By Grace Mehan DeVito
We often encounter clients and admirers of portraiture who want answers to the simple but complex question of what differentiates one portrait from another. The chosen medium is a key choice that influences many aspects of the portrait process, including pricing, lighting, framing, and more. To understand the technical qualities and historical context of some of these mediums, we reached out to Portraits, Inc. exclusive artist, Grace Mehan DeVito :
Once you decide to commission a portrait, what’s next? You may have also decided which style to use; traditional, contemporary, or perhaps an impressionistic approach. But what about the medium? Knowing the purpose of the portrait, where it will hang, and what size it will be will influence that decision. Let’s consider some different possibilities.
Portraits in oil by Portraits, Inc. Exclusive Artist, Grace DeVito
Perhaps the granddaddy of them all is the portrait painted in oil. It has an illustrious history dating back to the Renaissance. Some would say it has the most cachet. Think of Rembrandt and Sargent – who could resist the juicy loaded brush strokes and gravitas of this medium. Oil paintings come in many styles and can range from traditional realism to modern contemporary interpretations. Oil portraits will work for any subject; from institutional portraits to children’s. In general, they will command a higher price than the mediums done on paper and have a long track record of longevity when handled properly.
Pastel is a beautifully charming medium. Who doesn’t love the mother and child pastels of Mary Cassatt or Degas’ elegant dancers? Pastels are done on paper and can be a bridge between drawing and painting, having qualities of both. You don’t generally see institutional portraits done in pastel but are more likely done for children’s, family, and personal portraits that are hung in more intimate settings. Pastel is a delicate medium that needs to be handled with care and framed under glass which can add to its weight, prohibiting large sizes.
Watercolor is a beautiful luminescent medium. It’s a painting medium but done on paper. Watercolor has a wide range of effects from very loose, soft passages to precise brushwork. Like pastel it is traditionally framed under glass to protect its delicacy, so size can be an issue.
Portraits in charcoal by Portraits, Inc. Exclusive Artist, Grace DeVito
Charcoal is perhaps the oldest drawing medium dating back to our ancient ancestors’ cave paintings. Its beauty is in its velvety tones. Most people think of charcoal drawings for head and shoulder portraits but don’t limit the possibilities – there are gorgeous, full-length charcoals being done that will knock your socks off. As charcoal is also a delicate medium, it needs to be handled with care and framed accordingly.
Sculpture is a special choice for a portrait commission as it is three-dimensional. It could be the perfect adornment to a formal or cottage garden, or for a grand building to honor a person’s achievements. It can be done in marble, bronze, clay, fully dimensional, or bas relief. Sizes can range from a small likeness perfect for a home mantle to a larger-than-life size for an institutional installment and costs can be concomitant. Generally, sculptures are done in conjunction with an architect or landscape architect’s design and multiple editions can be made with certain materials.
All of these mediums will yield excellent results in the hands of an experienced artist, so relax and enjoy the process of commissioning a portrait.
To learn more contact us: call 1.800.476.1223 or e-mail us.
Portraits, Inc. was founded in 1942 in New York on Park Avenue. Over its 80-year history, Portraits, Inc. has carefully assembled a select group of the world’s foremost portrait artists offering a range of styles and prices. Recognized as the industry leader, Portraits, Inc. provides expert guidance for discerning clients interested in commissioning fine art portraits.