Portraiture is the one field of painting that the vast majority of artists avoid. The technical demands are beyond any other form of painting for the artist simply can not accept even the slightest misjudgment in execution. Every mother sees her child in the light of beauty and love and it is up to the artist to see through mother’s eyes, a difficult challenge for even the finest painters of our time. To do so, the artist must have a special passion for painting people and have the ability to see the beauty in ever subject that graces the canvas. Christian is one such artist, trained in the many classical traditions, Realism, Impressionism, and Realistic Impressionism, the favored style by most contemporary clients of this old world tradition.

The Process

The process for having a commissioned portrait created is extremely simple. Over the years, Christian has adopted technology to make the process easier and less intrusive for the client and the subject. With the use of the latest digital imaging technology and massive computer power, our subject is captured in digital and viewed for execution on large studio monitors which brings more of the client into the studio than what has ever been possible. This is especially important in this day of fast paced living and for the child that simply cannot set still. The days of long setting hours is over in the portrait profession.

Once the commission has been bid and accepted by the client, a date for a photo session is established. It is the photo session where the design of the portrait is established. Christian always requests that the subject select several outfits from which to choose for the setting. Several changes in clothes may be tried and photographed in this session to discover what would make the best portrait. After a group of photos have been taken, all parties involved with the commission review the images on a laptop while discussing all the concerns. Once all parties come to a consensus as to the best image for execution in oil, then before one stroke is applied to the canvas, we all know the designed is just what we want.

Christian’s attempt to recreate a reality of the subject often requires him to borrow the clothes involved for accurate color and detail. During the execution, the client is sent image updates of the paintings progress via email if desired. This brings the client into the process and allows them to influence the execution when needed. Christian’s working process calls for him to execute the painting instantly after the photo session for not only does he use technology to bring the client into the studio, much in color and tonality is captured in the mind’s eye for even the best technology cannot see like the human eye. For this reason, all portrait commissions are completed within 30 to 60 days from the time of the photo session.

The Commission Process

Commissioning a painting first involves an analysis of the client’s desires. Some desire a simple 16” x 20” non objective background Head & Shoulders of a child for as little as Thirty Five Hundred. Others may dream of the Seven Foot Full Length Portrait of a raving beauty descending the stairs of the family mansion which can range from fifteen to twenty five thousand dollars. Most artists have three basic prices for a head & shoulders, a three quarter length, and a full length, but Christian has strived to have a pricing range that can bring this wonderful art form to more than just the wealthiest members of society. Christian has mastered many different styles that call for various techniques that are more or less time consuming and they are priced appropiately. You have seen many of these styles in the gallery section, some that can be created in a couple days and others that took a couple months.