Portrait Portraits

'The human face', our face, is the embodiment of who we think we are, what we hope to be, and who we are perceived to be. The process of knowing, becoming, and of perceiving, being continuous and fluid, is portrayed in the face we present to the world. It holds forth our essential self. Actually capturing that 'ever changing' essential self is both the most challenging and the most exciting aspect of portraiture art.

About the Artist

Birte Hella, a Canadian artist, began painting the landscape
when first introduced to Canadian Art in her early teens and started exhibiting
her work in 1989. As a student of the arts and humanities she earned a B.A.
(University of New Brunswick) and a B.F.A. (Queen's University) in 1971 and
1993 respectively. In her landscapes she is inspired by Canadian and French
landscape artists. Her figurative works, infused with a passionate interest in
the question of "what it means to be, and more specifically, what it means
to be human, express the landscape of each person as perceived…

"I am always on the look out for you - 'looking for you' ---you with that special face--- the perfect 'portrait' challenge...

If you think it is you - - you that has that face - or you know of someone, that is sure to inspire, contact me at portraitportraits@gmail.com Note: Portrait listed are examples of 'expressive' portrait works executed in oil and acrylic... Drawing as well as digital, including hybrid renditions, are available options on request.

More information @portraitportraits on Meta and Instagram

Commissioning a Portrait

Why Commission a Portrait ?

The reasons for commissioning a portrait, as well as the portrait decision making criteria, is as individual and varied as the portraits themselves. As time passes, however, no matter the reasons, the finished portrait itself, is sure to become a treasured heirloom.

Commission Procedures

Meetings/Sessions:

First innitial informal meeting/session - 1hr; Second session- preliminary sketches, reference photographs, review of portrait options - 3-4 hrs; Third session - portrait sitting in agreed pose, additional reference photographs may be taken - 2-4 hrs; Fourth session - review of work completed and sitting for final touches - 2-4hrs; and, Fifth session/meeting - presentation of final work.

NOTE: No of sessions, procedures, and timing will vary according to size and complexity. Not all commissions accepted & prices are negotiable. Select 'special consideration', photo-based commissions accepted.

Commission Guidelines:

Small:face/head = 1/4/; Medium:head & shoulders = 1/2 ; Large: head, shoulders, torso = 3/4 & entire body = full lengths.

Material/Size/Price Ranges:

Works are generally in oil on canvas or linen. Subjects tend to be life sized, expressive face focused works - 'larger-than-life.

Small - under 61 x 50.8cm/24"x20"- $800 and up; Medium - under 91.5 x 76.2cm/36"x30"; Large -101.6 x 101.6cm/40" x 40"; Extra Large - variable e.g. 152.4 x 101.6cm/60" x 40" +.

Pricing:

Prices are geared to market, considering size, complexity, and time requirements.

NOTE: Presently all portraits commissions are geared to proper Covid Safety Protocals, so in person sessions are on hold. However, photo reference based portrait commissions are most welcome.

Portrait Portraits

Pages

Portraiture

3/2/11

About the Artist

Commissioning a Portrait

Portrait Listings

The Portrait Experience