Read what
other recipients
have had to say
here.

The Meat and Potatoes

In simple terms, what the artist does is take a photo (or photos) that you provide (unless arrangements have been made for the artist to take the photos, which will add to the cost and is negotiable) and, using them for reference, make a painting.

The Two Looks: Basic Watercolor

The artist uses two methods of painting that achieve two different looks. The first, using only watercolor (as in Sunday, with detail below) has subtle and smooth gradations between colors. The paint can flow from one color to another, creating new colors and soft blends.

What some of these terms mean:

gradation: the blending from one color to the next, or from a color to the paper

 

 

The Two Looks: Gel Medium

Using this method, after finishing the drawing, Gel Medium is applied with a brush. Gel Medium is an elmers glue-like substance, which dries clear. When paint is applied, it 'sits up' on the dried medium, not soaking into the paper. The 'pro' to this is you end up with interesting textures (you are seeing the gel medium brushstrokes with the paint on top of them) and an almost oil painting like finished look (as in Dad, detail below). The 'con' is that subtle blending and soft edges do not occur. This approach works best when applying three dimensional objects to the painting, such as necklaces, etc.

Now Added: Oils

You can, if you like, have your piece done in classic Oil Painting style and medium. See example on the artist's main site here.