Commissioned Portraits

Realistic figure painting demands a higher degree of accuracy, I believe, in both observation and execution than either landscapes or still life. Usually, I prefer taking my own photographs, but I can work with vintage photos or snapshots, especially when creating a montage of a subject at different stages.

And Bobby McGee

Do you have a special occasion in mind to enhance your portrait? I take my own photographs and work from them, unless otherwise agreed upon. There might be a slight up-charge for travel. 16"x20" Watercolor on paper Commissions begin at $500.

Charlie, Portrait of Life Passages

Charlie was a quiet boy who loved basketball, animals and playing his guitar. I wanted to capture those qualities before he was all grown up and making his way in the world. When I see him now, I can still recall those moments that make this portrait one of my favorites.

22"x30" on Arches paper

The original resides with Charlie's parents

Commissions for Life's Passages begin at $900

Max

The TV was playing an old movie as I arranged my paints and brushes. Though I longed to get started, nothing in my studio or even on the lake outside my windows called to me. Then a quiet space in the audio caused me to glance up, and there it was. Something in the character's pose and expression, his slightly offcast eye, made me want to capture that face.

16"x20" watercolor on paper, mounted on canvas Not For Sale

Commissions begin at $500

My Friend Leigh

Catching a person engaged in doing something they love creates, for me, the ideal portrait, but I'm rarely on hand at those special times, and I prefer working from photographs I've taken. Leigh had a snapshot from when she and her husband, Tim, enjoyed a day with the Clydesdale horses that visit Houston yearly. She clearly loves those horses.

After taking several photographs of Leigh, I combined one of them with the snapshot for a unique portrait.

20”x16” watercolor on Arches paper, this painting resides in Leigh's home

Commissions begin at $600 for 2 subjects

Being Sidney

In today's digital uprising, capturing moments is a universal pastime. Social media gobbles them and spits them out, but where are the heirloom moments, the treasures?

As I sorted through photos of Sidney, one had the smile, another the telling tilt of the head or the ageless comportment. What can a painting do that isn't already captured in a snapshot?

The answer that came to me was "style." In an artist's hand, three telling moments in anyone’s life can become a stunning family treasure.

22”x30” watercolor on Arches paper Not For Sale
Commissions begin at $700 for 3 poses, 1 subject

Jennifer Rogers, Portrait of Life Passages

Growing up, Jenny was an "achiever," determined to master anything she attempted. Her family was diligent about capturing all their children in snapshots as well as professional photographs.

Looking through childhood photos can be a wonderful journey through time. Every year, every accomplishment, is precious. But framed family photos soon command a lot wall and shelf space. This painting from Jenny’s early years through high school graduation made a delightful gift for Mom.

22”x30” watercolor on Arches paper The painting resides with Jenny's parents

Commissions for Life's Passages begin at $900

Nelson DeMille, A Favorite Author

I confess to getting a little thrill when I see my work published. This head study appeared in the book, SPLASH 17, Inspiring Subjects, edited by Rachel Rubin Wolf and published by North Light Books. Cool!

Later, I saw that a fan had posted it to Nelson DeMille’s website. Super cool!

20”x16” watercolor on Arches paper

The original resides with Nelson DeMille
Commissions begin at $500 for a single subject

Bigger Than Life

One year, when I was an avid photographer visiting the Texas Renaissance Festival, I spied this couple in the crowd of visitors. I'd been shooting photos all day of the blacksmiths and jousters and other characters featured at the event, and I usually avoid invading the privacy of strangers, but something about this couple drew me to take their picture. Over many years, it remained one of my favorites.

Only after I finished this painting of the photo did I realize the couple remind me of my grandparents.

22”x30” watercolor on Arches paper Not For Sale

Commissions for 2 subjects begin at $700
Commissions begin at $600 for 2 subjects

Are We Having Fun Here?

Poul and Joann, members of the Brazos Valley Art League, always caught my attention by their friendly manner. I also thought of them as a “cute married couple,” so opposite in some ways yet so alike in others. And I loved their hats – I simply had to paint them.

Fortunately, they didn't mind, so I snapped a few photographs at one of our meetings and had fun creating this portrait.

22”x30” watercolor on Arches paper Not For Sale
Commissions begin at $600 for 2 subjects