Client Testimonials for Commissioned Portraits, House portraits and Landscapes

It's always great to hear from my clients. Here are some comments I'd like to share:

Hi Sonia!
I picked up the framed pastel today and I am deliriously happy. It's really beautiful. I'm not sure it's in the final location, but it's up and I'm thrilled to tears.

. . . thank you once again! It was a pleasure and I enjoyed the process with you.

I knew my wife would cry when she saw the portrait, because it was her.

Sonia exceeded expectations at capturing the warm feeling of a New England home that was ours for a memorable three years. That picture immediately brings us back to great friends, neighbors, schools, and community. What an awesome way to remember the best of the past.

We love it!!!!!!

You are a wonder. Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your alchemy.
xoE

I am speechless! Sonia, it is simply lovely! Thank you so much!

Sonia, this is really wonderful. I am so in awe of your talent.
Wowee! It is even more amazing than the photo shows. The colors, the light -- the skin tones.

Thank you SO much, Caroline for making this happen. I agree with Laura, I think M&D will be absolutely thrilled!

Good Morning Sonia,
Thanks for sending the painting of my mother. I love it ! I tried printing it on photo paper, but my printer needs adjustment to accept the heavy paper. Will keep trying as it will be a focal piece on the wall where I have a xxx memorabilia collection.

Dear Sonia
Mailing me a photograph of my mother would be much appreciated. (referring to the painting of his mother)

Beautiful. I just want to sit here with it for a while.

The painting has a glow and lights up the library.

It is impossible to thank you properly, but we will treasure this portrait always.

Portrait and Landscape commissions:
Portrait commissions are a wonderful way to honor loved ones. In addition I work from my own reference materials and also work on commission, so if you have a dream seascape/ landscape image, please let me know. These make enduring and memorable gifts! ( My email is soniahale1@gmail.com.)




Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

2 paintings chosen to hang in Max’s Art Supplies in Westport, CT

If you are in the Westport, CT area this month, please stop by to see two of my framed portrait paintings hanging at Max's Art Supplies' window display. They were selected to hang there for a month!

There is both a child's portrait and an adult portrait. They will be there until March 6th.

Max’s Art Supplies, 68 Post Road East, Westport, CT

To go to my portrait website

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

January issue of Fine Art Connoisseur

I understand that the new issue is being released. I'm looking forward to seeing several of my paintings in this issue.

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

New Formal Woman's commission to be on my website soon

Here is a better photograph of the painting which is currently being framed. It is a pleasure to be able to paint adults along with children. I also like the variety in my work of painting official portraits with family portraits.

To see more of my Adult and Teen portrait commissions click here

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

Outdoor oil sketch: child with pet portrait

Here is a sketch for a painting I'm working on (it's a bit of a washed out photo, I will update the photo soon). It's really nice to personalize children's portraits with pets. We decided for the finished piece to leave out the collar on the dog. Grover, a Portuguese Water dog, is my first dog to sit for me and did his best!

To go to my Children's Portrait Commissions Gallery

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

House portraits: Great Holiday Gift!

I was very pleased to accept my first house commission this fall. While the majority of my work is commissioned portraiture, I enjoy trying different types of painting projects and a happy client always makes my day.

To go to my landscape/home commissions gallery

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

My painting of Peter Trippi

What an honor to have the opportunity to paint Fine Art Connoisseur editor, Peter Trippi, in Greenwich, Connecticut in July with the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists. He was a fantastic model despite the summer heat and a class act. My painting was started from his live sitting of 3 hours with breaks.


www.soniahale.com


Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

Live Painting Event: I will be painting the editor of Fine Art Connoisseur on July 16th

I am honored to be painting Peter Trippi, the Editor of the gorgeous magazine Fine Art Connoisseur, on July 16th from 3-6 pm at the Civic Center in Old Greenwich along with others from the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists. Fine Art Connoisseur is one of the most beautifully designed and printed art magazines available. Mr. Trippi will be writing about his experience in an upcoming issue.

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com.

Best of Worldwide Portrait and Figurative Artists, Volume I

I was very pleased to be chosen to be included in a spread for this volume. The volume arrived today. Here are a few photos.

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com.

New corporate portrait: the business portrait

Clark Waterfall
BSG Team Ventures
Oil on linen
40" x 30"


www.soniahale.com

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

Lila at the Belle Haven Country Club

Lila had great energy after a nap and was a radiant delight.

Lila
oil on linen
30" x 26"


www.soniahale.com

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

New formal woman's oil portrait

40" x 30"
oil on linen
Haley

I enjoyed working on this formal oil portrait. During the several sittings I got to know Haley, a lovely young woman.


www.soniahale.com

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

Ginger in Repose; pet portrait

Ginger in Repose
12" x 16"
oil on linen
nfs, sample


www.soniahale.com

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

Plein Air painting at Rob's house

Sea Street Dunes, Dennis
oil on linen panel
9" x 12" (work in progress here)

Dogwood Tree
oil on linen panel
9" x 12" (work in progress here)

To see more of my Cape Cod painting gallery click here

After a long winter with weekly near-blizzards in February and about 5 feet of snow in our built up in our yard (though I'll admit now it seems a bit Dr. Zhivago) AND a rainy and cold spring, it was great to get to the Cape over the weekend. I was surprised at how nice it was to be outdoors painting and quickly got on a roll, wondering why I paint indoors (5 feet of snow, cold, rain. . . commissions deadlines. . .). I will photograph and post the three paintings I did soon.

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

Completed paintings of Identical twins

Painting identical twins presented some interesting considerations: How to keep the personality of each child intact, yet work with their similar appearance in a meaningful way. Right away I understood the diverging personailites of the girls: one who held my hand to cross the street and the other a more spirited child. I worked from photographs as the Mom was extremely busy. Going through the numerous photos later, the concept became clear.

These frames are from Page-Waterman Gallery in Wellesley.

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com.

New portrait commission completed: the double children's portrait

It was a joy recently to paint this double children's portrait. I enjoyed capturing their unique personalities and relationship.

Framing at Page-Waterman Gallery in Wellesley (I will post the painting soon framed.), gorgeous dresses from Abigail's Children's Boutique in Wellesley. I highly recommend both businesses for those in the Boston area.


www.soniahale.com

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

The High School Graduation Oil Portrait: a Timeless Treasure

I am working on my third high school portrait in a year, a double of siblings, and I have to say, what an incredibly wonderful thing to have once your child is off at college. As a parent I can fully understand how comforting it would be to have this in one's home once your "child" departs. Photos are of course superb, but a painting goes so much further.

Eighteen is a threshold and what a moment to capture. I get goosebumps thinking about the amazing transition from child to teen to young adult.

So very fortunately these days it is much easier to stay in touch with our children by email, by text, by phone, etc etc. And air travel is so much more "done". However, to have this timeless painting of them . . .!


www.soniahale.com

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

In a Bog in February: a Cranberry bog in Dennis

I am fascinated by this bog having driven by it year-round for a few years. It is as lovely in winter as it is in summer. I hope to paint a more finished painting from this 45 minute study soon.

This was my first foray into painting in challenging 20 degree winter conditions. In addition I am using lighter-weight plein air equipment which is super, but I am not yet used to it. Despite this I had a great time out there.

"Cranberry bog in Winter: Dennis"
8 x 10 oil on linen panel

to see more of my Cape Cod oil paintings click here



Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

Tips for framing an oil painting/oil portrait commission

Framing a portrait seems like a daunting task to most of my clients. It is not something which comes up routinely in their lives and of course they wish to get it right.

Firstly, get quotes from several framers with excellent reputations in your area. They will be able to guide you through the process and give you their eye. You may find on your first visit that you are comfortable and set to leave the painting to be framed.

Considerations:
1. Width of frame: The larger the painting, usually the wider the frame.

2. Style of frame: Sometimes one wants the frame to speak and add to the statement. Other times one wishes for it to sit back more. [This is where artistry continues to be involved in the decision-making and understandably, the non-artist can become confused. A good framer can help you.}

2. Color of the frame: Extremely important: the color and tone must compliment the painting, whether it's more gold or more brown. One ideally should see the frame right up to the painting and you can cup your hands around the edge of the painting/frame and squint to get a feel for how the entire piece will look framed.

3. Shine in frame: Do you want it to sit back—— and be more matt——or sparkle a bit.

4. Formality of the room where the painting will hang and the level of formality in the painting: Match the frame style accordingly.

In the end it's taste and preference. With a few frames held up to your piece you will soon be on you way to getting your painting hung!

To see some of my portrait and landscape paintings click here

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

Why I do what I do: the Happy client. . .

pastel, Wellesley College paramecium pond 24" x 36" SOLD


What is rewarding to me as an artist is the response from my clients when they receive their paintings——and frame and hang them. If I didn't have extremely happy clients, I'd find something else to do.

So after being out for a bit, I came in and checking my email and received a nice surprise to hear from a woman who mid-year last year commissioned me to do an over-sized pastel of her treasured place from her past , "Hi Sonia!
I am sorry it has been so long.
I got the pastel framed today and I am deliriously happy. . . I have my beautiful painting on the wall. It's up . . . and I'm thrilled to tears.
very best - H
and thank you once again! It was a pleasure enjoying the process with you. "

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com.