Sketching Process

The first step of a custom portrait is to sketch the piece. Sounds easier than it really is. Here’s some insight to what considerations are made and behind the scenes to the process.

Reference Photos: First the client provides a photo of the subject to be painted. If it’s a well lit, perfectly posed photo where everything is neatly in place, I sketch the photo and we’re done with this step. The number of times that this is the case is very unlikely. That’s the beauty of being a creative, I often make tweaks or changes to get the portrait just right. Take a winter reference photo and paint a green spring scene? Done that. Take a pose of the couple and swap the outfits? For sure, who knew that quick snapshot in the rain would be the cutest photo (minus the rain jacket). Take a selfie or close up house photo and remove the distortion? All the time!

For the sketch step, I will draw ONE sketch. That means if you send me a bunch of reference photos of different angles, we will pick one to sketch. You can send me a few and say “artist’s pick” at putting together a nice portrait, but if you have a strong preference, please tell me! If you want to see different angles sketched and pick from the sketches, this will be an additional charge.

Draft: I’ve found that drawing the reference photo digitally has been the most efficient way to do this process. I can select a window and scoot it to be centered perfectly without erasing and redrawing. It’s a great way to quickly add a little bit of shading and detail so you get an idea of what your final piece will look like.

Revisions: There is no charge, however, to make tweaks to the sketch. It is encouraged that you provide feedback on placement, size, and likeness at this step because once those black lines are approved, that’s how they’ll appear on your final painting. Small nudges and resizing in the draft phase is included in your portrait purchase.

Tips:

-Likeness improves with larger portrait sizes.

-More details can be included with larger portrait sizes as well.

-8x10 is a great starter size.

-As the artist, I have a trained eye on what will look good, please ask for advise or consider any suggestions I make because I want your piece to be perfect!