Custom Oil Portraits: Completed Teen portrait varnished and ready to deliver

The last of three young adults graduated high school and has taken on some incredible volunteer work on a year off between classrooms. Here is the portrait I completed which captures some varied aspects of his character: his humor, intelligence and forward-thinking manner. A wonderful young adult launched into the world!

Commissioned Portraits: Custom Oil Sibling Portraits

I have completed the sibling of these two young woman (as they are today). I painted each sibling at the time of their high school graduation which was quite a joy.

It should be noted that while the family resemblance happens to be marginal in these three young adults, they are equal in wonderful traits, such as charm and intelligence!

I will post the new painting tomorrow. Then it will be varnished and delivered. There was some discussion that the adorable family dog may be next as there are no more children to paint!

Hand-painted Portraits: A gift for Generations

Custom portraits enrich a home like no other artwork. Capturing your children in youth is an amazing thing to be able to do.

Here are some considerations in commissioning a portrait:

1. If you have more than one child are you going to have all your children painted at the same time or individually at at certain age?

2. Would you like an indoor or outdoor portrait(s)?

3. What will they wear? Do you want a more formal portrait or casual portrait?

4. What is your ideal timeline for completion of the painting(s)? Are the paintings a gift?

5. Do you have a budget for the painting(s)?

6. Would you prefer an oil or pastel portrait?

Getting started on portraits is as simple as sending an email to explore these topics. We can talk about your timeline and pricing.

I'd love to talk to you about your commissioned portraits. Send me an email and we can get started on your heirloom portraits. To send me an email, please click here soniahale1@gmail.com.

Choosing the Best of Portrait artists for your Commission: Portrait Artist for hire

Before hiring a portrait artist you need to consider a few things:

1. Before you hire an artist you should ask yourself, do you love the artist's style? Portraits are emotional pieces and a labor of love by the artist, as well as the gift of love by the buyer. These pieces will endure for decades and become a testament of your family's strength.

2. Are you comfortable with the artist——do you trust them to paint your commissioned portraits on time and in the manner you envision? Will they make any changes you request without it becoming a battle? Commissioned portraiture requires a special temperament on behalf of the artist. Where this is not "fine art" to be completed and sold as such, the artist should be very willing to hear your response to the painting(s) and make adjustments if you so desire.

3. What is the artist's background: how many years of study have they taken on? Do they have a proven track record and testimonials which back their abilities?

I have found the vast majority of my paintings are accepted without any adjustments, many with small adjustments done in a half hour or less and a very small percentage have had any more adjustments than that. This was due to the family members having opposing ideas of how they wanted the portrait subject to be portrayed. I work closely with families to be sure they are happy with the finished painting(s).

A comfortable feeling with the artist in all communications is important: that you feel your wishes are being heard.

To discuss a portrait commission please click here: soniahale1@gmail.com. You can rest assured that you will receive your painting on time and to your satisfaction, as I have been painting commissioned portraits for over 15 years. I have a full page of testimonials on my website: www.soniahale.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.

Birthday Gift ideas, Holiday Gift, Luxury Gifts

This painting was recently presented for a men's 50th Birthday Gift. With one child and very close family bonds this gift was very moving for the Dad.

Selecting a memorable gift can be a challenging task. I have found that families have been thrilled to have a gift of commissioned portraits. Commissioned portraits add a thoughtfulness and planning that are much appreciated by the receiver and having such a painting on one's wall is a constant reminder of the love in the family.

To learn more about commissioned portraits, please click here.

Christmas Secrets— Shh...commission

One of the more rewarding aspects to my work is working on Christmas Secrets... Santa's workshop gets quite busy this time of the year, as these paintings are under time contraints to be put carefully bundled and put on the sleigh. In the past I've painted portraits of children, both group and individual portraits for the gift giver. Children love to be in on secrets like this and pose for photos and maybe a quick sketch— and other times a really good digital photos is all I need.

This year I am painting a surprise painting for Christmas for a family in the Boston area. To make it easier on the person who commissioned this painting, I will have it framed and varnished, so all he will need to do is to wrap it up and put it under the tree...


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.

"Catherine" hanging at the Art Guild

My full-length children's portrait won Finalist recognition in the National Juried Portrait Competition and Exhibition at the Art Guild in Manhasset, New York.


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.