PROCESS
Being asked to paint a commission is a process that I am very honored by. I begin the process by asking the patron some simple questions in regards to what they are looking for. Questions concerning the sitter or sitters, the canvas size they're looking for, the type of background they would like, will it be a full figure? or a head and shoulders? etc. All of these questions are logistical questions which allow me to begin working in a procedural fashion. More importantly, what feeling is the patron is trying to convey through the painting? I also ask myself what type of character and gesture does this sitter have? These questions help me to figure out a narrative and a story to tell in the final painting.
The actual portrait process includes sketches in pencil, charcoal and usually oils. This is all part of the academic method of painting which I practice and have studied for the last 10 + years. I paint directly (meaning I don't work with elaborate underpaintings), but require a large amount of "research" in order to feel comfortable before I begin a final painting.
I am very much a part of the process from stretching the canvas to applying the final varnish. If you commission a painting from me, it will be a Santoli, 100%.
Sittings and References
An initial sitting and preferably 2 – 5 more would be needed from life for most commissions. There are exceptions especially in today’s world that would prevent live sittings, but live sittings provide the strongest final portrait. The exception to this is painting pet portraits, which require a sketch and color study from life and then subsequent photo sessions to be used as references (dogs don’t always sit still!) - I prefer to take the photos myself using my high quality digital camera. During the sitting process (either for painting or photos), I enjoy getting to know the sitter and learning more about them in order to help inform the narrative of the portrait. I am very much a people-person and enjoy a running commentary while painting.
Progression and final varnish
I paint at a fairly quick tempo and thus my paintings progress fairly quickly. I paint mostly alla prima and prefer to keep the spontaneity of the brushwork, but always keeping accuracy and detail in mind. I am a great admirer of John Singer Sargent in this regard. With oil paintings, retouch varnish may be needed throughout the painting process and a final varnish needs to be applied once the portrait is complete and dry (6 months - 1 year).
Production + Time Schedule
My turnaround time from first sitting to delivery is roughly 3 – 4 weeks for an oil painting. Watercolors and charcoal portraits take considerably less time, around a week.
Contact
If you are interested in commissioning a portrait from me, either a figural portrait, pet portrait, architectural portrait, or other, then please send me a message via my CONTACT PAGE. Please include some information about what you are looking for and I will respond as soon as I can. I will give you a price upon final consideration of the size and complexity of your commission. Thank you for your consideration.
The actual portrait process includes sketches in pencil, charcoal and usually oils. This is all part of the academic method of painting which I practice and have studied for the last 10 + years. I paint directly (meaning I don't work with elaborate underpaintings), but require a large amount of "research" in order to feel comfortable before I begin a final painting.
I am very much a part of the process from stretching the canvas to applying the final varnish. If you commission a painting from me, it will be a Santoli, 100%.
Sittings and References
An initial sitting and preferably 2 – 5 more would be needed from life for most commissions. There are exceptions especially in today’s world that would prevent live sittings, but live sittings provide the strongest final portrait. The exception to this is painting pet portraits, which require a sketch and color study from life and then subsequent photo sessions to be used as references (dogs don’t always sit still!) - I prefer to take the photos myself using my high quality digital camera. During the sitting process (either for painting or photos), I enjoy getting to know the sitter and learning more about them in order to help inform the narrative of the portrait. I am very much a people-person and enjoy a running commentary while painting.
Progression and final varnish
I paint at a fairly quick tempo and thus my paintings progress fairly quickly. I paint mostly alla prima and prefer to keep the spontaneity of the brushwork, but always keeping accuracy and detail in mind. I am a great admirer of John Singer Sargent in this regard. With oil paintings, retouch varnish may be needed throughout the painting process and a final varnish needs to be applied once the portrait is complete and dry (6 months - 1 year).
Production + Time Schedule
My turnaround time from first sitting to delivery is roughly 3 – 4 weeks for an oil painting. Watercolors and charcoal portraits take considerably less time, around a week.
Contact
If you are interested in commissioning a portrait from me, either a figural portrait, pet portrait, architectural portrait, or other, then please send me a message via my CONTACT PAGE. Please include some information about what you are looking for and I will respond as soon as I can. I will give you a price upon final consideration of the size and complexity of your commission. Thank you for your consideration.
|
|