"When painting a portrait, part of me becomes a spectator, watching with rapt attention for that special moment when paint comes to life within the magic window!
I do not use a projector, grids, or any other mechanical methods—just my eyes, my heart/intuition, and brush. Painting entirely freehand keeps me curious and excited to see how each painting will turn out. The process may look sublime to the casual observer, but for me almost every painting requires that I summon all the courage I can muster! I know I’m working for a difficult customer…no, not you…me! What is this difficult customer wanting from me? “I’ll know it when I see it,” he growls. So I push myself relentlessly with each new portrait, knowing my taskmaster will be satisfied with nothing less."
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Having a portrait painted is an affirming experience, rendered in a unique form that communicates so much more than just a likeness — depth of character, richness of color and surface texture, bringing out of personality, interpretation of a whole person — capturing a snapshot of a person's essence that will continue to gaze out upon future generations.
Less formally, a portrait can also serve as 'personalized decor' with vibrant color and contemporary style. I would be happy to discuss with you your color and style preferences before we start the process.
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WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN COMMISSIONING A PORTRAIT:
Option 1: If you’re local, we’ll schedule a meeting with the subject so I can get to know them a bit and take reference photos. I’ll need about an hour or two of the sitter’s time for this informal chat and photo shoot, which can take place at my studio or at a place of your choosing. During the photo session you can just be yourself, relaxed and calm, without trying to project anything in particular. Or, you can bring your collection of personas—I’ve explored the entire gamut of human emotions myself in front of a camera for my own art reference—I will welcome whatever mood(s) you may wish to channel for the shoot. I’ll take several dozen shots, which I will later review in detail as I plan the composition—the overall pose/expression, lighting dynamics, color plan, personality, and so on.
Option 2: If the subject has time and wants to, I’d be happy to paint her/him from life. This would involve three or more sessions of at least two hours per session. (Minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.) I will take snapshots of the pose for filling in details between sits, and for consistent positioning from one sitting to the next.
Option 3: If you have a favorite photo of the subject, I can use it as reference for the portrait. It helps to have supporting photos as well, to help get a feel for the subject's personality, and to see them from different angles. This is also the only practical option for babies, restless children, and pets.
After probably a matter of weeks, when I’ve completed the portrait to my satisfaction, I’ll contact you for an approval viewing. I will be open to requests for minor changes to achieve a better likeness, adjust an expression a bit, nudge a color this way or that, and so on. Tiny, quick adjustments can have big results.
I’ll do my best to adjust the painting to your liking, but if for any reason you aren’t happy with what I come up with, I will not expect payment. I’ll chalk it up to practice, no hard feelings.
Questions? Send me an e-mail via the green "CONTACT" button to the right ----> and I'll get in touch with you to discuss the details of your portrait.
Much more background info, process shots, additional photos etc. on my website at SteveEichenberger.com