About Me
I was born in Garfield Hts., the youngest of 4 children, and raised in Strongsville, Ohio. Growing up, I had always had an interest in sketching. At about the age of 12 my interest became more serious, and soon after a passion. My first "real" project in my school art class was a self portrait. Upon seeing the results, my parents were impressed enough to encourage me to pursue art as much as possible thinking it may be my natural talent.
Beginning with free-hand sketching and becoming skilled with free style drawing, I taught myself to paint starting on glass vases and decorative rocks. Once feeling comfortable with this form of art, I started painting a variety of keepsake and home décor items such as assorted glass objects, centerpiece candle holders for parties, weddings, anniversaries and the like, garden stones, bird houses and antique slate for decorations to name a few.
My earlier work included character painting on walls of childrens' bedrooms and play areas.
Several years ago wanting to move on to more challenging subjects, I began taking professional portrait drawing classes. Due to the training from a very influential instructor, Bill Kufahl, who has since become my mentor I have committed myself to creating realistic works of art for clients.
Whether it be a portrait of a family member, beloved pet, corporate or memorial portrait, I ensure your complete satisfaction.
Description of services
All portraits are created on special art boards that come in a variety of colors to compliment any subject and décor. These boards are acid free and lightfast, that is permanent and fade resistant. Museum archival quality.
There are 3 medium choices. Each has a varying degree of difficulty, detail and time consumption. This as well as the subject matter, number of subjects per piece and degree of difficulty will determine the final price.
Medium breakdown is as follows:
CHARCOAL
The subject will be drawn in black and white charcoal pencils on a color toned museum board. Charcoal portraits give a classic look to any "Human" subject. It is a very finished rendering.
(charcoal is not recommended for animal portraits)
PASTEL
Pastels are specialized, soft, colored chalks. If it is a color portrait you have in mind, pastels can bring out all of the colors, hues, tones and values to make any subject look realistic. This also is a very permanent medium when framed properly.
OIL PAINT
Canvases are hand prepared in shop using a detailed process that allows the perfect application of paint for an exact likeness. This medium is the most definitive, and finest in detail and depth. This also makes it the most time consuming and longest to complete.
All three media include a perfect likeness and full expression.
PORTRAIT PROCEDURE:
The client will be asked to select a few photos of the subject(s). If need be, I can refer you to a professional photographer with reasonable rates. Different views and expressions are strongly suggested in order to make a more detailed likeness to your finished project. Together, if possible, we will view the photos and choose the best one for the portrait. At this point, mediums will be discussed. Once all decisions have been made, a price will then be established. (please refer to the pricing page)
Once the portrait is complete, the client will be shown the finished product and any changes can be suggested. At this time, framing will be discussed. I have ample experience in matting and framing and will ensure a perfectly complimentary frame for your portrait. As always, communication is encouraged throughout the process.
Please Note: When ordering a portrait, please understand that in order to create an exact likeness, ample time must be given to complete the project before your occasion or event.
I prefer to do the matting and framing personally in order to guarantee the safety of your delicate art work. It is at this point that your portrait is most vulnerable. I have a vested interest in your project and will never allow carelessness with your piece. But of course the final decision is yours.
