The purpose of the meet and greet is to establish open communications and a comfort level with each other.
Observation time
This period of time may require several scheduled times to observe the subject.
The purpose of these meetings/times are for Melanie to observe the subject’s mannerisms, gestures, facial expressions, and personality. This is an important part of the process.
Meet to discuss the details of the portrait
Pose, background, size of the portrait, the story woven within the portrait, clothing attire…these and other details will be a priority for the next step.
Photography and sketching sessions
I do take my own photographs. It is important that the subject feels comfortable and authentic as we work together. I will take several hundred photographs that should capture all the information I have observed and that the subject has communicated. These will serve as references for the portrait.
I will also do a simple color study and sketch that will serve as a reference for values and colors of skin tones, eye color, and clothing.
Studio time
I will review the information that we have discussed, study the photographs, do some sketches, and play with compositions, values, and poses. After this I will present some small black and white sketches. From these sketches you will get a feel and visual idea of what the final portrait can be. I believe that you will feel confident in selecting the final pose from these sketches for the full-sized portrait.
Once a final pose has been selected, I will return to my studio and begin working on the full-sized piece. You will have full access to seeing the progress of the portrait. Some people prefer to wait until the end to see the final result. Others enjoy seeing the process and stages of the portrait painting.
I may request to see the subject in person as I near the completion of the portrait. This allows me to check any small but important details.
A few final thoughts
I consider the family to be of major importance in all stages of this process. I value their opinion and look forward to their participation and input.
It is my hope that this will be a time for clients to enjoy the process and experience of the subject’s portrait being painted.
