Pencil Portraits  

FAQs

Do you really draw all your pictures by hand and how long does it take?

• Yes, I do.  I take great pride in my work and am not satisfied until each piece of artwork meets my own high personal standards.  As a result each pencil piece takes many hours to complete.  The more complex the subject - the greater the time required.  These are not "sketches" but fine line pencil drawings in which I capture all of my subject's subtle facial characteristics and create an artwork that often exceeds the quality of the original photograph. 

Do you draw off of photos or in person?

• I can do either but it is much easier and far more practical for everyone, including the subject, to use photos for a reference.  Photos don't move, get stiff or complain.  It also makes it easier to work on a piece over several days than one lengthy sitting.

Where did you get your training & do you offer lessons?

• I am completely self-taught and have never taken an art lesson in my life.  I have been drawing since I was old enough to grip a pencil and have practised long and hard to develop my skills.  30+ years of development. (and I'm still learning)  Regarding lessons - I am currently working on a series of pencil lesson plans geared for the beginning and aspiring artists who wish to learn my secrets & techniques.  These will be available in the near future.

Do you work exclusively in Pencil?

• No, but pencil is my primary medium of choice.  I do the occasional acrylic painting when the situation dictates such, but pencil definitely makes up the majority of my work at this point in my career.

What type of paper & pencils do you use?

• I use professional Prismacolor Pencils and Conservation Archival Matboard as my substrate.  Upon completion, all artwork gets sprayed with a non-yellowing final fixative designed especially for pencil.  This matte fixative not only "bonds" and helps protect the art, it also reduces pencil shine.

How do you decide whether to use color or black & white in your pictures?

• It depends on the subject matter.  In regards to human portraits, I've always preferred black & white portraits to color.  I feel that it lends itself better to the subtle characteristics & definition of a subject's facial features.  Color can easily distract and trick the human eye.  The overall appearance of animals (and their fur) are more defined by color and as a result the majority of pets I do are in color. 

Can you use several different photos to form one picture?

• Sure - as long as the reference photos are of decent quality.  A composite piece  can be a great way to combine several different key elements into one and can be a unique and effective way to further personalize your portrait!

The photos I would like to use are not the best quality.  Can you still use them?

• Maybe, maybe not.  I would have to carefully inspect the pics before I make any decisions.  I can compensate somewhat for lack of detail but keep in mind that I am an artist - not a magician!  Good photos make a big difference and are definitely preferred.  I will not undertake a project where the end result will not meet my standards.  

Do you draw any subject?

• Pretty much.  My general rule of thumb is that if it moves or breathes - I'll draw it.  To be totally honest - I find drawing still life & scenery quite boring.  There's not much challenge in it and I grow restless very quickly.  In my opinion - a portrait of a person is the ultimate litmus test for any artist who wants to challenge their abilities. 

Do you airbrush, do calligraphy, draw cartoons/caricatures, etc?

• No, not generally.  There are plenty of super-talented artists available out there that specialize in those specific fields. I will personalize a piece with a date if requested - that's about it. 

How did you get to be so "good looking"?

• Genetics.