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!

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

Luxury Gifts: Best Luxury Gifts for Her

With consideration of some possibilities for Christmas, Anniversary Gifts or Birthday Gifts, a commissioned painting is a lovely idea for the woman who has everything. What could be more exciting than to have a portrait painted of oneself to have for forever?

There are some things to consider: would you like to have a gift certificate to wrap? Or is there a photo (ideally professional or high resolution) which would translate well to a painting?

Do you want to commission a head and shoulders painting or a 3/4 figure to include hands? A full length is available as well.

If you'd like to see more samples of my work, please click here.

To send me an email to discuss a portrait commission, please click here: soniahale1@gmail.com.

Portraits from photos: photo to portrait painting

It is very exciting to see the development of a painting from an ordinary photograph. The artist brings many tools to the commission, which is the result of cumulative years of study. Understanding of how to interpret a photo after spending years drawing and painting from life, understanding of how form works to make surfaces turn, understanding of composition, tone and color.

With all these gifts of understanding the portrait is painted. Without the years of dedication the painting will be a slavish lifeless copy, so when choosing an artist review their work carefully to be sure they are a good match for your custom portrait paintings.

To commission a portrait, please click here.

Commission a portrait: A few Custom Portraits from 2015

I have a few paintings that are being completed which I will post soon, but here are a few custom portraits from 2015. I am always honored to paint a loved ones portrait.

To learn more about commissioned portraits, please click here.

Custom Portraits: luxury gifts for men who have everything

Lila
30" x 24"
oil on linen

This custom oil portrait was painted for a husband's 40th birthday gift. Luxury gifts for men who have everything would fit this category of painting that I do each year. What better way to honor one's family than to commission a portrait like this. Custom portraits take some time, so planning ahead is wise.

To learn more about commissioning a portrait, please click here.

Best Portrait Artists: Learning from the Best

Thinking back as I work on some new children's commissions as to how indebted I am to Connie Pratt, Constance Flavell Pratt, who used to teach on the Cape for weeklong classes. I regard her workshops to be where I learned the most in terms of personal study of the face and finding ways to capture the nuances of planes and values.

Above is a photo of her from a meet and greet art occasion and of me painting from the model in about 2002.

Cutom Portraits: the next family portrait in the works

I had a wonderful visit today with a family for a sitting for a new custom portrait and I'm now ready to paint their 4 year old son. It does not seem like a year and a half since painting their oldest daughter, who was in kindergarten during my visit, so I did not get to see her. Here is her painting hanging in their home. To see this painting more clearly than this quick iPhone photo, please go to: http://www.soniahale.com/#!Maisie/zoom/c22q3/image17rv

Custom Oil Portrait: A Visit with a Client in New Orleans, a Charming Day

One of the nicest things about my custom oil portrait work is getting to know my clients and portrait subjects, of all ages, who live around the country. As I was recently in New Orleans I stopped by to have a visit with a delightful portrait subject and her charming family. I was so pleased to see the gorgeous frame they'd selected and the lovely setting for the painting. It will be interesting to see how their lighting expert lights the painting when I see them another time.

I have worked with a number of families in the South, as well as in the North. It is always an honor to be asked to paint a portrait of someone's loved one, as I am keenly aware that they wish to have the portrait be perfect and they are entrusting me with this task of depicting their loved one and presenting a painting to them months later. Hearing from my happy clients after the painting is shipped is a delight. Please see my testimonials page for more details.

www.soniahale.com

Children's Oil Custom Portraits: a sampling of my Girl's and Boy's Oil portraits

Here are a few samples of my Children's oil and pastel custom portraits. When I began in portraiture I painted mostly in pastel and mostly children, as the clean up time was quick and materials non-toxic, something I needed at that time. The portrait of the girl above is in pastel. The boy is in oil.

I attended weeklong classes at Connie Pratt's Master Workshop on Cape Cod. We'd be painting all day from life with a lunch break, so my skills were quickly honed: accurate drawing, development of form and use of the pastel to create volume. Those were delightful days and she showed me a few of her secret techniques, when she saw how serious I was to learn all I could. I am looking forward to getting started on a pastel this fall of a woman. Working in different mediums is a wonderful way to keep one's work fresh and alive.

www.soniahale.com

Luxury gifts online: Commission a painting for a Loved one

As we wind down the summer and head into fall, you may start wanting to address your Christmas/ Holiday gift list to get a head start. Something really special and everlastingly memorable is a gift certificate for a painting to be commissioned or a painting commissioned and presented for the holiday or other Special Occasion.

I am always so pleased to hear from my clients after the presentation:

" Mom is going to cry when she sees this."

" 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."

"Sonia painted a wonderful pastel landscape for me that hangs in my living room and is admired
on a daily basis. We worked together closely to bring my memories to her vision and the result
brings me great happiness every day. I sincerely recommend Sonia as a supremely talented artist and
professional who strives to make sure her patrons are more than satisfied with the result!"

As I have a waiting list for new commissions, it's wise to plan ahead to be sure I can meet your deadline.

Some ideas include: paintings of special places, people or things. Please see my website for ideas and let me know if I can assist you for this type of work.

www.soniahale.com

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.

Custom portraits: High School Graduation Oil Portraits—Capturing your teenager in oil before they head to College

I have been enjoying working on the younger male sibling of these two lovely young women. Their mom and I are seasoned pros for this family's desired portrait look: we deftly work the angles and desired look of each portrait, as this is now our third time going through the process. The mom kindly said I'd hit the ball out of the park the first two times.

I consider this to be one of the best times to have an oil portrait painted. Eighteen years is a wonderful time in a young person's life and they are at a crossroads. Their faces mature in the next few years into a more adult look. If you want that more adult look that is also nice, but it is charming to capture the 18 year old before they venture from your home. And when you miss them you have this remembrance, which is comforting.

Luxury Gifts for Dad: Commissioned Men's Oil Portrait unveiled

It was a pleasure to work with this family on their gift for their father for his 90th birthday! What a wonderful idea for the person who has everything and what a lovely way to honor your loved one.

I worked from existing photographs and added the Harvard University tie. Seeing the close family bonds through other special occasions was a delight.

Commission a Portrait: New Men's Oil Portrait unveiled today

It is always a pleasure to be a part of special occasion gifts and planning. Here is one of my latest portraits.

An Interview with. . .Sonia Hale

At what point in your life did you realize you were an Artist?

I was born an artist and knew from the age of five that that was a part of my identity. In early grade school I realized I was living in and viewing the world with a visual perceptiveness unlike most of my classmates and friends.

In addition, when I got a 100% on a spatial relations test in school, my parents knew I had an inherent 3D comprehension, which most likely comes from my maternal grandfather, who was a gifted tool and die maker in the Bridgeport, CT area. Family folklore is that he was asked to help with one of Howard Hughes’ planes in California and in New York with the development of the atomic bomb, called The Manhattan Project (the later of which he declined).

Sonia, what was it that led you to painting to be your creative medium?

I was enthralled by oil paints from the time I found a starter set abandoned up in my attic when I was in late grade school. I yearned to be able to paint far ahead of my years and my school art class's abilities to teach.

A family friend, who was an artist, advised that I take drawing classes prior to painting, so that my painting would have correct structure. That was incredible advice for that period of time in art in the 70's when realistic art was not in vogue. Creative expression was favored over learning the fundamentals of drawing and painting, as a later teacher would call it, "The Language of Art." I was enrolled in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts' art class program and was able to view master works and to draw and paint in the galleries. The art world was less cautious then, prior to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum thefts. I glimpsed the behind-the-scenes of the museum on my way to art class: I walked through long hallways with crated paintings and other art objects casually stored along the way. Art class was always the place where I felt most at home and with kindred spirits, though I did very well academically.


When did you first realize you wanted to be a Portrait Artist?

When I saw the John Singer Sargent painting, The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit, at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. The painting is very large and made an equally large impression on me. I saw how beautifully he captured each daughter in such a painterly way. His flowing brushstrokes spoke to me. I devoted myself to a decade of study and mentoring to learn, as a third-generation student of John Singer Sargent. I was pleased to have learned how to draw in my many classes at Harvard University's Carpenter Center, as well as an undergraduate at Colby College (I had been accepted to Tufts University’s engineering program, but ultimately chose to attend Colby.), and was ready to begin the process of painting the face—the most challenging subject there is!


What compels you to get out of bed in the morning?

I am driven to discover the visual truth in what I see. Painting is about showing how you see the world—I am moved every day by the beauty around me and there are many paintings I see, but do not paint, as there are not the hours in the day. My training, which comes from John Singer Sargent, is that one does not just paint portraits, or they will never become a fully developed artist, so I paint still lives and landscapes as well, and enjoy this very much as well. If I can share the beauty that I see with others who do not have the opportunity to study it as I do, and they are equally moved, then I have done my day's work.



What are you looking to capture in your portraits?

My goal in my portraits is to bring forth the best day of the person I am painting. I am capturing them at their best moment. When clients, portrait subjects and parents are moved, often to tears, I know I have done my job at its peak and that makes my efforts so worthwhile.


Do you have any special anecdotes you'd like to share?

Before I had really received much training, I was told my style was painterly (this is correct). I was very surprised when I was told I painted like Matisse in one of my first art classes at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts at the age of about twelve. Back then class was not so much about teaching, as letting students draw and paint during class with very little input. So I was described as painting like Matisse, which was meant as a compliment and is very nice, but there was so much I wanted to learn about portraying form. I still have that painting of a green bottle with a large white highlight on it. I would go on to learn to draw and paint in a more realistic manner, challenging myself to learn from the top artists in the country, taking workshops and classes nationwide.

I revel in the range of days and experiences I have, as well as the wonderful artists I have had the opportunity to meet and paint with. It is truly a privilege to be an artist. I have spent days meeting wonderful people of all ages to paint their portraits. I have painted on the banks of the Seine. Some more amusing times have been rummaging through closets of my portrait subjects, to help select clothing which will translate well to a painted portrait. I feel very fortunate to share the journey of others' lives, in paint.

What recommendations do you have for those who will be painted? How can a client be ready for their portrait session and achieve the most out of your abilities?

The things that clients can do are to choose 3-5 outfits and to be themselves. They will have input in the process, so they can relax and we will find our way together. Their best self will be depicted in the painting. They can trust I was bring forth the best in them.

Stepping Outside the Box: An Interview with Wedding and Portrait Photographer, Elizabeth Dondis, of New Orleans!

It is always a pleasure to meet fellow creatives around the country. This has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. Wedding and Portrait Photographer, Elizabeth Dondis, of New Orleans recently supplied an image for a painting that I worked on earlier this year and took a moment to share her creative journey with me. You can find her work here: (http://www.elizabethdondis.com/)





Elizabeth, what was it that made you choose Photography to be your medium for capturing your vision?
I picked up a book by the photographer Peter Beard. I was fascinated by his obsessive journaling and how he used photographs to expand and deepen the story beyond just words alone.  I could not ignore the rawness, honesty and purity of his work.  I saw the power with which photographs can communicate.  The beauty of his subjects combined with the texture of his writing and how he used every inch of the page to document his story inspired me to become a photographer.  Little did I know it would inspire me to be a New Orleans wedding & portrait photographer.  


When did you first start to be attracted to photography?

I have always liked photographs and been fascinated by the way they represent just one moment while at the same time they are part of a bigger story.  From a very young age I have enjoyed spending time with my family laughing and talking about the memories we shared, many of which we remember because of the photographs we have.   Most people don’t realize that family photos are where there memories come from.  I love being able to being able to create memories like those for someone every time I take pictures.

When did you get your first camera?
When I was in the 7th grade my parents bought me a Kodak Instamatic X-15.  I was so excited.  It used Kodak 126 cartridge film and had “Magicube technology” that rotated through four bulbs without the need for batteries. That’s what the X- meant.  I learned quickly that the Magicube could also be the very hot Magicube if you touched it too soon.  I shot a lot of pictures with that little plastic box.  It was a great first camera for me.  

What compels you to get out of bed in the morning?
Each day is an opportunity for creativity, learning and connecting.  I wake up finding my precious, eight-pound dog Roux, cuddled next to me.  That, and my French Market Chicory coffee inspire me to take pictures every day.  I rarely miss one.  I like watching as each day evolves.  Taking pictures is inseparable from that for me.

What are you looking to capture with your camera?
I think of the camera as a tool that has taught me to visually break things down where I can see beyond the obvious.   I am looking to capture the essence of my subject matter and the subtle nuances of moments in time.  Each special moment is here just once so unless it is captured, it is gone.  I’m looking to capture those special moments that would have otherwise gotten away.  That way, they can become a life-long part of someone’s memories.



What are some of your most prized photographs, where you felt you’d worked at your highest level?
My most prized photographs would be those where I was able to use light and composition to create a deep connection to the subject matter.  My list of favorites only seems to grow over time as it is hard to retire old ones – I guess that’s why they are my favorites!  Of course I am happy to share a few images.



Do you have any special anecdotes you'd like to share?
Because I am a wedding photographer I see families interact, and sometimes there can be issues, especially if there are ex-spouses and children involved.  Such situations can make it more difficult to shoot the event as people wear their emotions, and my job is to capture their joy.  




Recently, however, I had a situation that warmed my heart.  I did a wedding of two beautiful people who are in that time of life when work is mostly over, retirement is comfortably secured and love brightens every day.  Despite all that, I was concerned - there were ex-spouses, children of a deceased spouse, other children and grandchildren.  It was a situation ripe for problems.  I’d seen it before.


What I experienced was a pleasant surprise.  From day one, the couple-to-be were warm and gracious people.  They spoke well of each other’s families and friends, as if to do anything else wasn’t even a possibility.  When it came time to shoot the rehearsal dinner – an intimate gathering of family and good, old friends – I sensed that the entire group had the same joyous attitude about this marriage.  The wedding itself sealed the deal – it was real – and I will forever remember how warm and wonderful that felt.  I will also remember how easy that made it to shoot, as everyone was happy and engaged.  






In the end, my clients were ecstatic with their images and I felt good about the work I did.  I can’t ask for anything more than that.

What recommendations do you have for those who will be photographed? How can a bride and groom most be ready for the photography for her day and achieve the most out of your abilities?
I tell my clients to be comfortable – they are not there for me.   I’m there to capture their coming together on a very special day.  Before the event, I encourage them to wear whatever is comfortable and looks good sitting, standing or moving around.  Up front I ask them what they like and don’t like so that I understand how best to deliver images that will move them.  Once the big event starts I tell them to forget I’m there and have fun – I know they’re not going to relax!


How does your environment factor into your photography?
I am so fortunate to be a New Orleans wedding photographer.  The quality of New Orleans light, uniqueness of its architecture and overall eclectic nature is what makes this city such a great place to have a wedding.  The opportunity to use this city as my larger studio, indoors and out, enables me to create images that connect people, places and emotions.  This is at the heart of what I do for my clients.  







I am also fortunate to be a New Orleans wedding photographer because I love the great food, music and the diversity of people here.  They add color, contrast and exposure to an already rich tapestry woven from the fabric of life in this city and the Delta.  It is like no other place in the world.    


Commission a Portrait, getting ready for the Portrait Commission: Clothing

This is one of the most difficult aspects to the portrait. I have read about how John Singer Sargent used to spend a frantic hour rummaging through women's wardrobes and in a make-shift way put together the outfit for a painting...and request no opinions from the client! This is because for a painting to really sing, the clothes take a major role on the stage. They speak in so many ways and embellish and empower the artist to push the painting to where they wish it to go.

So what to do? I recommend the standard of having 3 outfits on hand. I have also gone through wardrobes, closets, drawers etc to find the treasured garment for a portrait. It feels brash, but that is how important it is...It is very difficult for the non-artist to understand what makes clothing work in a painting and it's hard to communicate, but I'll try:

1. Neckline: V-necks are very flattering to the face. Scarfs can be appealing, but watch they will not become dated.

2. Pattern: less is more

3. Fabric: something that has some shine will be nice for a formal painting

4. Color: this will greatly affect the mood of the painting.





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.