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 CHANGES OR VARIATIONS FROM YOUR ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH

Watercolor illustration, unlike photography, places the artist in the enviable position of being able to make artistic refinements to the original photographic reference by adding to, deleting from, or making subtle alterations to the finished painting.

ARTISTIC DELETION or ADDITION

Don't like the background in your original snapshot? I can delete an unwanted background or add another from a 2nd photo. Want to get rid of the power lines or automobiles? Or maybe the ugly lamp in the corner? I can delete any objects you want. Or I can add what you would like. A family portrait composed from individual photos of family members. Or that graceful palm tree or weeping willow you've always wanted in the back yard...

HIGHLIGHTING

Added emphasis or interest can be added to your portrait by using subtle highlighting of a specific object or area. In my watercolor 'POND DOCK, GREENWICH', emphasis has been shifted to the center of the painting by using two subtle watercolor techniques:

1) toning down the bright swath of sunlit grass seen in the left margin of the photograph, and
2) changing the contrast between the dock and the far shore.

These simple changes shift the center of attention to the dock itself, and in the finished painting we glimpse its sun-splashed deck through the cool shadows of the trees.

CHANGING COLORS, SHIFTING MOODS

Just like an old sepia photograph can take us back to another time and place, watercolors have the uncanny ability to portray subtle moods and impart dreamy visions without employing full color. I can convert your snapshot into a painting of almost any hue, tint or shade. Just tell me what you would like, I can paint to suit your tastes.

For example, I can convert your color photo to:

o a subtle black-and-white
o an antiqued sepia
o either of above with a highlight in full color

Or, I can paint your antique sepia or black-and-white photograph:

o as-is, in its original monochrome
o as-is, with a highlight in full color
o in full color
(Please see examples of these techniques on my Story Illustrations page).

The possibilities are limitless! Prices for black and white portraits are as for color. For sepia or color-highlighted portraits, or converting sepia or black and white photos to color portraits, please add $145

COMPLETION OF PORTRAIT

Usually within 21 days of receiving photo and payment. This depends greatly on workload and timing of order, especially if it coincides with pre-holiday rush.

ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS

Base price for portraits are for one custom painted subject. For each additional subject there is an additional fee, as in effect each individual is still a complete portrait in itself. For example, for a group portrait of three persons, I will be basically three times longer painting this watercolor as the time I would require for only a single subject. Please inquire, as this depends upon size required, as well as clarity and size of original photo from which I will paint your custom work.

Base Price is for cottage or home is for average house or cottage. For more architecturally complex or ornate homes, or for paintings which will include 2 or more homes - since I will be at least twice the time painting this as for only a single subject - please inquire.

PORTRAITS FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS

To avoid disappointment, try to order early, when my workload is less. This also guarantees your delivery won't be delayed in the pre-holiday mail rush.

PORTRAIT DELIVERY

Usually delivery is via air mail, but you have the choice of faster service. Please note shipping and handling is not included in custom watercolor fee.

FOR RUSH COMPLETION of WATERCOLOR

Send me your photo and money order via courier. Or e-mail me a jpg or gif of your photo. Completed portrait will be sent via courier upon completion. Usual completion expedited to within 10 days, depending upon workload and complexity of subject. Add $85 for this service. Courier fees and electronic format charge not included.

SEND YOUR IMAGE IN ELECTRONIC FORMAT

E-mail me a jpg or gif of your photo, and I will paint directly from this image, making any changes you may require. Check or money order can be mailed express, or payment sent by credit card via Paypal. Please add $65 for this electronic image service. Please note that jpg or gif images can be used instead of direct photographic reference - especially in rush deadline situations - but detail, as well as precise colors are not as crisp and sharp, and are therefore harder to work from.

Mail: 90 Gorham Rd, Kings Co., New Brunswick, Canada E5M 2N2

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