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The gift of a portrait is a significant symbol of affection, gratitude or love. Whether you
desire a portrait of a person or pet in either oil or pastel I am looking forward to
creating a piece you will treasure. It is a joy to have my life’s passion also be my work
and I consider it an honor to have my work in your collection. I think you will find the
whole process remarkably convenient and rewarding.
Please contact me when you are ready to set an appointment for photography or if you
have any questions about the portrait process. In the meantime, the information below
might answer a lot of your questions.
Lisa
desire a portrait of a person or pet in either oil or pastel I am looking forward to
creating a piece you will treasure. It is a joy to have my life’s passion also be my work
and I consider it an honor to have my work in your collection. I think you will find the
whole process remarkably convenient and rewarding.
Please contact me when you are ready to set an appointment for photography or if you
have any questions about the portrait process. In the meantime, the information below
might answer a lot of your questions.
Lisa
| Helpful Information FAQ's |
How does the process work? I have devoted a page to explaining the process HERE.
What are your prices? You can find a basic price list HERE.
How long does it take? Completion time varies depending on the type and complexity or
the portrait. Most head and shoulders pastels take 6 to 8 weeks to complete. Oil paintings
require more drying time between layers of paint and therefore require about 8 to 12 weeks.
If you need a portrait for a special occasion, let me know and I will do my best to comply.
During the holiday season completion times are longer. Please make holiday portrait
arrangements before October 1st.
Do I see a sketch first? I do not make small sketches before creating a portrait. I create
the work and when it is finished to my satisfaction we meet for delivery. At that time I can
make minor changes to your piece if necessary.
What determines the size of the paintings? I price by subject matter rather than size.
Because I prefer traditional portraiture, I try to stay within the traditional rule of thumb
which is 2/3 life-size up to life-size...no larger. The only exception is for horse portraits
which are often slightly smaller upon request. The reason I prefer to work this way is to
preserve important details and provide the best possible likeness. Head and shoulders
portraits of children usually measure 20 X 16 unframed. Adult head and shoulders portraits
are typically 24 X 20 unframed. Size will increase as more of the subject is included or
additional subjects dictate. I am not as concerned about size as I am provided the best
possible composition.
I don't live near St. Louis. Can I still commission a portrait? Yes you can! Please read my
PHOTO GUIDELINES. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
I want to see something in person. May I? Unfortunately I am unable to do this any longer
except in special circumstances. Most artists are now displaying their portfolios online. I
try to provide a large body of sample work on my website for this purpose. Most of my
commissions come by referral so chances are you have already seen a real portrait at the
home of a friend or relative. If not, there are a few local galleries where you might find a
sample. Don't worry. I guarantee your satisfaction. People like you are my advertising!
What are pastels? Pastel paintings are created using sticks of pure powdered pigment
much like chalk. Pastel paintings are just as long lasting as oil paintings but need to be
framed behind glass to protect them from smearing. They are wonderful for children’s
portraits, especially vignettes (head and shoulders) as they provide a slightly softer look.
What are oil paints? Oil paintings are created with paints made from pigment suspended in
a drying oil. Paintings are done on prepared panels or traditional canvas. There are many
layers of paint involved in creating an oil portrait in addition to intervals of “drying time”
but the possibilities are endless!
What is the difference between pastels and oil paints? In terms of overall style, there
isn't a lot of difference. My "style" is fairly consistent. Pastel paintings need to be framed
behind glass and require a space between the artwork and the glass to prevent smudging.
Once framed, they are as durable in color as oil paintings. Oil paintings are not framed
behind glass and are less fragile for this reason.
Do you prefer oils or pastels? Thankfully, I have no preference and enjoy both. The
choice of whether to commission an oil or pastel painting really boils down to personal
preferences.
Why are oil paintings more expensive than pastel paintings? Oil paintings require
intervals of drying time between many layers. They also require more time to create.
Pastels, though layered as well, do not require any drying time. Overall, pastels require less
time to complete. This time differential is reflected in the pricing structure.
What material do you work on? For both oil and pastels, I prefer to work on a prepared
panel. This wood composite ground is at least double-primed and provides a sturdy surface
for both oil and pastel paintings. I prefer this to paper which tends to wave over time and is
sensitive to damage and environment. For oil paints, I will occasionally work on canvas.
Still, stretched canvas is susceptible to puncture and I would like to avoid that risk.
I want to send you a photo. What do I need to know? Start by reading my PHOTO
GUIDELINES. If you have questions after that, please contact me.
Does my decor matter? What if I want a specific background color? Yes and no. I do
want to hear your preferences and it helps to know where the portrait will hang. Most of
the time I keep the background colors neutral so that as your decor changes you don't need
to worry about your portrait fitting in. If you have a color preference, let's discuss it. I am
open to suggestions.
What should my child wear? I recommend something classic and timeless. Avoid very
bright colors or intricate patterns such as gingham. Don't buy something just for the
portrait. For example, if you have a gingham outfit, I can paint it as a solid color.
Can you change clothing color? Yes, in most cases I can. The style of clothing is far more
important than the color. It's best to keep the clothing as timeless as possible. Find
clothing you like and we can discuss changing the color.
I don't see a sample of a dog breed (or cat or horse) like mine. How do I know you can
make my pet look like my pet? Well, I paint what I see to the best of my ability. After doing
this for 25 years I am fairly confident I can paint YOUR pet. As an animal lover I know that
your Golden Retriever is unique. Your pet will look like your pet.
What if I am disappointed with the photos you take? My child had a bad day. It
happens. Most children behave extremely well for other people and do a great job.
Occasionally, they are tired or just having a bad day. If you are disappointed with the
expressions you see in the photos I have taken, I will happily retake the photos ONE more
time to try to get better results.
Can I buy a print of my portrait for grandparents or other relatives? Yes you can. I try to
make it a habit to photograph my work clearly enough to reproduce. Soon, you can order
prints in various sizes HERE.
I would like to obtain a license to sell your work. How do I do that? Great! Please contact:
Michael Barnes
Barnes & Company
(636) 933-0041 office
(636) 933-0048 fax
barnessports@hotmail.com
What are your prices? You can find a basic price list HERE.
How long does it take? Completion time varies depending on the type and complexity or
the portrait. Most head and shoulders pastels take 6 to 8 weeks to complete. Oil paintings
require more drying time between layers of paint and therefore require about 8 to 12 weeks.
If you need a portrait for a special occasion, let me know and I will do my best to comply.
During the holiday season completion times are longer. Please make holiday portrait
arrangements before October 1st.
Do I see a sketch first? I do not make small sketches before creating a portrait. I create
the work and when it is finished to my satisfaction we meet for delivery. At that time I can
make minor changes to your piece if necessary.
What determines the size of the paintings? I price by subject matter rather than size.
Because I prefer traditional portraiture, I try to stay within the traditional rule of thumb
which is 2/3 life-size up to life-size...no larger. The only exception is for horse portraits
which are often slightly smaller upon request. The reason I prefer to work this way is to
preserve important details and provide the best possible likeness. Head and shoulders
portraits of children usually measure 20 X 16 unframed. Adult head and shoulders portraits
are typically 24 X 20 unframed. Size will increase as more of the subject is included or
additional subjects dictate. I am not as concerned about size as I am provided the best
possible composition.
I don't live near St. Louis. Can I still commission a portrait? Yes you can! Please read my
PHOTO GUIDELINES. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
I want to see something in person. May I? Unfortunately I am unable to do this any longer
except in special circumstances. Most artists are now displaying their portfolios online. I
try to provide a large body of sample work on my website for this purpose. Most of my
commissions come by referral so chances are you have already seen a real portrait at the
home of a friend or relative. If not, there are a few local galleries where you might find a
sample. Don't worry. I guarantee your satisfaction. People like you are my advertising!
What are pastels? Pastel paintings are created using sticks of pure powdered pigment
much like chalk. Pastel paintings are just as long lasting as oil paintings but need to be
framed behind glass to protect them from smearing. They are wonderful for children’s
portraits, especially vignettes (head and shoulders) as they provide a slightly softer look.
What are oil paints? Oil paintings are created with paints made from pigment suspended in
a drying oil. Paintings are done on prepared panels or traditional canvas. There are many
layers of paint involved in creating an oil portrait in addition to intervals of “drying time”
but the possibilities are endless!
What is the difference between pastels and oil paints? In terms of overall style, there
isn't a lot of difference. My "style" is fairly consistent. Pastel paintings need to be framed
behind glass and require a space between the artwork and the glass to prevent smudging.
Once framed, they are as durable in color as oil paintings. Oil paintings are not framed
behind glass and are less fragile for this reason.
Do you prefer oils or pastels? Thankfully, I have no preference and enjoy both. The
choice of whether to commission an oil or pastel painting really boils down to personal
preferences.
Why are oil paintings more expensive than pastel paintings? Oil paintings require
intervals of drying time between many layers. They also require more time to create.
Pastels, though layered as well, do not require any drying time. Overall, pastels require less
time to complete. This time differential is reflected in the pricing structure.
What material do you work on? For both oil and pastels, I prefer to work on a prepared
panel. This wood composite ground is at least double-primed and provides a sturdy surface
for both oil and pastel paintings. I prefer this to paper which tends to wave over time and is
sensitive to damage and environment. For oil paints, I will occasionally work on canvas.
Still, stretched canvas is susceptible to puncture and I would like to avoid that risk.
I want to send you a photo. What do I need to know? Start by reading my PHOTO
GUIDELINES. If you have questions after that, please contact me.
Does my decor matter? What if I want a specific background color? Yes and no. I do
want to hear your preferences and it helps to know where the portrait will hang. Most of
the time I keep the background colors neutral so that as your decor changes you don't need
to worry about your portrait fitting in. If you have a color preference, let's discuss it. I am
open to suggestions.
What should my child wear? I recommend something classic and timeless. Avoid very
bright colors or intricate patterns such as gingham. Don't buy something just for the
portrait. For example, if you have a gingham outfit, I can paint it as a solid color.
Can you change clothing color? Yes, in most cases I can. The style of clothing is far more
important than the color. It's best to keep the clothing as timeless as possible. Find
clothing you like and we can discuss changing the color.
I don't see a sample of a dog breed (or cat or horse) like mine. How do I know you can
make my pet look like my pet? Well, I paint what I see to the best of my ability. After doing
this for 25 years I am fairly confident I can paint YOUR pet. As an animal lover I know that
your Golden Retriever is unique. Your pet will look like your pet.
What if I am disappointed with the photos you take? My child had a bad day. It
happens. Most children behave extremely well for other people and do a great job.
Occasionally, they are tired or just having a bad day. If you are disappointed with the
expressions you see in the photos I have taken, I will happily retake the photos ONE more
time to try to get better results.
Can I buy a print of my portrait for grandparents or other relatives? Yes you can. I try to
make it a habit to photograph my work clearly enough to reproduce. Soon, you can order
prints in various sizes HERE.
I would like to obtain a license to sell your work. How do I do that? Great! Please contact:
Michael Barnes
Barnes & Company
(636) 933-0041 office
(636) 933-0048 fax
barnessports@hotmail.com