Select the right Canadian Portrait Artist can be a daunting task….here are some good tips to help you.
I have been drawing and painting the human face (and animals) since I was 6 years old. At 80 years, I have had a lot of portrait experience that I would like to share with you.
The web will present you with pages of portrait artists who all claim to be your best choice, so it can get to be very confusing.
You are helping the artist to create a family heirloom that will last for generations. Your son or daughter may want to take their portrait with them to college or your children might want to display that portrait of their grandparents in their own home one day. Because you will be asking someone to create an image that will continue your emotional bond to a family member, friend, or pet,for a lifetime, you want an artist that you can communicate your desires to in a direct fashion.
1.There are a number of “paint your photo” …”delivery within 10 days free of charge” type of sites. They all claim the work will be done by a professional artist (who remains unidentified). These outfits have a stable of third world artists that are put under pressure to complete your art quickly (to meet the 10 day deadline)and the results vary from poor to pretty darn good. If your professional is assigned your project and if you desire a pastel painting and your artist is proficient only in oil painting, the results may be disappointing.
No worry, your satisfaction is guaranteed…or is it? You can request changes to your work that may or may not be suitable to meet the quick turn around time. There are just so many variables when you go this route. Their testimonials are all glowing…you never hear about the unsatisfied clients.
2. Selecting a solo portrait artist, who has a name and identity and is willing to share their experience and background in portraiture is your best choice. This info will be obvious from their website. If they are home-grown Canadian, all the better.
They will offer all the benefits of the commercial outfits, such as..:
The ability to make changes to the artwork and satisfaction guaranteed plus the expertise to work in the media you prefer. If they prefer not to do watercolour portraits they will tell you. They will also spend time collaborating directly with you by email, text or phone….so you and they are on the same page. You only get to send a message with the commercial portrait companies. Working with a solo portrait artist becomes more intimate and comforting.
3. Selecting a Canadian portrait artist give you several advantages but if you are in a rush they may be slower to deliver. Usually they do their best to meet your event deadline.
4.You may pay more for your artwork by selecting a solo artist (located anywhere in the world) because you are paying one individual that you communicate with on a personal basis, for their experience and craftmanship. They also put more effort and integrity into their work as they have a personal reputation to maintain…they are not just another faceless artist.
If you go the cheap route for a meaningful portrait, you often get what you pay for.
5. The style of portrait art will be reflected on the artists’ website. The vast majority of my clients desire not only a good likeness but also exquisite detail that takes the painting beyond the limitations of the most advanced camera.
You may desire a looser or abstract background and sometimes a client wants the background in tight detail. This requires more time and expense.
Rarely does a client want an abstract portrait with loose detail and minimal likeness.
If the artist is in your area, get a 10 minute sketch done. Although it will be done in a loose fashion, is it a reasonable likeness? IF YOU CHOOSE THIS ARTIST, BE SURE TO GET A LIVE SITTING OF AN HOUR OR LONGER INITIALLY.THIS WILL GET THE ARTIST FAMILIAR WITH THE SITTER AND THE PHOTOS THAT WILL BE USED LATER, AS THE WORK PROGRESSES.
6. Try to use clear photos. The quality of your photos limits the capabilities of the most advanced artist.
Smart phones take decent photos…avoid using the flash.
Shoot outside, in shadow, not direct sunlight.
Take many good photos. A group portrait can be done from several different photos.
With an internet world full of portrait artists vying for your attention, it is important that you choose the right portrait artist to capture those cherished memories.Your family will appreciate the wisdom in your choice of a quality portrait artist. Custom portraits are an investment in timeless, precious keepsakes that endure for a lifetime and strengthen family ties.
I sincerely hope these tips will help you. Please take a look at my work. I would love to help you create that exceptional portrait from your photo.
www.greatportraitartist.com