| The diversity of our human face is amazing. We have all been given one mouth, one nose, two eyes, and two ears. But more importantly, what is there that helps us to recognize family and friends at a distance? | |
| While creating your portrait, it isn't only the likeness that I look for; any camera can do that. As a portrait artist I interpret and search for those individually unique but recognizable qualities that capture the essence of the subject. That is why I work with multiple photographs and at least three to four months to create your portrait. |  |
|
First, I do marker studies to establish the lights and darks; next, I blow up these studies to full size onto newsprint; and, finally, begin the transfer of information to the canvas. It is at the very end, before my signature, when I transform your portrait into "art" which includes carrying the portrait from room to room, turning it upside down in the mirror, seeing it in moonlight, etc. In other words, to "live" with the art. I work with you during my painting process until my final coat of varnish for oil or fixative for charcoal. Ida Kotyuk, Portrait Painter |
|