I specialize in pastel portraits of babies and children.
Babies and children are all beautiful in their own way. I strive to use my paintings to capture them
"at the moment" but yet depict a particular facet of their personality. Color is the essence of my
paintings. I like to use vibrant (and at time unrealistic) colors to depict my subjects. Color
is what set me apart from other portrait artists.
How I work with my clients
I paint commissioned portraits from photos. However, I am not after a slavish photographic reproduction but a painterly likeness of the child.
My photo sessions with the child are part of my creative process, therefore I only work with clients who are available for photo shooting.
I will first discuss with my client (the person who commisions the portrait) about the basic concept of the portrait. I will use the opportunity to get to
know my subject and discuss with the client about what the portrait should convey. Based on that, the type of clothing, setting, and location for the
photo session will be determined. This concept discussion can either be done by phone or in person depending on the client's preference.
The second meeting is the photo session. This session will last for about 45 minutes and I will take at least 50 pictures of the subject. A non-refundable
20% deposit is requested at the time of the photo session. From the photo reference, three ideas of portrait compositions will be presented to the client. Then a final
composition will be agreed upon.
After the approval of the final composition, it takes about one month for the painting to be completed. Photo images of the final painting will be emailed to
the client for approval. If the client dislikes the final painting, no further payment is necessary and the painting will not be delivered.
If the client approves the final painting, the final payment is due prior to the delivery of the painting. A CD of the photos taken from the photo session
will be given to the client at no extra cost. For local clients, final paintings are usually picked up by the clients.
Fees
My commissioned portraits are done in pastel on museum quality wood panels. The use of high quality pastel and wood panels
ensures my paintings can be passed on from generation to generation. My fee is $560 (excluding framing and shipping)
for an 18'x24' pastel portrait of one person.
I currently only accept clients from Northern California (the Bay Area and the Sacramento Area), unless
the subject of the portrait can travel to Northern California.