Playing with Portraits

I’ve been having a lot of fun recently, drawing portraits for the giggles. While in the past I’ve drawn more “traditional” portraits (often on commission and even winning a “Best of Show” award with one) at the moment I’m having fun playing around and exploring different styles and techniques.

As an experiment, I’m currently offering a handful of commissioned portraits, if you’re willing to let me use my creative license.

Now’s your chance if you’re interested in a creative portrait of a loved one (whether of friends, family, a puptrait of your canine family member, or a purrtrait of a feline fur-baby).

Once you provide me with at least 5 high-quality photos (though more is better) I’ll use the one(s) that inspires me to draft a portrait. Upon your approval of the sketch I’ll add ink for the final draft (and, depending on how I’m inspired, possibly shadows with a marker or hues with watercolors). If you’re happy with the finished portrait I’ll ship it on to you, carefully packed.

A Creative Portrait

Here are some of the nitty-gritty details. The finished piece of art will be 11×14″ – which can be framed and matted using items available at any frame shop. The portrait will probably be from the shoulders up. One-to-three views of the figure (or up to three different individuals portrayed) will be drawn. Most likely I’ll be working in archival ink, though I may also use markers, watercolor, or (who knows!) coffee for extra impact.

Though I’m going to be making a portrait as inspired, we’ll be working together on your project – complete with the requisite communication.

  • I’ll need at least 5 high-quality photographs from you, along with 1/3 of the total price before I begin.
  • Once I’ve finished the pencil sketch I’ll send you a picture of the image for your preview. If you approve it I’ll continue on to the final draft upon receiving a second 1/3 payment.
  • A photo of the finished portrait will be shared with you for final approval. If you’re happy with it you can send me the final 1/3 payment and I’ll carefully package it for shipment (probably using far too much packing material) and send it on to you.
  • Total cost of a portrait is $165 (three $55 payments) which includes the artwork itself, a Certificate of Authenticity for the portrait, a “progression” page here on French-Holt.com, shipping and handling, and sales tax.

By working in stages, we can ensure that we both enjoy the process and are happy with the finished portrait. If, for some reason, this happens to not be the case, either of us can cancel the project along the way.

I look forward to working with you!

Prefer a more traditional portrait? I can do that, too…