Posthumous portrait: On the easel

I am currently working on a posthumous portrait for a lovely young woman. She lost her Mom so early in her life and therefore I am honored to paint this commission of her mother. It will be on the smaller side and I started it at 8 x 10, but now just this morning decided the painting will look better at 9 x 12 and I know she'll be pleased that the painting will be larger. This is a design decision, based upon my years of graphic design and 17 years of painting commissioned portraits. I am most decidedly not a factory, but hopefully at the end of the day, a place with an intersection of thoughtfulness, care, art and joy.

I am eager to complete a few paintings in my studio before Christmas and I'm working hard on the weekends and doing my holiday shopping during the week.

To commission a painting, please email me at soniahale1@gmail.com.

Posthumous portrait: Commission a portrait

The posthumous portrait is one of the most rewarding portraits that I paint for families. Remembering those who have passed on is very emotional. Sometimes I photograph family members who resemble the deceased portrait subject for more understanding of bone structure and coloring.

The best way the family can get ready for this type of portrait commission is to gather all the best photographs that are available at the highest resolution possible. We will review them and make a plan.

To discuss a portrait commission or posthumous portrait, please click here.

Commission a portrait: the Posthumous portrait

The posthumous portrait is about family bonds and so with the respect for my client these photos are small. The emotion of acceptance of a posthumous portrait is rewarding to me. Tears and "It's lovely," make all the hours of work meaningful to me.

This doctor's portrait will hang in India and I was very honored to be chosen to paint this posthumous portrait for this dear family.

To discuss a commission, please click here.

Posthumous Oil Paintings: using photographs to paint portraits

One of the more meaningful types of paintings that I am commissioned to paint are posthumous portraits. These are usually commissioned by family members or board members to honor the portrait subject. Some of the posthumous portraits that I've been asked to paint include the spouse of a man in his 80's, who I painted on their wedding day; a family member who was honored with a library in her name; and most recently the mother of my client and a doctor who died unexpectedly, who is the father of my client.

Using supplied photos is something I am comfortable with and I work with my clients to best determine size, background choices and other important details.

To see samples of my portraits, including posthumous commissions:

www.soniahale.com

Posthumous Portraits: Getting ready to paint my first Doctor in oil, the International portrait commision

I am honored to have been chosen for a posthumous portrait of a doctor which will hang in a hospital abroad. I will start this soon during the summer. I am pleased to take on portraits that will hang internationally and this one will hang in India to honor this lovely man.

Paint my Photo: Commission a portrait, Wedding photos can make lovely memorable paintings

While the vast amount of my work is of contemporary portrait subjects and settings, once in a while I'm asked to paint posthumous paintings and other types of works.

Recently I was asked to paint an oil from an existing photo from about 50 years ago. The widower had recently lost his beloved wife. I was happy to oblige. In this case I utilzed a range of photographic reference and was very pleased to hear from him that I was spot on in capturing his wife! It was rewarding to put more color into the piece to make their skin tones fresh and believable as well as to create her floral bouquet.


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.