1) The process is fluid. 

A patron may expect to walk in, have the artist line up three shots systematically, execute according to a clear set of rules, and then wash hands and send the client home. What you need to keep in mind is that John is an artist by trade, not a surgeon. He doesn't know in advance exactly how it will go, how many photos he'll shoot, or exactly what colors he'll use; the process is intuitive and depends on variables like the light and the mood. While there are certain things you can expect, not every aspect is predictable. 

By trying different poses and draping and by working with the natural light, John will gradually hone in on the shot or shots that seem to capture the subject handsomely and achieve the desired goals for the painting. 

2) The photoshoot takes some time.

Because, as we've noted, the process is a gradual one, it's best not to rush it. John will want some great pictures to work with at the end of the session. So he'll want to ensure that he's explored different options and that he's caught you from your best angle and you're looking and feeling comfortable. For this to happen, expect that two hours will fly by.
(We were a little pressed for time when we did the photoshoot for my portrait, but we enjoyed it nonetheless and got some good results!)

3) Sitting for your formal portrait painting is not intimidating. 

You don't have to be an experienced model (or anything closet to it) in order to do this! While having your portrait painted is a very exciting event and the result can be very formal, the process doesn't have to be. With John, you can expect a quiet studio atmosphere and his typical laid-back manner. Some drinks and snacks will be provided so you can stay comfortable while you hang out. You'll be encouraged to bring a friend along with you to help you feel at ease. For child portraits, one or both parents will be present throughout the session. Depending on my schedule, I'll be available as well as John's assistant in making you feel comfortable and look your best. 

Some tips for getting the most out of your portrait painting photoshoot: 
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• Plan your wardrobe in advance. Choose 1-2 looks you really want. How will you want to be remembered in a piece that will likely remain in your family or institution for generations? In most cases, you'll want to select something classic and timeless, while also thinking about what makes you comfortable and is you. We are happy to consult with you about your choices in the weeks leading up to your session.
  
  

• Consider props. John can discuss if you have desires about certain items you want to incorporate into the portrait to add interest and tell your story. 
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• Avoid self-consciousness with mental preparation. If you are afraid that you'll feel awkward or uncomfortable while sitting for your photo, prepare yourself with these thoughts: What will it mean to your loved ones, family, or institution to have a portrait of you? (Answer: a lot! You're doing this for them!) When you see a beautiful portrait of someone else, what do you think of them? (Answer: I'll bet it's never "that person is vain" or "that person looks ridiculous")
  If you're coming in to have your portrait done, there's probably a good reason that means a lot to someone or many people -- focus on that and you'll be fine! And remember, John is honored to paint your portrait. For every portrait patron who was ever painted in beautiful, classical style, there was an artist grateful for the work and the chance to use the skill he took years to develop!
  
  
• Set children up for success. Use your best parenting practices to get the best results with your kids: make sure they're well-rested (don't plan big, wearing activities on the days leading up to the shoot), well-fed, and that they know they'll be rewarded for good behavior. Definitely plan around nap times! 
  
  
• It sounds trite, but it really is important: have fun! We'll be there to enjoy it with you, so meet us with a good spirit. Give John some good outtake material! Try to crack him up behind the camera or have some stories to share! 
  Why? Because not only will the process be that much more enjoyable and memorable, but, importantly, because then your true soul will shine through the pictures and he'll catch you at your best! 

{Curious about the photoshoot of the little girl, above? See the finished product on John's portraiture page. }

{And if you can see yourself giving a portrait as a gift this Christmas, don't wait too long! The lead time from scheduling a sitting to receiving a finished painting is a matter of months!}

Usually we hear from parents who are interested in having a portrait of their child or children. I'm curious: if you could commission one portrait painting of someone in your life, who would you want it to be? Can you imagine where it would hang? 
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A few years ago, John had a portrait commission that was a little different from other such jobs he's received: a mother, Mary, requesting a memorial painting of her recently deceased daughter who had suffered tremendously from a seizure disorder and other difficulties and disabilities in her short life of twenty-two years. John knew Courtney only through what he heard from her mother and from the photos Mary provided as source material. He did his best to capture this young lady, by talking with Mary and by keeping her closely engaged in the painting process with frequent updates of his work in progress. 

Recently, I had a chance to ask Mary a bit about that experience of working with John to have this portrait done. Below, she shares about what the process and the product meant and mean to her: 

Learn more about commissioning a portrait by visiting the Portraiture page, or by reaching out directly at contact@johnfolley.com. 

I am pleased to announce the launch of my current project: a series of paintings and general focus of my work surrounding the theme of The Faces of New England. 
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No doubt you immediately think of human faces -- and so do I. I am available to take on portrait commissions and will be excited to have local patrons who want to be part of this project and who want their faces to represent the beautiful states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. There is no one face that encapsulates the character of this region. I myself will be scouting out subjects that I think embody some aspect of New England and what it means to me. The possibilities here are vast and fascinate me! What are the New England "types?" Are there some folks who may not immediately come to mind, but who deserve to be included? Who do you believe represents New England? 

I will also be seeking out the Face of New England in the landscape and architecture of the area. Those spots that give us our character; sights and buildings that make New England memorable; places that people come from elsewhere to see -- or perhaps would, if they knew about them!

Finally, this theme will make its way into my still life work within the studio. I'll be looking to include objects and products unique to New England within my still life paintings. I'm excited to find inspiration in the things that are around us that we perhaps take for granted: natural objects, artisan products, New England furniture, etc. Keep this in mind for a custom still life request: you might have something that's near and dear to you that you'd like incorporated - and frozen in time - in a still life painting. And, if so, I'd love to hear the story behind it! 

As we know, Boston is the most prominent city in this region. I'm very proud to be taking my traditional, Boston School training and applying it this way to look all around the region and develop a series that will be meaningful to everyone who cares about this part of the country.

What are your favorite places in New England? Do you know someone who somehow embodies the the region or one of the states, specifically? What are the hidden treasures of this beautiful area that are waiting to be preserved in art? I'd love to hear!
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I'll have more to say about this project as it develops!

​#facesofnewengland