Here are the answers to the questions people ask me most frequently.

Question:  How long have you been doing this?

Answer:  In high school, a pencil drawing I did of Michael J. Fox was auctioned off during a fundraiser.    It brought $15.  One of my teachers also bought a water color painting.  Those were the first monies my artwork produced for me.  After graduation, I began doing commissioned portraits as well as paintings of beloved homes and pets.  By the way, I graduated in 1986.  You do the math.

Question:   What medium's do you work in?

Answer:  My favorites are pencil drawings, oils, and pen & ink.  I used to do watercolor until I discovered oil.  I suppose I could still do a watercolor, but I'm not making any promises.

Question:  Do you paint from photographs or from live models? 

Answer:  So far, I have usually used photographs.  This made it easier for my clients to surprise their loved ones with the artwork as gifts, which is usually why I was being commissioned.  It also allows me to work on my own schedule.  The photographs may be ones the client already has; however, I would like to start meeting with the models and taking my own photographs whenever possible.

Question:  How long does it take you to do an oil portrait? 

Answer:  Of course this depends on the size of the finished artwork as well as the number of people in it and the detail necessary.  While I can usually get a head-and-shoulders pencil drawing done in one sitting, it typically takes me a good bit longer for an oil portrait.  I have other responsibilities which do not allow me to paint every day.  The likeness does not always come quickly.  Sometimes, it takes me painting over the faces a few times before I'm satisfied.  I may actually be on a portrait project for a few months working on it as I am inspired. 

Question:  How much do you charge? 

Answer:  Mostly, I would have to give individual quotes depending on number of subjects, size of artwork, details necessary, etc.  To give you a general idea, however, I could do a single subject head-and-shoulders 8" x 10" pencil sketch (with shading for realism) for around $100-$200.   A straight 16" x 20" head-and-shoulders oil portrait ,  I would probably be able to do for around $300-$400 plus supplies.  By the way, I usually require half of that up front to cover the supplies and "inspire me." 

Question:  What is the procedure?

Answer:  If I will be using a photograph you already have, give me a call so we can meet and I can see if I think I can produce a good painting from it.  I would like to start meeting with the models, get to know them a little bit, and pose them for photos that I take for the painting.  When the painting is almost finished, I would like to meet with them again to add the finishing touches.  If it is a pencil drawing that I am doing, we could just schedule a sitting time and I can probably do the drawing then without needing a photograph.