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Having a portrait painting commissioned is fun and exciting. The process shouldn't be stressful! If you'd like me to take photos for you, I offer a convenient photoshoot option for Standard Portrait Commissions. If you'd like to use your own photos, here are some helpful tips to make choosing a reference photo easier.
How to choose a Reference Photo for a Portrait Commission.
1. It is best to choose a photo where the subject looks most natural.
2. Look for a photo where the camera caught the subject unawares. A natural expression when the subject looks most like themselves is best.
3. Do not choose a photo where the subject is smiling "cheese!" for the camera.
4. Consider a photo where the subject is not facing the camera straight on.
5. An angled face, an interesting expression, and good lighting are great.
6. You do not need a perfectly framed head shot. I will crop your photo and change the composition.
7. Most importantly, be sure the subject is clear and in focus. Zoom in on the face to be sure that it is not pixelated or blurry.
2. Look for a photo where the camera caught the subject unawares. A natural expression when the subject looks most like themselves is best.
3. Do not choose a photo where the subject is smiling "cheese!" for the camera.
4. Consider a photo where the subject is not facing the camera straight on.
5. An angled face, an interesting expression, and good lighting are great.
6. You do not need a perfectly framed head shot. I will crop your photo and change the composition.
7. Most importantly, be sure the subject is clear and in focus. Zoom in on the face to be sure that it is not pixelated or blurry.
Example
Left to right: Original photo taken by me, cropped and zoomed in photo, final completed portrait.
Let me know if you have any questions about how to choose a reference photo! I'm happy to help. Contact me here.
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If you're curious, yes I still have MinneBites! But I'm slowly moving away from that product line, which I did almost exclusively for about 8 years. Although I may decide to continue making and selling MinneBites in the future, for now I've decided to concentrate on fine art, both painting and textiles. In fact, I'm getting ready for something new on that end right now - selling at outdoor festivals!
THANK YOU!
Me and my whale bags in 2015.
I want to say thank you to all of my Minnebites' customers. It's because of your support that I've been able to grow as a designer and an artist throughout the years; crafting my sewing skills and exploring my creativity.
I may have "accidentally" started a small handmade business 8 years ago, but it was perhaps inevitable. I realize now that I had always wanted to be an artist. I love my job and I love working for myself. It's been an amazing ride and it continues to evolve -- thank you for being part of it!
I want to say thank you to all of my Minnebites' customers. It's because of your support that I've been able to grow as a designer and an artist throughout the years; crafting my sewing skills and exploring my creativity.
I may have "accidentally" started a small handmade business 8 years ago, but it was perhaps inevitable. I realize now that I had always wanted to be an artist. I love my job and I love working for myself. It's been an amazing ride and it continues to evolve -- thank you for being part of it!
You can find MinneBites: handmade bags with bite in my Etsy shop,
I still have quite a bit in stock, but you may want to shop now for the best selection.
I still have quite a bit in stock, but you may want to shop now for the best selection.
XOXO
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As I continue growing and expanding in my art career, I find that I'm ready to take the next step with my pastel painting. And that would be selling them, of course.
So, I've decided it's time for: outdoor art festivals!
I always used to say that I didn't want to do outdoor fairs. Unpredictable weather was a big drawback, as well as the fact that they use up valuable summer weekends.
But, my kids are growing and my life is changing, and I'm ready to tackle taking my art to the great outdoors.
So, I've decided it's time for: outdoor art festivals!
I always used to say that I didn't want to do outdoor fairs. Unpredictable weather was a big drawback, as well as the fact that they use up valuable summer weekends.
But, my kids are growing and my life is changing, and I'm ready to tackle taking my art to the great outdoors.
Getting Ready
I'm currently in preparation mode for this new endeavor. And, what do you know, I think I really like the preparation part of the process. I have enough experience at doing shows that it's not too challenging, but it's still new and fun.
Step one, I've had about a dozen of my pastel paintings framed. I think they turned out wonderfully. I'll have a few more done soon, I think.
Step two, I've been working on some marketing materials so I can offer portrait commission information at the show. I do love painting portraits, so hopefully this will be a good way to encourage commissions!
Step one, I've had about a dozen of my pastel paintings framed. I think they turned out wonderfully. I'll have a few more done soon, I think.
Step two, I've been working on some marketing materials so I can offer portrait commission information at the show. I do love painting portraits, so hopefully this will be a good way to encourage commissions!
Step three - and very importantly! - I've got to purchase a tent. It'll happen soon. I'm doing research.
Edina Fall Into the Arts
And so! This September, I'll be at the Edina Fall Into the Arts Festival. This will be my first ever outdoor art fair! I'll have a tent full of my new work in pastels, both originals and prints, along with a nice selection of my textile art work. I'm very excited. I'm hoping for nice weather and a great crowd!
Examples of the work I'll have at the festival
Pastels on sanded paper • "Black Swallowtail Visits the Garden" • 9" x 12"
Pastels on sanded paper • "Royal Candles" • 9" x 9"
Pastels on paper • "June, Again" • 12" x 15"
Textiles, cotton and linen • "Two Views" • 40" x 30"
Textiles, cotton and linen • "Reflection: Sometimes They Get Along" • 30" x 62"
I hope to see you at the Edina Fall into the Arts Festival this September!
Find more of my upcoming events here.
Find more of my upcoming events here.
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Work in progress. Reference is a photograph taken by Tanya Ketchum.
I find that I'm drawn more and more to painting people. I've been inspired by a number of photographs taken by friends and family and have used their photos, with permission, to create artworks. However, I believe it's time for me find willing subjects (my own kids really don't like getting their photos taken!) so I can have a variety of my own photo references to work from.
I'm looking for models!
Being a model is fun and easy. Here are some things to know.
Being a model is fun and easy. Here are some things to know.
- You do not need to be a professional model! In fact, I'm really inspired by the look of an average person.
- Photo sessions last about an hour.
- You'll have to be able to meet me in Minneapolis for the photo shoot.
- You will need to sign a model release form to allow me to use your likeness in my art. If your child is modeling, you'll need to sign the release for him or her.
- You'll receive a free 9"x12" print (or smaller) of any artwork I create from the photos of you or your child.
- If you choose to purchase any original artwork created from the photos of you or your child, you will receive a 25% discount.
If you, your kids, or someone you know is interested in being subjects for my art, please contact me via email at mary@marypow.com.
