commissions

If you are looking for a standard head & shoulders portrait, I am not your artist.  Nor will I just render your favorite photo in paint.  Through my work, I try to convey stories and characters that generate questions such as “What expression is that?” or “What’s happening, there?”   Sometimes it’s funny, or faceless, or even unflattering; other times, it’s completely ambiguous.  I look for that trait or mood or essence that portrays something specific of the subject’s personality while also something unexpected or unconventional to the viewer.

With that said, I’m happy to accept commissions.  If you would like a painting in this style, simply email or call me. {Please understand that I am managing a queue of commissions ahead of yours while also taking some studio time to establish a broader body of work for my own portfolio, so I’m booking about 9 months out.} When you get near the top of the queue, we can set up a photo shoot in order to explore the subject’s moods and persona, as well as optimal contrasts in light and shading; however, I have found that the images that are most striking are often the candids that have been captured when the person or dog (or other subject) was doing something funny, or sleeping, or exhibiting some endearing, quirky behavior that I, as a stranger, would not be privy to when trying to set up a shot.  So, if you have a good quality picture from which you’d like me to work, send it to me and we can go from there.

When choosing a size, please note that I generally will not work smaller than 24 x 24, as the lack of size fails to convey the boldness of the image that makes my style work.

A simple contract will be provided, as well as periodic updates so that you can watch its progress.  Once finished, the painting will require some time to dry.  I tend to paint in thin layers, but oil paints are notoriously slow to dry, so some patience may be required!  Once completely dry (at least a few months and, if local, it can dry on your wall), the painting may then be varnished.

Thanks so much for your interest, and I look forward to seeing your dog(s)!
Nancy
email: canis_major at mac.com
phone: 617-501-WAG1