The portrait is planned with a meeting at the client's home to discuss the size and setting (formal or informal, indoors or outdoors, with or without background. Dimensions are taken of the area where the portrait will hang. The frame, an integral part of any work of art, is also discussed and specific recommendations are made.

CREATING THE PORTRAIT

During the first sitting, the camera is used to record a variety of poses and expressions eliminating the need for time-consuming preliminary sketches. Several pictures are chosen and, if necessary, a preliminary sketch is approved before the actual painting begins.

After as much work as possible is done using the reference material in his studio, either Mark returns to the portrait setting and paints directly from life, or the client visits the studio for each session. The subject holds the pose for twenty minute intervals with five minute breaks. Each session lasts approximately one hour.

Finishing touches are applied at Mark's studio resulting in what he considers to be a successful portrait - "a well designed work of art which reflects the unique beauty of the individual."