The Murrah family portrait was composited from many digital photos sent by the family's father - the process of compositing for a watercolor portrait of 4 adults and a dog is described in my Vimeo video. The client sent a large number of digital photos taken in three locations, helping me to get to know the subjects, and although the one we chose was not ideal (it was in open shade), it enabled a successful likeness of five subjects in one painting and a variation in the clothing borrowed from other photographs that made a better painting.!
Materials for Your Custom Watercolor Portrait
Good watercolor portraits have more contrast than the standard studio photograph. In a studio photograph, the subject is lighted from several sides, so the light falls evenly. To the left are the materials I worked from for some of the watercolor portraits on previous pages. Though I can work from almost any photo, following are suggestions for creating or choosing material for this project, or you may have an old favorite photo you would like to use for a commissioned watercolor.
The top left painting was done from a photo taken outdoors in soft morning sunlight. The three quarter view is wonderful.
The second picture was taken without flash in natural light indoors,
Flash flattens the face and clothing and makes a less interesting portrait. I can lighten your photos, so using a flash is not necessary .
The portrait of the three young sisters on the home page was painted from separate photos, taken individually at the same place and the same time and, in the same light. You could easily do the same thing with multiple subjects.
The portrait of the three older sisters on the home page was made from a single indoor photograph, taken by their mother, before they left for school picture day!
The portrait of the little girl and her King Charles Spaniel puppy was painted from an I Phone photo her dad took outdoors of Mya with the dog, He sent me an I Phone photo of the photograph on a pile of papers! My session of photographing her (without the dog) earlier that summer had not produced a suitable depiction for use as painting material.
As you can see, my skill enables me to achieve a very close likeness. Call me if you have questions, send me your pictures, and we'll get started!
Ordering a Custom Watercolor Portrait
Your custom watercolor portrait can be anything you want it to be -
Please call me at (505) 455-3496, or e-mail me your interests and ideas, and I will call you!
I can work from your most cherished photographs, or arrange to take my own photos for the portrait.
— Single portraits are painted on 11" x 15" archival Arches 300 lb. cold-press rag watercolor paper and will fit a standard 18" x 14" or20"x16" frame with a mat
— Double portraits are painted on 15"x 22" Arches watercolor paper and will fit a standard 18" x 24" frame.
— Paintings are shipped as arranged by agreement.
— Multiple child portraits and special projects can be arranged if appropriate photgraphs are available.
— Prices start at $450.O0 for a single portrait.
I will need a deposit of 1/2 of the fee (non-refundable). I accept major credit cards, so this can be done over the phone, or you can mail me a check.