How to Order a Custom Painted Portrait: Tips for Capturing the Soul of Your Memories
A custom painted portrait is more than just a photo copy. It’s the immortalization of a moment, a place, or a loved one, viewed through the artist’s lens. Through their eyes, the colors and emotions of the work are amplified, bringing forth deep feelings. It’s a way to capture precious memories, immortalize special moments, and create a unique artwork that reflects your personality or that of your loved ones. Whether you’re considering ordering a portrait for yourself or as an unforgettable gift, this practical guide will accompany you every step of the way to ensure you make the right choice.
1. Selecting the Perfect Photo: The Key to Success
Choosing the right photo is crucial to obtaining a portrait that truly reflects the soul of the person or moment you wish to capture. Here are some tips for selecting the best photo:
- Image Quality:
Opt for a high-resolution photo. The clearer the image, the more precisely the artist can reproduce the details. Remember, it’s in the small details that the artwork’s beauty truly shines. I need to zoom in to see the details of the iris, eyelashes, teeth, etc. To know if your photo is optimized for a portrait, zoom in on it. If you can see the individual eyelashes, your photo is well-chosen. If, on the other hand, the features are vague, I won’t be able to see them either. A photo can seem good enough until you zoom in. Here is an example of what I can recieve. The first one seemed OK at first sight. But once you do a close-up, here is what I got:
- Facial Expressions, choose a lovely picture
Choose a photo where facial expressions are natural and revealing. A genuine smile, an intense gaze, or a moment of tenderness can make all the difference. Imagine if someone took a candid photo of you for a surprise. A photo where you don’t look your best. Instead of being an unforgettable gift you’ll cherish for life, this portrait might end up hidden in a drawer, right? Yes, of course, my mission is to transcend the existing. I instinctively correct details that disturb the image, to enhance the portrait. But keep in mind, I don’t know the person I’m immortalizing, and I can’t invent their features. I can correct a slightly closed eye, a small spot in the photo, remove glasses, but I can’t recreate a missing part. One day, a client asked me to recreate the top of his deceased father’s head because the photo was cut off. Unfortunately, without knowing the person, it’s impossible for an artist to guess missing elements. Was he curly-haired? Balding? Did he have a large forehead? A middle part? So many small details that even if the portrait is well done, you wouldn’t recognize your loved one. Personally, I guarantee 100% satisfaction to my clients, so I don’t accept this type of request, because I know that in the end, I wouldn’t have fulfilled my contract.
- Lumière et contraste
A well-lit photo with good contrast will highlight features and colors, making the artist’s work easier.
2. Choosing the Ideal Size: Adapting the Artwork to Your Space
- Small size (31×41 cm): Ideal for a desk or shelf, this size suits individual portraits or simple compositions. It’s also the perfect gift if you want to give something on a budget.
- Medium size (45×55 cm to 50×70 cm): Perfect for family portraits or representations of multiple subjects. This size works well in living rooms or main rooms.
- Large size (starting at 80×100 cm): This impressive size is meant to be the focal point of a room. It is particularly suited for detailed portraits or statement artworks. It’s especially suitable for landscapes. The large size is the ideal format if you’re looking for the “Wow” effect.
3. Choosing the Painting Style: Let Your Tastes Speak
The portrait style should reflect not only your personal tastes but also the emotion you want to convey. Here’s an overview of the most popular styles:
- Watercolor: Watercolor is ideal for a light and airy look. This style is perfect for poetic portraits or soft and delicate scenes.
- Oil: Oil painting offers unparalleled depth and richness. It’s the perfect choice for a classic, timeless, and sophisticated portrait.
- Pencil or Pastel: For a sober and elegant look, colored pencil or pastel allows you to capture details and nuances with remarkable precision.
- Acrylic: Acrylic combines vibrant colors with durability. It’s a modern and versatile choice, suitable for various types of portraits, from the most realistic to the most abstract.
4. Personalizing the Details: Creating a Unique Artwork
Remember, every detail counts in creating a portrait that reflects you. For example, you can:
- Add meaningful elements: Such as a personal object, a pet, or a particular background that holds emotional significance.
- Choose a specific color palette: If you have a preference for certain colors or want the portrait to harmonize with your decor, let me know.
- Request adjustments: Don’t hesitate to ask me to adjust certain details, such as removing certain distracting elements (blemishes, piercings, glasses, etc.). I also receive requests for slightly fuller lips, longer eyelashes, etc. Everything is possible… The final result must perfectly match your expectations. But keep in mind that as an artist, I know what works and what doesn’t. A too prominent background, colors that steal the show from the characters, are details that will harm your artwork. Giving me creative freedom will likely result in a more powerful effect when you receive the portrait. The surprise effect is sometimes so strong that it overwhelms my clients with emotion, and it’s not uncommon for me to have the joy of seeing them cry tears of happiness.
5. Ordering Your Custom Portrait: A Simple and Smooth Process
Once you have a clear idea of what you want, it’s time to place your order. Here’s how the process works:
- Choose the type of painting: on my page https://artiste-peintre-helen-barenton.com/prix-portrait-peinture/ select landscape or custom portrait.
- Choose your medium by clicking on the corresponding image: oil, watercolor, pastel, etc.
- Choose the size: using the dropdown menu, select the format of your artwork.
- Choose the number of subjects to immortalize: this can include animals or humans. (For custom landscapes, this step is not necessary)
- Framing: choose yes or no in the dropdown menu.
- Attach your photo and let me know any specific details you want me to consider. You can also contact me via the contact form, or through the chat if you have any questions. I’d be happy to guide and advise you.
- Provide your contact details and proceed with payment. 3 to 4 weeks later (depending on my order schedule), I will send you the painting. You can also pick it up in person if you live in Reims or nearby.
- Provide your contact details and proceed with payment.
3 to 4 weeks later (depending on my order schedule), I will send you the painting. You can also pick it up in person if you live in Reims or nearby.
Let's go and order yours !
Ordering a custom portrait is an artistic and emotional journey. By following these tips, you ensure that you create a work of art that will not only capture your memories forever but will also hold a special place in your heart and home. Whether it’s to immortalize a particular moment or to give an unforgettable gift, a custom portrait is a unique way to make art personal and meaningful.