Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why oil paintings?
A: Oil painting portraits are unsurpassed in their visual richness. They are unequaled for their surface depth, color, and texture. Because they are hand-painted, each displays the unique hand of the artist and an empathetic human response to the model represented. Through this personal rendering the essence of the model is portrayed. Over hundreds of years, oil paintings slowly age, often becoming even more beautiful with time. The oil painting portrait is an enduring way of honoring and giving distinction to the model. The finished product is unlike a photograph in many ways; surface quality, richness of color, responsive mark making, archival quality, evidence of the human hand and intrinsic artistic decisions.
Q: Do you work from photographs?
A: Yes. There are advantages and disadvantages to working from photographs as compared to working from a live model. In my training for a Masters Degree in Figurative Painting at the New York Academy of Art I spent many hours working from live models, studying artistic anatomy, and studying representational painting techniques. When working from a photo I use my experience working from live models to make subtle changes in the drawing and painting that emphasize unity of form, three-dimensionality, and color and design preferences. Obviously working from photographs allows me to work from a distance without inconveniencing the model with dozens of hours of sitting time. However, while the photogrpah offers conveniences and some types of accuracy, there are some sacrifices made in using a photograph that simply cannot be substituted for.
Q: How long does it take to make the painting?
A: The actual working time looks something like this: 1 day preparing image and canvas, 3 days painting, 1 day making the frame and varnishing. However, there are requisite drying times of up to 7 days between each of those steps, and the value of having time to simply look and reflect on the work cannot be undervalued. Often the decisions made while not painting are just as important as those made while painting. Depending on the painting, you can expect around 6 weeks between the start of your project and receiving the painting.
Q: How do I know I'll be satisfied with the finished product?
A: One of the advantages of working with me is I am a one-man team--I offer personal service each step along the way. First, take note of the quality of the other work samples on this website--you can expect similar quality. Second, I don't ask for a deposit until you are satisfied with a photoshopped composition (digital image, functions like a preperatory sketch). Third, I will send you a photograph of the finished painting for your approval before asking for full payment and delivering the painting. I will make every effort to ensure your satisfaction.