the client provides the photo they wish to be rendered in watercolor. 

Good reference photos are really important in producing a good watercolor portrait. Below are some guidelines for photo selection. 

Prior to selecting your photo, it might be helpful to view some of my other work to determine if a particular style, palette, and/or composition speaks to you.

• Lighting - 

  • A model positioned with good lighting is key. Natural light is best. 

  • Directional light assists in creating valuable contrast across the facial features (i.e., seated by a window with the light illuminating the face, perhaps one side of the face in relatively more light/shadow than the other). 

• Props - 

  • Details add character to a portrait. 

  • An interesting pattern, a lace collar, a favorite hat, glasses, a treasured stuffed animal…any details that might add personality.

• Angle & Expression - 

  • I lean toward candid shots (images in profile or where the subject is looking off camera)

  • Head/shoulder shots are generally preferred.

  • Relaxed, candid faces (closed lips) generally translate best to watercolor.

• Tip on photographing young kids - 
  

  • Kids are on the move - I get it! 
    

  • Distracting their focus away from the camera lens can help (example: have them look at something over your shoulder or across the street). Some clients have had success waving a favorite toy (or holding up a screen :) to cast the child’s gaze off camera and help their features relax.
    

• A few more things - 
  

  • Take/share LOTS of photos – different angles, positions, some looking into the camera, others not. The more to choose from the better.
    

  • I generally paint single portraits (one face per frame), but I am open to doubles. No matter the number of subjects, the same considerations outlined above apply.

Timeline varies based on my current workload, but I can typically complete a painting in 4 weeks. If you need something by a specific date, please let me know ahead of time. 

• Commissions start at $350 for sizes 8x8 or 8x10, increasing to $400 for 9x12 and $450 for size 11x14. Please note: prices may increase when more than one individual is depicted per frame. 

• I offer returning customer discounts and discounts for multiple/sibling portraits.
  

• Framing ranges from $50-75, depending upon size.
  

• Shipping ranges from $40-60. Local delivery is free.

• Yes, if you would like me to frame the piece for you and deliver ready-to-hang, I can take care of this step!

• Framing ranges from $50-75, depending upon size.

• All pieces are varnished prior to framing to ensure longevity.

• Paper pieces can be framed behind glass (a more traditional look for watercolor) or mounted to a cradled wood panel and placed within a museum-style float frame. 

• Paintings on wood panels are framed in museum-style Ampersand float frames.

When you complete the inquiry form, I will respond by email within 24 hours and provide you a document outlining my commission process. Once we have agreed upon reference photo(s) and price, I will begin planning your portrait and working on preliminary sketches. A 50% deposit is due at this time. I will send a photo once it’s nearly finished to get your approval before varnishing and shipping it to you. The remaining invoice will be sent upon finalization and shipping.