Welcome!
Custom high-quality, photo-realistic portraits.
Medium: Graphite on paper.
I choose paper depending on the project. However, I ALWAYS use high-quality, acid-free, and 100% cotton papers. While my usage may vary, papers I have used in the past are Hahnemühle, Fabriano Artistico, Somerset Velvet, Lanaquarelle, and of course Strathmore 500.
TO ORDER A CUSTOM PORTRAIT-
1. Photos are integral to the portrait making process. A high-resolution photo is strongly preferred. Keep in mind that blurred, pixelated images will not translate into true photorealistic drawings! Send one photo, or several photos. I prefer several photos so that the image with best quality and composition can be chosen. I would even suggest taking photos specifically for the portrait. Taking pictures in natural lighting is best! However, I have always enjoyed drawing candid portraits, so it is not absolutely necessary to stage a photo. Simply email your images to lauren.astaire [!at] gmail.com.
***There are some minor changes I will make for a portrait such as tidying hair in certain areas, excluding patterns/words on clothing, removing food from around a child's mouth, etc. What I don't do is switch heads and bodies, create new clothing, change facial expression, draw parts of the body that I can't see, i.e. draw a part of the figure that is cropped out of the photo. As an artist, working from one's head is a necessary skill. However, my objective in photo-realistic portraits is to render my subject artfully, but exact. Large alterations such as these would compromise that objective.
2. Now you must consider sizing/pricing for you portrait. For additional persons add $100 per person. I do not charge extra for full-bodied portraits. I do not charge extra for simple backgrounds. A complex background will have an additional fee, in which I will give you a quote in our initial photo consultation. I am open to custom sizes as well, a price quote on custom sizing upon request. If you need custom sizing, additional persons, or a complex background, I will create custom orders for these when you are ready to checkout. Otherwise, determine the appropriate dimensions for your needs, and select "add to cart". Sizing/Prices are as follows:
8x10- 250.00
11x14- 475.00
16x20-975.00
20X24-1500.00
3. After selecting your photo, choosing a size, and purchasing your custom portrait***, I will begin your piece. Please expect 2-8 weeks for your drawing to be completed. I will notify you periodically in regards to the status of your portrait. I will then send images of the completed piece to you before you pay the remainder of the amount due.
***I require a 50% deposit to begin work. I will create a custom order at 50% off for your initial deposit. Before the piece is shipped, another custom order for the final payment plus shipping and handling will be made. I also accept payments in three installments. If you have any questions regarding payment options, please ask.
I am looking forward to speaking with you.
Thanks for visiting my shop!
In addition to custom portraits, I also sell high quality art prints of my original art.
Facebook: @ARTLaurenAstaire
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All Images © Lauren Astaire. All publishing, reproduction (full or derivative) of all artworks (and photographic reference when supplied) remain with Lauren Astaire and can therefore be used by Lauren Astaire for promotional purposes and advertising.