From my Studio: Austin

Portrait Representative Shelli Allen

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.

2012 Portrait Prices

Oil on Canvas: ________________________________

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.

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.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Austin

I just got back from photographing in Austin, TX. The child was one of the cutest kids I've ever seen with a personality to match. His mom wants the portrait to reflect Austin's laid back, eclectic style. What he was wearing and the backdrop of downtown's San Jose hotel were perfect! I can't wait to start his portrait. My husband and I also got to camp and explore out in the Texas hill country with my brother and his wife that live near Houston.

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My Philosophy on Art

"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

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.

From my Studio

Life is Brief, Art Endures

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Portrait Representative Shelli Allen

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2012 Portrait Prices

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Canvas, Linen or Panels

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Saturday, October 16, 2010

Austin

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Eyes are the life of a portrait