Painting process for "prelude" portraits

These oil paintings are called “Prelude Portraits” because they are developed to the level that precedes development into a final, polished painting. However, they are complete in the sense that they capture and express the essence of the subject with spontaneity and vivid expression of character. They differ from a final polished painting in that they are looser in rendering and more spontaneous in style.

A single sitting of three hours is scheduled. Following this sketch painting session reference photos are taken. The painting is then enhanced with more detail over a couple of weeks. If the patron wishes to have the painting taken to a greater level of completion, the request can also be fulfilled. These oil paintings are typically composed on 16” x 20” or 18” x 24” canvases.    

Price for an oil Prelude Portrait ranges from $650 to $1,200 depending on complexity and number of  figures in the painting.