Adding Modernity to Portraiture
by Miriam Schulman, @schulmanArt
One of the most exciting aspects of accepting commissions is the new directions that clients will push me in. Although watercolor is an unconventional medium for portraits, most of my watercolor portraits are very traditional and done in a classic impressionistic style. For this commission, the client asked if I could work in a large scale with a closely cropped photo. The objective was a quality painting in a bold watercolor style where a specific likeness was not required. This set me free to have fun with the watercolor. Although the watercolor portrait wasn’t supposed to be that realistic I couldn’t help myself but to render the highlights of the flesh! The client was happy with the result and wants another. I was also pleased since the artist she wanted me to emulate was more abstract than the style I ultimately worked in. Although my painting is not considered abstract, the scale and the cropping make it very modern. I plan to continue with these close ups since they result in a very graphic and intimate portrait.
Right now I am running a special on this style portrait. This listing is for an modern watercolor portrait of a closeup face from your photo of anyone’s face. You know this would make a great Mother’s or Father’s day present if you want to do your children but a bridal portrait would look great too. Spouses always flip for these and the kids love having paintings of themselves too This offer at a great price is available through Father’s Day. Hurray for Mother’s Day delivery.
Custom Modern Watercolor Portrait from your Photo
size: 15×22″ on high Quality Arches Watercolor Paper
About me, Miriam Schulman
In case we haven’t met yet, I’m an artist and founder of The Inspiration Place, where I help other artists learn how to profit from their passion or become better artists. Through online classes, business coaching programs, and a top-ranked podcast, I’ve helped thousands of artists around the world develop their skill sets and create more time and freedom to do what they love. My signature coaching program, The Artist Incubator, helps artists go from so-so sales to sold-out collections.
After witnessing 9/11, I abandoned a lucrative hedge fund job to work on my art full time. Since then, my art and story have been featured in major publications including Forbes, What Women Create, The New York Times, Art of Man, Art Journaling magazine as well as featured on NBC’s “Parenthood” and the Amazon series “Hunters” with Al Pacino. Check out my best-selling book with HarperCollins Leadership, Artpreneur, how to make money from your creativity, wherever books are sold. When I’m not in the studio, I split my time between New York City and a farmhouse in the country. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for art lovers (of every passion level) at schulmanart.com/freebies
I agree with your thought that "One of the most exciting aspects of accepting commissions is the new directions that clients will push me in."
Commissions can create very exciting opportunities to explore ideas on a scale that might not be practical using one's own resources.
I like what you have done with the bold cropping for this piece.
You are right, it really distinguishes the piece as edgy and contemporary.
Congratulations on the commission, but more important, the way you have approached it with great artistic flair.