Moved the rest of my old portraits into the slideshow despite still only having poor shots of them; also made a couple of tweaks to the FAQ to better represent the fact that I am accustomed to working from photos; this is the additional text:
How do I submit reference photos?
If a subject lives far away or for any reason is unable to participate in sittings, I am happy to work from photos sent by email or regular post.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
FAQ
I've posted some better photos of my four most recent portraits, I only had the camera for a little while so I took photos of the portrait of Aisling even though it isn't completely finished yet. I couldn't get the lighting quite right so there's still quite a bit of glare coming off of them; I tried to correct for it, but I'm still probably going to need to get them professionally done at some point when I've saved up a bit more. It's better than nothing for now though. You can see full-size versions of them by clicking on the slideshow on the right.
I'm heading off to a charity event today, I'll hopefully be getting some commissions out of it; I wrote up this quick FAQ to give out to people along with my business cards and I thought I'd post it up here as well:
Portraiture FAQ
A hand-painted portrait is an expression of beauty as well as a piece of documentation, it can enrich your surroundings as a decorative object of art while telling the story of a moment. a professionally painted oil-portrait is a treasure at once more personal and more mysterious than any photo.
An art commission is a great gift for loved ones or yourself, to celebrate any momentous occasion; such as a wedding or anniversary, promotion, birthday, retirement, or simply as a spontaneous gift given in the spirit of love or friendship. A portrait will bring immediate joy and satisfaction, and can become an heirloom passed down to later generations.
What materials do you use?
My portraits are produced with high quality oil paints on hand stretched linen canvas, or a pre-stretched cotton duck canvas. Depending on the needs of the piece I can also work on wood, masonite or heavy paper.
All the materials are top quality and archival; so with proper care they will last for generations. After a one year drying period, at the owner's discretion, I will give the piece a coat of protective varnish at no additional charge.
How much does a portrait cost?
The price of a portrait is based on a number of factors:
• Size of painting
• Number of people being painted
• Complexity of clothes and background
• Time restraints
Payment is typically given in two installments, with a down payment of half the commission at the beginning of the process and the other half once the piece is completed. Previous commissions have ranged in price from approximately $350 - $1250.
Do you paint from life or photographs?
It is my preference to spend as much of the process as possible painting directly from life. If a subject is unable to participate in multiple sittings I can easily work from good, clear photographs as well. Whenever possible I will take these photographs myself.
How long does it take?
If painting from life, work will generally take place over the course of 6-10 90 minute sittings per person being painted. These sittings are primarily to work on the face and hands. I will take photographs at these sittings in order to do further work on details, background, jewelry and clothing. The entire process can take from two weeks to two months, dependent on the complexity of the piece as well as the schedules of myself and the subject. If there is a time limitation, a faster schedule can be worked out.
Where do live sittings occur?
I can travel to my subject and work in house, but due to practical concerns it is generally easier if work occurs at my studio currently located in Northeast Portland.
My Background
Dana Henderson has worked as an artist his entire life, and is a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art.
He has work hanging in Massachusetts, California, Oregon and Southern France.
I'm heading off to a charity event today, I'll hopefully be getting some commissions out of it; I wrote up this quick FAQ to give out to people along with my business cards and I thought I'd post it up here as well:
Portraiture FAQ
A hand-painted portrait is an expression of beauty as well as a piece of documentation, it can enrich your surroundings as a decorative object of art while telling the story of a moment. a professionally painted oil-portrait is a treasure at once more personal and more mysterious than any photo.
An art commission is a great gift for loved ones or yourself, to celebrate any momentous occasion; such as a wedding or anniversary, promotion, birthday, retirement, or simply as a spontaneous gift given in the spirit of love or friendship. A portrait will bring immediate joy and satisfaction, and can become an heirloom passed down to later generations.
What materials do you use?
My portraits are produced with high quality oil paints on hand stretched linen canvas, or a pre-stretched cotton duck canvas. Depending on the needs of the piece I can also work on wood, masonite or heavy paper.
All the materials are top quality and archival; so with proper care they will last for generations. After a one year drying period, at the owner's discretion, I will give the piece a coat of protective varnish at no additional charge.
How much does a portrait cost?
The price of a portrait is based on a number of factors:
• Size of painting
• Number of people being painted
• Complexity of clothes and background
• Time restraints
Payment is typically given in two installments, with a down payment of half the commission at the beginning of the process and the other half once the piece is completed. Previous commissions have ranged in price from approximately $350 - $1250.
Do you paint from life or photographs?
It is my preference to spend as much of the process as possible painting directly from life. If a subject is unable to participate in multiple sittings I can easily work from good, clear photographs as well. Whenever possible I will take these photographs myself.
How long does it take?
If painting from life, work will generally take place over the course of 6-10 90 minute sittings per person being painted. These sittings are primarily to work on the face and hands. I will take photographs at these sittings in order to do further work on details, background, jewelry and clothing. The entire process can take from two weeks to two months, dependent on the complexity of the piece as well as the schedules of myself and the subject. If there is a time limitation, a faster schedule can be worked out.
Where do live sittings occur?
I can travel to my subject and work in house, but due to practical concerns it is generally easier if work occurs at my studio currently located in Northeast Portland.
My Background
Dana Henderson has worked as an artist his entire life, and is a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art.
He has work hanging in Massachusetts, California, Oregon and Southern France.
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