Nailing the Portrait Painting Sitting: 3 Professional Insights and 5 Insider Tips

Guest post by Deirdre M. Folley 

Usually, I have the pleasure of being the one to make the behind-the-scenes arrangements for John's painting commissions. This time around, I had the experience of sitting for John and getting the formal portrait treatment.
Since I've been working with John on this kind of thing for years, I knew basically what to expect. But for many people, this process is shrouded in mystery. I decided to go ahead and let you in on the experience. 
 
For those young adult or adult patrons who are up for the full experience, the portrait process will be mostly in-studio and will involve several sittings. For these, John relies in part on photos for reference, but the bulk of the work on the portrait is done from life. This yields the best results: the colors will be most accurate and alive; the shapes, form, and proportions will be more clear and present to John; and, perhaps most importantly, the subject's personality and likeness come through the most clearly when the painting is done from life in the actual presence of the person. This does require a time commitment (several sittings of a few hours each) -- and the subject (that is, the person who's sitting) has to be up for sitting still! (With breaks, of course!)

In the case of child portraits and for the purposes of this post, however, we're discussing one photoshoot from which a portrait will be painted. Without further ado...

Professional Insights
​Or, what to expect when you go to John's studio for a photoshoot for your painted portrait:

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 outtakes from a fun time in the studio.

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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