Andrew Wyeth (1917 ~ 2009) was a well-known American painter. specifically as a realist artist. Most of his artwork involve people, figurative and portrait paintings, done in a realist style.

Below some of his famous quotes.

• I get letters from people about my work. The thing that pleases me most is that my work touches their feelings. In fact, they don’t talk about the paintings. They end up telling me the story of their life or how their father died.

• I dream a lot. I do more painting when I’m not painting. It’s in the subconscious.

• It’s a shock for me to go through and see all those years of painting my life, which is very personal for me. It’s a very difficult thing for an artist to look back at his work.

• One’s art goes as far and as deep as one’s love goes.

• Artists today think of everything they do as a work of art. It is important to forget about what you are doing.. then a work of art may happen.

• My aim is to escape from the medium with which I work; to leave no residue of technical mannerisms to stand between my expression and the observer.

• You think you’re developing and getting better and then you see something you did years ago. Looking at your early work.. sometimes it has a depth that surprises you.

• I’ve never studied the Japanese. That’s something that must have crept in there. But the Japanese are my biggest clients. They seem to like the elemental quality.
  

  Andrew Wyeth, Braids, 1979

Just middle of last year, one of the Pablo Picasso’s portrait paintings fetched nearly $52 million with commission at a Christie’s auction. That portrait painting is none other than the aesthetically fine painting, entitled “Portrait of Angel Fernandez de Soto“, signed and dated in 1903. As mentioned by Christie’s, all the proceeds will benefit to The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation.

Recently, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has decided to pledged the proceeds of auctioned amount to arts organization in United Kingdom. How honorable this donation can be, as the intention is to make “a significant contribution to many people’s lives”.

“Previously we have concentrated on fine art and arts education, but we have decided to help a broader scope of people and projects directly with the funds invested from the Picasso sale,” said Mark Wordsworth, the foundation’s chair of trustees.

Every man’s work, whether it be literature or music or pictures or architecture or anything else, is always a portrait of himself ~  Samuel Butler (December 08, 1835 – June 18, 1902)

Indeed, what else can be more reputable to his undeniably generous contribution of monetary assets, than owning a valuable portrait painting, “Portrait of Angel Fernandez de Soto“, framed and hang on the blank wall?

Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber

There are lots of famous quote on portrait paintings. In this post, I just want to share 5 of the best that I have picked.

“There are only two styles of portrait painting, the serious and the smirk”
~ Charles Dickens (1812 – 1870). An English novelist of the Victorian era.

“A photograph is a portrait painted by the sun”
~ Anonymous (Photography)

“I do not paint a portrait to look like the subject, rather does the person grow to look like his portrait.”
~ Salvador Dalí (1904 – 1989), A Spanish surrealist painter.

“When you start with a portrait and search for a pure form, a clear volume, through successive eliminations, you arrive inevitably at the egg. Likewise, starting with the egg and following the same process in reverse, one finishes with the portrait.”
~ Pablo Picasso (1881 – 1973). A Spanish painter, draughtsman, and sculptor.

“Most of our modern portrait painters are doomed to absolute oblivion. They never paint what they see. They paint what the public sees, and the public never sees anything.”
~ Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900). An Irish writer, poet, and prominent aesthete.

My recent visits to the ancient capital of Luang Prabang in Laos, has vastly widen my knowledge with deep impression on Buddha portrait paintings. I have captured a few snapshots of their Buddha portrait artwork. And was surprise to learn about these particular paintings, has taken into many creative form of portrait art on different painting surfaces.

Literally, “Luang Prabang”, the city located at the central of Laos’ northern region, is referred as “Royal Buddha Image”. As their city being named, so does their Buddha portrait paintings selling in every art gallery, as well as the famous night market stalls.

One of the portrait paintings I have observed was using pointillism technique, emphasize on groupings of very small dots or dashes of color ‘pointed’ on canvas.

Conceptually, pointillism artwork has some similarity in pixelation of computer graphics in modern days. As opposed to the conventional painting strokes by brushes, dots are ‘pointed’ instead. It is categorized as the Neo-Impressionism painting, evolving in the late 1880s.

Famous paintings for pointillism include Vincent van Gogh, on “Self Portrait, 1887” and the American photorealism artist, Chuck Close, on pixelated portrait painting “Lucas (1986 – 1987)”.

You are able to see below, a collected series of Buddha portrait paintings from Luang Prabang. Two sets using pointillism technique, with slight variant in using only mono color; it uses pen with black color ink. A few closed-up view of the pictures will be able to give you an idea on all this “groupings of very small dots”.

Beside portrait pointillism, their Buddha portrait artwork has also ranged from wood carving and sculpture to acrylic portrait paintings on paper. And include, Buddha portrait drawings on the surfaces of sea shells, turtle shells, round pebbles and stencil paper stamping.

PS: My 3-days bus journey from SaPa to Luang Prabang, was worth traveling, its a long haul though.

Portrait caricature refers to a figurative drawing with an exaggerated facial expression. Beside drawings, artists also include paintings for photo caricature. Some using free hand to complete a drawing within minutes, while others with an aid of software.

Caricature are different from the portrait painting where every features on the face look exactly on the real person. Caricature emphasize on the specific feature, such as a broad nose, dimples, freckles, high cheek-bone or big round eyes. This features are intentionally exaggerated to boost the uniqueness of the subject. There are also drawn in a distorted manner, such that the overview of the portrait still depict it’s likeness and recognizable to the real person.

Another characteristic of caricature portrait is to be amusing, thus, there are drawn in a comical appearance. Like the form of satire and comical art. It help to reduce the sense of seriousness, yet able to carry the message to viewers literally.

I have recently visited a Chinese Art exhibition. One of the booth was portrait caricature by Chinese ink and water. Surprisingly, painted within 5 minutes on the spot. Below is the photo shots of their poster ads to share with you. What do you think of the caricature drawing from this Chinese artist?

Portrait Caricature by Chinese ink and water

With the use of photographs, portrait artists is able to paint accurate and realist paintings. As a means for providing static references can be priceless. Especially, in situation where portrait is taken as a candid shots in a party or at the peak of the snowy mountain. These occurrence can never be repeated as exactly as it was, or will you takes another tiring effort to climb the same mountain again?

Below you will be reading 10 reasons on why compact digital camera is worth buying, typically for an amateur who learn oil painting from photos, and not for techies or geeks.

1. Design to have point-and-shoot capabilities with automatic setting, for specific subjects such as portrait and landscape. I always named it as “post-and-shoot and ever-ready cameras”
2. Have basic features for digital zooming, focusing and macro shots. Most of the newer compact camera has 3x to 5x ranges of zooming. Suitable for portrait and closeup.
3. Small, lightweight, compact and sleek. Best for smaller bags or even in pockets. It is as good as pack-and-go item. Some of the girls are carrying it everyday, taking it out from their handbag as and when there wanted to have a snapshot of people.
4. With advancing technology, these gadgets are becoming more affordable with an easy-to-use operating interface. Remember that your purpose is to take reference photograph for portrait paintings.
5. Technically speaking, compact cameras are less sophisticated and easy to learn. Otherwise, painters will have to start flipping those thick operating manuals on How-to topics. Spend more time on learning how to achieve better painting skill is more worth doing it.
6. Unlike the bulkier and heavier digital SLR cameras, this is much lighter. Hassle-free and doesn’t require special storage, such as the dry cabinet. In addition, you don’t need to carry loads of detachable lens and filters in your sack. I personally experienced that when I was in Tasmania, doing a 10-hours bush trekking; it was more of a burden than a pride that I wanted.
7. You don’t have to invest on an external flashlight. Compact camera have integrated with flashlight. In fact, I personally encourage user to do shooting without flash lighting. It does make your portrait photograph having hard edges, due to harshness of bright flashlight. Please read “How to have portrait photography without lighting studio”
8. Higher end compact camera give better quality photographs. CCD sensors of 8-10 megapixels; perfect to print up to A1 paper size. Do you still consider camera phone with 3-5 megapixels? Just for your info in today’s technology market, an iPhone has 3 megapixels and Nexus One only has 5 megapixels.
9. Much faster processing time than your camera phone, that is why compact camera are capable for taking burst-rate. Imagine how many portrait shots can u take, if the subject happen to be a hyper-active child?
10. Make you stay focus on using the compact camera. At times, function of phone camera will be disabled when there are interrupted by incoming calls. I’m trying to say, “Don’t miss your best shots!”.

Portrait painting serve the purpose of recording an outward appearance of an individual, mainly capturing the facial expression that is able to make oneself recognizable to the real person, at a particular moment in his/her life. Before photography was invented, family members from the noble family, wealthy people, officials, merchants would have their portrait painted. During that time, or the early centuries, artists were employed by all these affluent people. There do not have any choice: their position obliged them to paint what was demanded of them.

In the next following paragraphs, you will be reading different types of portrait paintings that have been practiced traditionally by master artists. You may see some of the illustrations below.

1. Profile portrait focused attention on the outline of the face without distracting you, as the viewer, with any particular expression. Side view is used, instead of other angle facing. It was to emphasized one’s authority and nobility, such as those ancient medals, coins or currency notes which you have seen. See illustration 1.1, The Liberty Head nickel

2. Frontal full view portrait painting during 15^th century, appears mostly for godly figures, myth and heroes, highly worshiped immortals. Theses rare portraits with only frontal view makes an important association between the model and God and eternity.

3. Three-quarter portrait is somewhere in-between, is considered better suited to illustrating the transitory nature of man. It allow the artist to play with nuance o expression. It is less commonly seen these days, that one will preferred three-quarter portrait.

4. Bust-Length portrait shows a person from the shoulders up. You will not see their hands with the portrait frame. See illustration 1.2, Portrait of Camille Pissarro

5. As compared to half-length portrait, you will see an individual who is either sitting on a chair or standing. Artist will paint any area from waist level onwards. Quite often, with their hands cross-folded or resting on the arm of the chair. One of the most popular half-length portrait is The Mona Lisa, painting by Leonardo da Vince.

6. Full-length portrait shows the subject standing up. Portrait of this kind were developed in the 16^th century. Such a pose is particularly aristocratic, majestic-looking, or even regal, underlining the social standing of the person. At times, the artist will include the surrounding landscape. This kind of paintings depict height of elegance and supremacy.

7. Self-portrait during the early days referred to artist who paint himself with the help of a mirror. It is stand-alone as works of art. The best artist in the late 19^th century, who self-portrait himself was none other than Vincent van Gogh. Over 30 pieces of his work consist of him. See illustration 1.3, Self-Portrait, Vincent van Gogh

8. State portrait is generally an official portrait, highlighting the social position of an individual and power he holds. See illustration 1.4, The Emperor Napoleon

9. Group portrait consist of 2 or more figures posing together, showing a significance of togetherness or unity. It is becoming popular these days that group portrait, including wedding couple, friends and family portrait, children portrait, or even with their pets, has been reproduce from photograph.

10. Photo portrait, as the term speak for itself. In this context, we are referring to painting directly from your photograph. It is different from portrait photography, where a mechanical device is involved, including digital editing from your computer. The uniqueness of photo portrait is capable of combining figures from different photographs and combine into one handmade paintings. Physical appearance of the model is not necessary. It is contemporary, yet preserving traditionalism.

Illustration 1.1, The Liberty Head nickel Image Credit: Flick	Illustration 1.2, Portrait of Camille Pissarro Image Credit: Wikipedia
	Illustration 1.4, The Emperor Napoleon Image Credit: Wikipedia

Portrait of Mona Lisa painting on wood used oil as the color medium, size at 77 x 53 cm, renaissance painting dated back in 1503. Painted by the famous Italian artist, Leonardo Da Vinci; master of all science. He was well known for his brilliant innovator in painting, as well as, areas of the (then) natural sciences, technology and architecture. Below, you will read about his portrait painting of Mona Lisa, perhaps the most famous of his work in whole of art history.

This portrait painting has received many questions around the world, yet many has remained unanswer. You may be asking why has this portrait painting been so famous. There is, in fact, no specific reasons or a right answer. As art, it is always sujected to your opinions and how you support it. I personally also trying to find out myself and to learn from you. Regardless of the attitude or expectation with which you look at the face of Mona Lisa, she looks back accordingly. In particularly, Mona Lisa’s smile; it is so magical and with beauty.

In the world of oil paintings, all, no-one has identified who the sitter is. You may have known that she is commonly referred as the wife of Francesco del Giocondo, a Florentine official. However, Leonardo Da Vinci painted Portrait of Isabella d’Este in 1500, whom, many critics claimed to resemble her from side view.

As Leonardo Da Vinci has done before, in 1570′s, he staved to make this portrait more than merely a naturalistic depiction. He painted the outward portrait of a young woman, whose kind and peaceful eyes, with her gentle smile refer to something not can be expressed outwardly, the soul. For this reason the Mona Lisa painting does not seem to have been created from outward appearance, but from with 0 and the same might also be said of the folds of the mountains at the portrait background.

One of the his technique this Leonardo had acquired is sfumato. He achieved this effect by means of soft transitions of light and shade: things lose their rigidity, and reality appears hazy, vague, free of sharpness or hash contour. Mona Lisa smile and her vivid face is deliberately expressed with such technique; in which facial trait are not clearly definable.

Whatever it was, the paintings has cast its magic spell for centuries. As Jean-Pierre Mohen of Louvre has described, “The work actually produces a strange kind of rapture which is part of its greatness.”

Photo Portrait Painting, an unique art of photorealism by combining
more than one photos, and magically transform them into a single oil
painting artwork on canvas. Preserving traditionalism, yet contemporary
and distinctly personal and real.

Below are the price guide for photo portrait painting, using oil
color paint.

People Portrait

* All price shown is in US currency
* This price guide is published on 26th Oct 2009
* Free Shipping to US & Canada
* Painting work will take 10 – 30 business day, or 2~6 wks.

Check out the steps of how this works. Click Here

Free to send me your enquiries on painting your favorite portrait photos by clicking Contact us.

How to send us your Photo for Portrait Painting

Step 1. Send us a Text Message

Send us a text message by clicking here. Sending a portrait photograph may take up memory of 500Kb. Some with very high quality photograph are usually 3000kb that is consider a large files. We understand that your portrait photos are personal, therefore, we don’t use it and disseminate to our artists as a training materials. As such, we would recommend short text messages that take not more than 10kb; lesser memory, fast and efficient. This will also allow us to briefly understand by listening to your requirement. All mails are welcome, and I read every mails.

Drop us a message. Contact Us.

Step 2. Send us your Favorite Portrait Photographs

This will only happen when Step 1 is completed, or vice versa. (if we know your contacts through other means of communication). Please send us your favorite portrait photos. Ensure your photo is a minimum of 100Kb in size. If you are scanning your photo, make sure it is no less than 600dpi (dots per inch). We will contact you right away, if there is any problem with your photos. My mail box is capable of receiving large files, therefore, we will still be able to receive your photographs at any size.

Step 3. Initial Deposit of 30% to Secure Your Order.

After reviewing your photographs for its complexity, we will propose to you an official quotation. This quoting service is free of charge. Upon price agreement, an initial deposit of 30% of final payment will be required to start off the painting process. A web link will be provided to direct you for secure payment. Leading you to the next following steps at checkout, the web address will begin with “https”, meaning “Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure”. We use Paypal, the most secured online payment. No membership registration is required. No password is necessary.

Step 4. Portrait Painting work started

Portrait painting work started, upon receipt of payment. We assign artists who are trained and experience in portrait painting for oil painting on canvas. Skill for portrait painting includes people, family, wedding, friends, pets, etc. Also in charcoal sketch drawing, pastel portrait, watercolor portrait painting, watercolor landscape and etc.

Step 5. Preview of Portrait Painting

When painting is completed, we will send a photo of finished painting for your preview, confirmation and approval for shipment.

Step 6. You can request for modifications if necessary after reviewing

Most of our customers approve the custom oil painting once receiving the first preview email. However, please do not hesitate to email us any modification request if there is any reason that you are not satisfied with your artwork. We will amend painting as your instructions till 100% satisfaction.

Step 7. You confirm painting and pay the balance

When you confirm your painting, you will be asked to pay the balance of 70% payment before shipping. Same procedure as you have paid initial deposit. Or we can send a Money Request through Paypal.

Step 8. We delivery finished painting to you

Your custom oil painting will be shipped with a well protected package. to the address you have supplied. We ship by express company such as TNT, UPS, DHL, EMS and etc.