realistic portraits

For me, one of the most rewarding elements of painting has been the pursuit of my realistic portraiture. I paint families, couples, individuals, historical figures, rabbis, popes, and animals with their favorite object or theme on top of their heads, which is what I'm known for. Sometimes people also have specific places or backgrounds that they want behind them. Keep in mind, no idea is too far-fetched.

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When I'm painting a person, I like to have at least a two-hour sitting in my studio. This makes the painting so much better. During the sitting, I also take photographs. Dogs and cats, on the other hand, can't be convinced to sit still for hours, so they are done from quick sketches and photographs. But as I get older and more particular, I realize the importance of meeting all of my subjects including all animals. My portraits are painted in oil on wood and increasing on top of a monoprint collage which adds richness and depth to the painting.