The use of photo references has become a contemporary necessity especially where children and busy adults are involved. I take my own photos to maintain artistic control. While photographs are a valuable resource, the portrait is never just a "copy" of a photograph. ...

Right, In this example of an oil portrait for breast cancer awareness, an initial drawing was made in charcoal on a toned canvas. Then an oil drawing was completed using paint thinned with turpentine. ...

Here is an example of the first application of layers of oil paint – very thin, rough and blocky From here the painting is worked day-b-day adding detail with varying degrees of thickness of oil paint. ...

This is the complete painting, 40" by 40" "Shades of Pink."