With so many commissions, I needed an assistant to deal with business issues so I can concentrate on painting. I am so blessed to have Shelli Strother Allen as my Portrait Representative in the Atlanta area. I had the pleasure of painting a beautiful portrait of her as a teenager and now second generation paintings of her children. While working with her on the portraits of her sons, I realized that she has an innate understanding of art and the process of creating it. She has been a valuable asset to me upon my return to full time portrait painting. Shelli has become an amazing photographer of children and families and can now photograph children for my portraits in the Atlanta area.
Check out Shelli's photography
Shelli's beautiful photographs never cease to amaze me. See for yourself at:
Head & Shoulders : 16 x 20 - $1,800 __________________________________
3/4 with hands : 16 x 20 - $2,500 18 x 24 - $3,000, 24 x 30 - $4,000 __________________________________
Full: 22 x 28 - $4,500 24 x 30 - $5,000 24 x 36 - $6,000 30 x 40 - $7,000, 36 x 48 - $8,000 __________________________________
Graphite with Charcoal Drawings: 16 x 20 - $500 (gray paper) __________________________________
Graphite on white paper 16x20 - $500 __________________________________
Additional sizes available upon request. 15% discount for group portraits on same canvas. 10% family discount on individual portraits ordered at same time. Additions such as pets and elaborate details (ex. intricate smocking and lace) and detailed backgrounds start at 10 - 25%.
Travel and Photography charge - $150.00
Shelli Allen Photography in Atlanta area - see website
A deposit of 10% is required to reserve the place on the schedule and to hold the price at the current level. Travel and photography charges are due at the time of photography session. Upon approval of completed portrait, the remaining balance is due.
Satisfaction is guaranteed, but painting will remain the property of artist unless fees are paid.
Pet portraits: Prices are available upon request and start at $400.
There is no charge for delivery of paintings if I can schedule delivery of more than one portrait in the Atlanta area.
Notice:
I try to complete the artwork in the order that it is commissioned and to finish within one year although some oil paintings may take longer. That time period begins when the final decisions such as photo selection, size, background and other elements are made and not when photos are taken or deposits made. I have several paintings scheduled ahead of yours when you place your deposits.
I rarely work or do photography sessions from Thanksgiving to New Year.
Pastel Portraits
I will no longer be doing pastel portraits. I am referring pastels to Lisa Ober. Lisa has a similar style to mine and specializes in pastels. You can see her work and prices at www.oberfinearts.com. Contact Shelli to arrange a Pastel portrait with her. She is a Missouri artist, but ships the portraits to the client.
Canvas, Linen or Panels
I have done a lot of study on the best surface for fine art paintings. Linen has long been considered the most desirable fabric, but by nature has an irregular texture that while appealing in a heavier applications of paint, tends to have those irregularities just where I don't want them like in the face area. I paint in thin layers and don't want the weave of the cloth to distract from the texture and details. Linen is also affected the most by humidity and I paint in the Deep South. Canvas has been a favorite of mine and I prefer the even weave. It is lighter than panels in larger sizes. Gesssoed wooden panels have held up the best over the centuries and there is renewed interest in this surface as the most archival. Panels don't shrink and contract like cloth and the paint doesn't crack over years as oil paint on cloth will do eventually. The surface is excellent for painting details. I love panels for smaller paintings that will be viewed closer up.
All images on this site are copyrighted
and should not be reproduced in any way
Friday, October 24, 2008
Sketch for Pastel
Pencil sketch on onion skin paper 16x20 This is the sketch of another beautiful child for a pastel portrait.
I have been doing fine art portraits of children, adults and pets for over 30 years. It is my pleasure to provide families with artwork they will treasure for generations. I have a degree in both biology and art from Troy University. I feel my studies in anatomy, science and botany contribute to my ability to capture an exceptional likeness
"This craft is acquired through study, observation and practice, it can improve by ceaseless work. But the instinct for art is innate. First one has to love nature with all one's heart and soul, and be able to study and admire it for hours on end. Everything is in nature. A plant, a leaf, a blade of grass should be the subjects of infinite and fruitful meditations; for the artist, a cloud floating in the sky has form, and the form affords him joy, helps him think." Adolphe-William Bouguereau 1825-1905
For children's portraits, keep in mind that for a 3/4 pose, a 16 x20 or 18 x 24 is a good size. For full body, an 18 x 24, 22 x 28 or 24 x 30 or 36 size can be chosen with a standing needing a larger canvas than a sitting pose. An older child might need a larger canvas than a very young one. For portraits with a pet or group, custom sizes can be used.
Framing and Matting
Drawings need to be matted and framed under glass. Oils only framed. Frames are not included and you may frame them to your individual tastes and decor. This is an example of the cowboy drawings framed with a handmade cedar frame made from the town square Christmas tree.
Information about techniques
I do not use photographs developed onto canvas as the base for my work. I use traditional techniques and materials and start with a blank canvas. See the slideshow on left. I do a detailed drawing and careful underpainting. The painting may look photographic, but is my own interpretion of the photos and is not an exact replica.
I usually work on several paintings at one time. I paint in layers to get the depth. After a layer is completed, it must dry before I apply another. During that time I work on another painting or drawing. I may put up to six layers on a portrait and need at least six months to do so.
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