Sarah Belchetz-Swenson

The Process of Painting a Portrait

The process of painting a portrait is a complex one, and I begin my work by doing research before I even meet my subject. I read background material such as resumes, articles and other publications by and about the individual, and I look at photographs when available.

Geraty Sisters by Belchetz-Swenson
Geraty Sisters
Pastel on Paper
13.75" x 12.5"
2003
Private Collection
Following this initial research, I make arrangements to spend a week or more on location accompanying and observing my subject in his professional capacity. During this time I interview selected associates to determine what qualities or elements of character they would like to see reflected in a portrait of this individual. Meanwhile, I take note of any other pertinent aspects of the assignment, such as where the painting will hang if that has been determined.

Once I have all of this information I select the pose and the other elements of the composition and I plan the painting. With the composition in mind, I make arrangements to take photographs of my subject in a session that usually takes two to three hours.

After I have taken the photographs, I schedule a final two to three hour sitting with my subject during which I paint a small oil sketch of the head from life.

With the completion of the oil sketch my preparatory work is done and I return home and paint the portrait. Assuming all has goes as planned, the entire process ordinarily takes five to six months from beginning to end.

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