Kristin is a sensitive portrait artist and loves painting children. She works from life as much as possible and believes it is important to know her client in order to get to the root of her subject’s true character and temperament. She loves interior design, fashion and creates pleasing images that families will cherish for years to come. In addition to oil portraits, she also works in pastel.
To Kristin the process of designing a commissioned portrait is very specific and exciting. First she likes to meet with the sitters in their home, her studio or on Zoom so she can talk informally about the requirements of the painting. The aesthetic and taste of the client is very important to her as well as where in the home it will be displayed. Deciding where the scene of the painting will be depicted outside or inside, clothing choice, one or more figures in the painting, are all things which play a role in choosing the final composition.
Next a date will be set to have a “studio session” which can take place at your home, on the beach, or in a garden.Here the conversation will be continued while she makes a color study or an “all prima” from life and takes a series of photographs. The meetings sole purpose is to help her find out what makes the sitter look the way they do and get material to aid in the composition of the the painting. She works from life, sketches, photographs and imagination.
Following the session the actual life size painting begins in her studio. The painting develops over 4-6 sittings each spaced at a mutually convenient time from the last and last about 2-3 hours long. Clients are often hesitant about spending valuable time having their portraits painted however they usually find that the sittings are pleasant and agreat way to relax. Music, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. With children the actual time in front ofthe easel is reduced. Several images are sent to the client at key moments in the development of the painting. First when the underpaintingis complete second right before the painting is varnished. Then once the painting is complete it will be delivered inperson whenever possible and an unveiling can be arranged.
Oil portraits begin at $3,200 for a head-and-shoulders; sketches and works on paper start at $1200.