Kristy Genco won a silent auction bid for one of my small head-and-collar portrait paintings. She called me with the delightful news. We agreed that her home would be the perfect backdrop for our meeting. This way, I could soak in her style, furnishings, and family photos.
Her family room showcased a stunning gallery of photographs featuring her two sons, Lucas and Bennett. They were then actually 10 and 7, the ages that still hint of childhood innocence. We both agreed that now was one of the ideal moments for family oil portrait paintings. As she flipped through my portfolios, she chose the ¾ view option, which captures head to hands. This would be perfect for showcasing their personalities and she wanted each boy painted separately for future inheritance. Then, she pointed to a prime spot on her living room wall where the portraits could hang.
Next, we scheduled a photoshoot at my studio. Kristy envisioned the boys in light blue or white button-down shirtswith khaki pants. She also wanted to sprinkle in a bit of her own artistic flair into the portraits. She revealed some beautiful washed-out wood finishes she had crafted for their furniture pieces. We decided to use one of her customized dining room chairs as a prop during the photoshoot—a memorable detail for the classic portrait paintings.
While many clients prefer to leave the background design entirely up to me, Kristy and I collaborated well. We tossed around ideas. An outdoor setting? Yes! She adored the majestic old trees on her property. I took the chair outside and snapped some photos next to those grand trees. However, we soon realized that just capturing the trunk didn’t do justice to their grandeur. Instead, we opted for a shot with the chair against some simple but still significant blue curtains inside.
I suggested adding personal touches to each portrait with family items or statuettes. Kristy excitedly mentioned her small collection of owl and elephant figurines, each holding special significance for their family. The elephant was a nod to her college mascot, while the owl was a tribute to her grandfather’s fondness for them. These little figures would add an extra layer of charm and personality to the portraits.
The Portrait Paintings Come to Life
When the boys came to my studio for their photoshoot, we started with Bennett—who was full of energy and facing right—before he could get distracted by anything else. Next up was calm and composed Lucas, casually facing left. After selecting the best prints for reference, we wrapped up our session.
When I started painting, I put the the bigger animal with Lucas because he was the older. The smaller I put with Bennett. Then I went back to Kristy’s for something. While there, she showed me a picture of Bennett’s face from the previous weekend family trip. He looked beat up! What happened there? He was just out playing and had wanted something and a fence tried to stop him. But he got through, no problem. He was happy. This little boy didn’t let anything stand in his way!
After that, as I was painting, suddenlyI realized that Lucas’s little sculpture should be the wise owl because he wise and composed. Bennett’s should be the invincible elephant. I called Kristy and left a message. She called back and did the same: “Hi Jessica. I think that’s a great idea. That just fits perfectly with Lucas. And the elephant with Bennett. The characteristics of each animal I think kind of align with each of the boys, so it’s excellent. Just keep doing what you’re doing.”
Kristy Comes to View the Finished Paintings
When I finally unveiled the finished portrait paintings to Kristy, her joy was palpable—and mine too! It had been such a rewarding project. She took a picture of me with the portraits which she texted me afterwards, with the comment, “I’m so glad I snapped this.” I replied, “Me too. I wish we had taken one of you too.” [heart]
Later on, she sent another message: “The boys loved them!! They studied every detail for minutes. Bennett said, ‘That was so fun!’ There were lots of ‘Wows’ from everyone who saw them! My mom said, ‘This is just incredible! They will be cherished for many years!’”
And just like that, another lovely family treasures their children’s essences in painted strokes while the youngsters race ahead into their bright futures!
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