Creating a portrait of a family member or friend is an exciting undertaking. Some preliminary planning and decision making can facilitate the process.
To begin, decide on the size of the finished
portrait. Keep in mind the portrait when matted and framed will be somewhat larger than
the image itself. Common sizes for portrait images
are 8 x 10, 9 x 12 and 11 x 14 inches. Custom sizes and shapes are
available on request.
Next decide on the orientation of the image: vertical "portrait" style
or horizontal "landscape" style. The choice depends on the shape of
the intended display location, additional subjects (another person or
perhaps a pet), the amount and type of background detail or just plain
personal preference.
 | Landscape Style
|
The third facet to consider is the choice of graphite or colored
pencil. Graphite relies on the contrasts of dark and light as well as image
detail to create a likeness.
Many find the portrait is enhanced by the lack of distraction color
may produce. Attention is focused on the essential elements of structure and form, achieved somewhat paradoxically by the subtle use of shading and texture.
An image produced with colored pencil takes advantage of the medium's
translucent quality. Rich colors and glowing skin tones are achieved
by adding layer upon layer of pigment. In some skin tones, as many as
twenty differeent colors are used. While the process is painstaking, the results
rival traditional paint mediums in brilliance and richness of the color
and the values achieved by rendering a broad range of light intensities.
All original portraits are created on Stonehenge 100% cotton rag
acid-free stock to assure maximum life. Drawings are sealed with an
artist's acid-free fixative after completion to prevent smearing. Prints are produced on the same stock using archival quality inks.
When you have decided on the basics, please get in touch so
preliminary planning can begin.
| 
