Commissioning a painted portrait from photographs
Portrait painters who use photography fall into two distinct groups: artists who have the ability to create a painted portrait from your photographs, and artists whose natural creative process involves using photography which is the group discussed here.
Portraits created using the artist’s own photography
For many artists, photography has become part of their practice. For example, Simon Davis takes his own photographs of the sitter and pins them around his easel. Brendan Kelly has a different method, he will take as many as 400 photographs as part of his creative process.
The use of photography can reduce the length and number of sittings. This can help when someone cannot undertake many sittings, or if the portrait is of children who cannot sit still. Photography catches a fleeting moment or passing smile, which can be a good reason to seek a portrait painter who uses their own photography.
Brendan Kelly ‘Viv Richards’
For many artists, photography has become part of their creative practice. Simon Davis, for example, takes his own photographs and pins a selection of them around his easel or Brendan Kelly, who will take as many as 400 photographic images as part of his creative process.
The use of photography can reduce the length and number of sittings so can help with somebody who can’t undertake many sittings or for children who can’t sit still. The other element that changes when photography is used is the ability to catch a fleeting moment or passing smile so this would be another reason for seeking a portrait painter who uses their own photography. v
Simon Davis ‘Sophia’
Mark Roscoe ‘Anna’
Choosing an artist
Because portraiture using photography is a special skill it is best to seek the advice of a commissions consultant.
The artist will need to know the size, medium and completion date for the work before quoting.
If you use our consultants, they will approach a range of appropriate artists within your budget and assemble a portfolio for you to choose from.
The Royal Society of Portrait Painters offers one-to-one consultations with their Consultants, without obligation.
