Handmade Portrait Paintings of Three Grandchildren
- info1015902
- Feb 16, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 28
Amid a rush of digital notifications, an email from Brenda Hall in Louisiana arrived in. my inbox, requesting handmade portrait paintings. We arranged a phone call to talk details.
I could see that Brenda had the practicality of an experienced planner as she enlisted me to paint her 3 grandchildren. We quickly worked out the sizes, head and shoulder view, and the price for 3 individual portraits.
Then, full of anticipation and eagerness (so she told me), Brenda sent a collection of printed photos. I offered
her my recommendations for which ones would work
the best as paintings.
With choices made, she described each child’s unique qualities. Lena, 9, is an eager performer, exuding charisma in the party dress she chose to wear. Evie,7, a gentle soul and more down to earth, is known for her radiant smile. Nico, 6, is the proud boy of the three, but being the youngest sometimes stands back and lets his spirited cousins lead the way.
At the easel
At that a time I was experimenting and having fun with acrylic paints for a lark. Just for that reason we chose
that medium for this set of handmade portrait paintings.
Acrylics are known to be “unforgiving” because they dry very fast. With oil you can alter them while you are painting any particular stroke. On the other hand, acrylic dries on you so fast that you have to paint newly on top of what you have to change something. You can, however, keep the paints a bit more pliable by water misting the squirts of color on your palette.
As I painted these portraits, I experienced an agreeable lightness of being on my toes ready for anything to happen. And even though the medium was different for me, I ended up pleased that the freshness of youth was very well communicated.
There were a few reveals
First, when Brenda saw the emailed pictures that I sent her, she wrote: "They are PERFECT!!! I love them! Thank you for listening and making the requested revisions. I would think that allowing clients' opinions to help refine portraits (without ruining the product), would be a very valuable asset in your business. Obviously, you possess this ability. Thanks again!"
When Brenda received the actual portraits shipped to her, she had more to say:"I am very, very pleased with the portraits! I know that my daughters and sons-in-law will love them as much as I do. I am very excited for Christmas to be here so that they will receive them. I will take your advice and make certain the portraits are the only images available for those poses."
Including ... contact after Christmas
"Good morning, I was able to see my daughters’ faces as they opened the portraits . They were both very emotional and very pleased with them. Of course, I was happy all over again. It was a special time for me on both occasions."
In conclusion, handmade portrait paintings from a good artist are attainable even in this modern day. They are very personal and special sources of happiness for years to come. They are achievable, affordable and also make great gifts.
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