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Alla Prima Portrait in One Day
An alla prima portrait offers a refined, immediate expression of the sitter, created through direct observation and confident, gestural brushwork. This method emphasizes vitality and presence, resulting in a painting that feels both timeless and alive.
Alla prima portraits are painted entirely from life, either in the artist’s Philadelphia studio or in the privacy of the subject’s home. The portrait is typically completed in one or two sessions, each lasting approximately six hours, excluding breaks. This approach appeals to collectors seeking an intimate and decisive work executed with clarity and economy.
Realist Portrait Painting
A realist portrait commission is a carefully considered, collaborative process designed to produce a lasting and deeply personal work of art.
The process begins with an initial consultation, held either at the sitter’s home or in the artist’s studio. During this meeting, the artist and client thoughtfully determine the portrait’s composition, scale, pose, attire, tonal direction, background, and lighting - ensuring the final painting aligns with both artistic vision and the client’s intentions.
At this first sitting, the artist may also create an oil head study from life, typically requiring approximately three hours. This study serves as an essential visual reference and informs the development of the final portrait in the studio.
A professional photographic session is conducted concurrently. The artist and client review the images together and select the primary reference that will guide the completion of the portrait.
Whenever possible, the artist prefers to work extensively from life and may request additional sittings to refine the likeness and presence of the subject. When scheduling does not permit extended posing, the portrait is completed using a combination of the oil study and photographic references.
A final sitting is recommended to complete the portrait and ensure the highest level of finish. In some cases, images of the completed work may be provided for client review prior to delivery.
In rare instances, such as posthumous commissions, portraits may be created using carefully selected archival photographs.
Other Commissions
Beyond portraiture, the artist is available for select commissioned works in other subject matter, including still life, floral, interiors and figurative painting.
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