Capturing The Essence Of You

When I paint a portrait, I’m not just copying a face. I’m translating a person. Before I even touch the surface of my canvas, I sit with what I know about them, their history, their quirks, the way they carry themselves through the world. I pay attention to the small tells in their features, the slight lift of an eyebrow, the tension around the mouth, the softness or steel in their gaze. Those details feel less like anatomy and more like breadcrumbs leading to who they really are.

From there, I ask myself what emotion rises up when I look at them. That feeling becomes my compass. Color, mark making, and edges all start bending toward it. A calm soul might call for gentle transitions and muted tones. A restless or fiery personality might demand bolder strokes and sharper contrasts.

My goal isn’t a perfect likeness. It’s recognition. I want someone to look at the painting and think, “Yes, that’s them,” not just because the nose is right, but because the spirit feels present. I’m less interested in painting skin and more interested in painting the weather inside the person.

A portrait, to me, is not a mirror. It’s a conversation.