This oil portrait painting was commissioned by the father of 27-year-old twins. He was moving into a new penthouse condo and his interior decorator/close friend had recommended that he get me to make a portrait for him. They met at my studio, had the tour of many portraits and we worked out all the particulars. Since his son is an integral part of their family business, he was available locally, but we had to schedule the photoshoot a few weeks later to coincide with a visit from his daughter who lives out of state. We arranged to do it her last day here, at eight in the morning because she had to leave at 10:15 to catch her flight home!
Due to the somewhat tight scheduling, we made sure that coffee, croissants and a spread of cold cuts were on hand during the photoshoot. I have to say that having portraited about a dozen twin sets from the ages of 3 to 13, it’s always endearing to see them interact. This time having grown-up twins—that was another special treat—they can be just as cute! Their father also wanted us to take some good photographs of the 3 of them—in addition to the oil painting he was commissioning me to do. We had a thoroughly enjoyable early morning and Gerry (my husband and photographer) got some very nice shots for both the oil portrait references and the family photos.
Shortly after that I arranged to go to the father’s new home to see the choice of 2 spots to hang the portrait which was 38”x50” (before adding a frame) and give my opinion. I was also glad to see the portrait’s prospective surroundings because although I knew I was to create a beach scene in the background, having the ambience of the setting in mind as I paint is a nice addition when possible. Here I saw classy neutral colors and traditional style mixed with abstracts. I came away from that thinking “serene” and I did indeed incorporate that impression into brushstrokes of the beach background.
When the portrait was done, the father was out of town but arranged for his framer to pick it up and get it framed before installing. I later heard that the father and the twins all were very pleased. The father of course had the original but he had us make 18”x24” canvas prints (of the oil portrait) for each of the children.
What a great way to decorate—with oil portrait paintings of beloved family members.
Related posts:
Teenage Radience Rembered in a Custom Oil Portrait
Oil Portrait Painting of Brother & Sister
You can also see this portrait in the Family Oil Portraits Gallery