Woodburning is an ancient art that uses the least crafting tools. This long lost art is also named as pyrographic. Portrait can also achieved by using this art technique.

The main crafting tool is a woodburning pen. It comes with different heating tips, that function just like brushes for oil paintings. It doesn’t require any medium, therefore, most enthusiast learner will find the setup not cumbersome. The woodburning pen is plug into a temperature controller device. The amount of heat is adjusted, and skillful artist will use this heating tips to burn onto the woods, leaving scorch marks.

Below sharing a portrait using of wood burning, with close-up photos. The shining surface is a coat of lacquer to protect the woodboard.

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

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.

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Photographs of people often elicit a greater response from the viewer than any other kind of subject. A good portrait photograph does not just show to u the appearance of the subject. It should also be a visual biography, capturing a sitter’s character and revealing their unique personality.

Photographing People

A portrait can be a photograph taken without the subject’s knowledge, or it may be a more formal affair where the photographer has been commissioned to follow a specific assignment, usually done in a proper photographic studio. As with all areas of photography, there are technical decisions to be made. Different types of camera and lens are needed for different conditions; light must be arranged to achieve specific effects; and the camera viewpoint has to be positioned to suit the subject’s face, or to enhance some aspect of the setting.

What Makes a Good Portrait?

Portraits are not limited to posed shots of immobile subjects, capturing moving subjects on film with flash can make lively, expressive portraits, and giving subjects as activity can have unexpected results. The latter approach works well with children, who become bored quickly. Do not underestimate the importance of background and setting in your portraits. Photographing people outdoors or in their own environments can add a dimension otherwise missing from a portrait in a studio setting.

Drawing Out a Subject

Another important aspect of portrait work is overcoming a subject’s natural apprehension of the camera and lights. Try to put your model at ease by having all the camera equipment and lights set up well in advance of the photo session. This will leave you free to get to know and reassure the model before you start to take any photographs. Talking may help the sitter relax and allow you to achieve the desired result – a revealing, natural-looking portrait. The best photographs move beyond this to capture expressions that give an insight into a person’s character and mood, resulting in wonderful and exciting portraits.

The Coolest Point-and-Shoot Camera

With modern technology advancing so quickly, professional photography with SLR camera has new design that packed with unique features and capabilities. Comparison with compact digital camera, price-wise is definitely much affordable, lighter and easier to use. However, feature-wise, such as interchangeability of focus lens, SLR is a better choice. For any novice in photography, it is much more practical and convenience for one to carry a small digital camera than those bulky SLR. Especially for frequent travelers who wants to capture portraits of family or friends. Photographing with natural expression is still the key point for a good portrait photograph.