American impressionist Edward Henry Potthast
November 8, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Impressionist
American impressionist Edward Henry Potthast was born on June 10th, 1857 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He first showed his artistic side when he was very young and would mix his watercolors to come up with some of the most beautiful, vibrant colors. At an early age his family sent him off to design school. It was there that he met Thomas Satterwhite Noble, a portrait painter who helped Potthast develop his passion for oil painting.
When Edward turned 16 he began an apprenticeship at a lithographic firm. Lithography was the perfect job to further nurture his passion for mixing paints and inks and he continued lithography until he was 39.
In his late twenties, Edward went off to Munich to study painting. Like many artist before him, it was his time in Europe that he was able to develop his own style and establish a name for himself. When he returned to the United States in 1895, he settled down in New York and opened a studio.
By this time, Edward Potthast had become a full-time artist and no longer needed the lithography job to survive. He was living comfortably in his New York studio and was able to paint all day, everyday. Because he lived in the city, many of his subjects were picnics in Central Park and sunny beach days on Long Island.
He especially enjoyed painting children being children, for he had never married or had children of his own. He would depict them swimming in the summer surf on a New England beach or rolling down a grassy hill. Paintings like this were what brought the impressionist era to life.
When Edward Potthast died on March 9th, 1927 he had an established career as an artist and had paintings hanging in museums all over the United States.
Crizza
For more information, or if you have an Edward Potthast piece of artwork you would like to sell, please visit our web site http://www.newportart.com
Oil Portrait Painting as your Anniversary Gift
October 23, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Portraits
Portrait painting is a tradition which has been widespread even before the advent of photography. In the past, aristocratic and royal families pose for long hours just to have their portraits oil painted or charcoal painted. The most common means of painting though, is through oil. Rich families during the olden times even have portrait paintings of ancestors and family members from the generation before them. Not only wealthy individuals have their portraits painted by artists. There are also some engaged couples who send each other painted portraits before their wedding. After these couples get married, they present their partners paintings as anniversary gifts.
But as years passed and technology has gotten more advanced, photography replaced the art of painting portraits. While there are some individuals who still have their family photos painted, there are only a few of them who actually choose this kind of photo preservation. Most people choose digital images of themselves and their families because of the fact that digital printing preserves the quality of the photos for a long time. But if you want the classic way of saving memories, you can always have your family portraits painted by artists. There are several methods of painting photos such as oil, pencil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic, and charcoal. Among all these means, perhaps the most common is oil painting. If you want to give your loved one an anniversary gift, you can present him or her with an oil painted portrait. This will serve as a souvenir of your lasting relationship and companionship. Aside from being a souvenir, it will also serve as an artistic piece which you will cherish forever. It will be a masterpiece which you can hand down to your children and to your grandchildren.
Coming up with an oil painting of you and your loved one’s photo is an art which entails great ability and skill. There are only a few painters who can actually redevelop the whole aura of the portrait into the painting. When you want to have you and your partner’s photo oil painted, the whole process can take up to a week. However, it may last longer. The duration of work required depends on the complexity of the task and the size of the portrait. This may cost you, but the reaction of your loved one will be worth it once you give it to him or her as an anniversary gift.
Several years ago, way back when photography has not yet been discovered, people would pose for plenty of hours just to have their portraits painted. But during the recent times, all you have to do is give the painter your photo and they will take care of the rest. If you want a family portrait painted, a photo of the whole family is not necessary. You have the option of sending the painter separate photos of each member. You can just ask him to put all of you together within a single painting. You can even request a certain background. There are various other things which you can request your painter to do.
Oil Painted Portraits: Give a Gift that Lasts a Lifetime
September 23, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Portraits
Finding the perfect gift for your friend or loved one this holiday season doesn’t have to be frustrating. There are many items you can give that your loved one will delight in for a lifetime. One thoughtful gift idea is to have a stunning oil painting produced from one of your loved one’s favorite photos.
The photo used to create the painting can be one of a grandparent, child, close family friend, pet, your loved one’s home, or even an important event such as a wedding or anniversary. If there’s a particular photo your loved one holds dear to their heart, a painting of that photo will be even more meaningful.
Choose an Ideal Photo for a Beautiful Finish
The type of photo you select for your portrait gift will determine the beauty and quality of the painting. You can choose a photo that will complement your loved one’s home. You might even use a photo that’s already hanging on their wall!
If you’re planning to give a wall portrait, make sure the colors and patterns in the photo harmonize with your loved one’s room decor where you think they might hang the portrait. Then, your painting can be a natural addition to the room without your loved one having to redecorate or rearrange things. For tabletop portraits, you can also choose a photo that blends well with your loved one’s home.
Portrait Size and Quality
The photo should be clear and unblemished if possible, and preferably taken by a professional photographer for best quality. When creating a wall portrait, consider where they might hang the portrait and find out the measurements of that particular wall space. Choose a size that could fit in several different areas of the home so your loved one will be able to hang it where desired.
Oil Portraits Come from the Heart
A beautifully painted portrait on canvas conveys a message to your loved one that you truly care about their happiness and fulfillment this holiday season. They’ll be thrilled that you made a special effort to recreate their most valued memory on canvas.
Giving a painted oil portrait is a great way to add a personal touch to your holiday gift. It’s a gift that will be treasured for years to come.
A Look at the Various Famous Artwork Available
August 13, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Abstract & Cubism
When we are all set to plan our interiors, artworks play important role. Classic paintings and murals of some famous painters gives elegant touch to the interior of the room and houses. Tradition of the painting starts in the 12th century. In this century, Europeans brought their memories of the dark Ages to the lime light. In the same period Christianity entered a victorious and new phase of history. People during this period contributed a lot to art.
Later on many of the painters like Michelangelo Buonarroti, Andrea Mantega and Leonado da vinci put in their paintings in this treasure. These painters presented their art of painting which were worthy to get renowned. The famous paintings of these painters are the creation of Adam given by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Ceiling of the camera picta by Andrea Mantega and the most famed Mona Lisa by Leonado da vinci.
These paintings become the mile stones in the art world. These paintings are the ideal paintings and many of the painters are still learning the art according to these paintings.
Painting of Mona Lisa is the 16th century portrait and is the oil painting on a poplar panel. Leonardo Da Vincci came with this painting in the period of Italian resurgence. This painting is arguably famous in the world. Generally paintings of Leonardo Da Vincci were based on realist styles. In these paintings painters gives the actual effects of life.
Another famous art work is of Over Vitebsk, The Violinist gave by famous artist Marc Chagall. Painting style of this painter was Expressionism and cubism. This painter always tried to express some feelings about certain things. Expressionism is the way of painting in which painters used to sketch exactly as what they want to present. Some of the paintings like Crucifixion are famous because of the Surrealism. These paintings are based on the dream themes. These paintings are filled with familiar objects which are painted to look mysterious and strange. This skill of Surrealism strikes in the paintings of painter Salvador Dali.
Paul Klee produces famous paintings of Fish Magic, Around the Fish, and Landscape with Yellow Birds. Typically these paintings are based on the theme of Primitive as well as Surrealist. In the primitive style are the arts done by the children and these paintings are painted in simple or two dimensional way.
Well-known paintings like Chaple of the Rosary in Vence, The Snail, and Beasts of the sea and Creole Dancer are based on the theme of Fauvism. This theme had bright and unusual colors. Generally they were bright and wild. Unfortunately this art lasts only around four years. Famous painter Henri Matisse brought this theme in to the lime light.
Pablo Picasso came with the style called Cubism which is the modern art and is not supposed to look real. The famous paintings of this painter are Guernica, Three Musicians.
The paintings become the landmarks as they are finished with different touch of themes and expressions. These painters brought up the themes and still modern painters are using them.
Custom Pet Portrait From A Photo
August 5, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Portraits
Everyone has a different view of what they are looking for when submitting a photograph to a portrait artist. The artists goal is to paint a beautiful masterpiece out of what he sees. When it comes right down to it, what is it that you ultimately desire in an oil painting? Perhaps the way you always want to remember your pet by, is with all the little imperfections that show off your pets best personality. Or maybe you would like to see your pet finely groomed in the coziest of backgrounds. An artist could create perfect grooming, according to your instructions with, or without the perfect pose. . However, the artist has never seen your pet or child in person. Unless the artist is there live, he cannot view your pet or child with your pet from different perspectives. Capturing a great pose is very important for the artist that is painting an oil painting and using the photo as the subject. The best tip we can give to someone who would like an oil painting hand painted using the photo as a subject, is this. What would you like? This is always the first rule.
Pet Portraits “Patience and the Pose”
Not everyone has the patience, time, or endurance to capture the perfect photograph of pets or children with pets. It seems children and pets all have little patience, a mind of their own, and that never appears to be what the impatient photographer is looking for in the perfect pose. This is especially apparent when taking photographs of more than one subject. Here are a few tips to help you capture that perfect moment. We all know that the best portraits seem to almost come naturally. So how do we go about getting a natural portrait? One way, don’t miss the perfect pose.
Carry your camera with you always. Are you looking for the playful and happy pose? Then be playful. Sometimes the perfect pose depends on your mood, if you’re playful, so will your subjects. Think of things that make your pets or children happy. We all know that food is, number 1 with pets and candy number 1 for children. Well this can sometimes be a great lure so if it helps to get them where you want them, by all means cheat a little and use it. Just like children, pets love attention. What about attention getters? Pets love to be talked to, played with, and of course petted. They all just seem to thrive on any form of happy attention, backed by a little love and a lot of praise. For an unpredictable cat, not always the case, of course unless it is their idea. If you haven’t tried catnip, we strongly suggest it. For all pets their favorite playful toys always seems to work well. Whatever it is that gets your pet or child in the mood for the type of pose you are looking for. Use it.
Portrait Photos “Preparation When, and Where?”
Try to give yourself “good timing” Directly before, or after a meal may or may not be the best time depending on the type of portrait you are looking for. They think hungry or relax, unfocused or satisfied and you think play and lets take some photos, which may not give you the exact mood, you are looking for. Think about the times in the past that your child or pet has acted the part out and looks the best, then follow that example.
Photo Preparation “Ideas on Grooming and Getting your Pet Ready”
The sun may not be your best type of lighting choice but the sunshine seems to always bring out the best in our furry little friends! Fur perks up and all the little hair follicles seem to stand out perfectly. Also the cold. Have you ever noticed how your pets fur looks after they have been out in the cold. Baths, grooming, and a good old fashion pet shampoo is another favorite for getting perky fur.
Photos, How Many? “What to Keep and What to Throw out”
Take many photos and throw nothing out. Later they may just become more useful than you might be aware of. This requires a little artistic imagination on your part. You may think that because the photo is not centered correctly that the photo is unusable. Not so. If you have a great shot of your pet, it can be edited, zoomed in and centered for what might be the next million dollar pose. What else? For example: Eyes can easily be cut and pasted into a new photo or given to the portrait artist to replace the not so perfect eyes with the perfect ones. Same goes with the rest of your photos that are not worthy of becoming an oil portrait. Each photo is important and may very well be exactly what you are looking for when combining it with another photo. Photo editing programs allow for the removal of the legs, paws, tail, body, background or any part of the photo for future use when presenting to an artist. You might not think something is worth keeping but later may very well be the perfect fit for a specific pose. Remember! Hard drive space is cheap. Losing memories and recreating what you once had can be time-consuming and expensive.
Portrait Backgrounds “Ideas”
Ask yourself this question. Do I want a studio, detailed still background, or do I want a natural environment background? All produce great portraits. You may either take your pet to the background or bring the background to the pet. If you want to try something with endless possibilities, here is a tip that you may like to know. Choose a photo of a great background from your photo inventory or search the web for ideas. There are thousands and thousands of royalty free backgrounds, paintings or pictures available for you to use as you like. Whether you are using a background for creating a photo portrait or in preparation for an oil painting portrait, any background can be removed and replaced. However, for the very best results try to use a contrasting background color. Plain white or very light backgrounds for darker colored pets or a plain dark background for lighter colored pets. For multi colored pets, try to use a color that is contrasting to their colors. For children? It is best not to use too dark of a background for a child that has dark hair or an off white background for a child wearing a similar color T-shirt-shirt. Why? Whether this is for editing a photo portrait to add a different background or for combining photos and backgrounds into an oil painting, it is much easier for photo editing or much easier for the artist to capture even the finest of details of your pet or child.
Final Portrait Preparation “Putting it all Together”
If you have a little bit of time and experience with basic cut and paste editing procedures combined with a little knowledge on photo editing programs, you too can easily create an unforgettable beginning to a piece of fine art and originality.
Craft painting: How to choose the right paint brushes
July 28, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Portraits
I have been an artist for many years, and yet I still find it confusing when I look at the endless variety of brushes in an art store, and wonder which one is best. Of course I would like to be able to afford the most expensive, as if in some way it would magically enhance my paintings, but I have learned over the years that it is practice that gives us skill and not the expensive brush. However, using the right brush is important. You will find in this row of brushes that most are made of animal hair; squirrel, some of pigs bristle, some of sable and other animals, and some nylon or polyester, with straight or tapered ends.
Nylon bristles do not absorb water. They can be used on any surface and with any paint. Animal hair is used for oil based paints but can also be used for water colors or acrylic paint.
What type of craft are you going to use the brush on? That will determine the type of brush you will need. There are so many crafts today, and I never cease to be amazed at the creativity of people. I stand in awe of some of the works. My expertise is more in fine arts; painting on canvas, wood, or even faces on cloth dolls. I have helped my children paint model cars, pictures on their shirts, Easter eggs, school projects, and even painted the walls of the house. Like many of you I have used lots of brushes.
For oil painting I use pigs bristle brushes. The hairs are stiff and push the pigments of paint into the weave of the canvas. By using a gentle touch, these brushes can be used to blend and smooth. They are flat, come in all different widths and are made with either straight or tapered ends. The hair absorbs the oil paint. It also holds water, so they work equally well with water color paints.
Although Acrylic paint is water based paint, I find that I like to use the polyester brushes rather that the pigs bristle. These brushes do not hold water, so the paint goes on thicker. They are much cheaper than the bristle brushes. They come in all sizes from 1/8″ up. They, too, are flat.
As I paint portraits, I do a lot of blending for the skin and I find that sable brushes work well for this. They, too, come with flat or tapered ends. Sable hair is a little firmer than the other animal hairs. For details and small areas I like the sable liner brushes.
In paint sets designed for children, they often have a flimsy little paint brush that once it is wet it flops on its side. It is next to impossible to paint with such a flimsy brush. Feel the jars of the brush and make sure it will be sturdy enough for your needs. If you have a hard time deciding what brush you need, remember that you can paint just about anything with a synthetic brush. Just be sure that you get the right size for your needs.
Your Babys Portrait Paintings
February 12, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Art
It is natural that children are not patient enough to sit still in front of the artist until their portrait is made completely. Therefore, you can commission a portrait of your baby from a photograph. You can choose a photo of your baby which is clear and portrays the perfect emotions.
Portrait paintings of your child will make your rooms look more beautiful when displayed. You can also use them as a perfect gift item for the grand parents. It will also pass on a special message to the grand parents. They will find the portrait of their grand child to be the best and most valuable gift. It will be something which they will cherish throughout their lives.
To get the best portrait paintings of your baby created, you need to choose an artist very carefully. During your search for portrait artists, you will come across many who are specialist in creating baby portraits. It is better to choose an artist who specializes on creating portraits, as others may not be able to do the work as beautifully and perfectly.
The artist you choose should be able to capture the expressions of your baby, specially the innocence, perfectly. You can check out the completed works of an artist before finalizing him for making the portrait of your baby.
If you get the portrait paintings made of oil painting, it might cost you more. But when you will have the portrait in your hands, you will find that it is worth it. The portrait paintings of your baby will be something, which even your child will love, after growing up.