After many years of painting occassional portraits, often family members (not to mention Irish farmers and musicians), I have decided to officially hang out my shingle as a portrait painter, specializing in children, but open to subjects of all ages.

As some of you who are familiar with my work know, I attempt to capture a casual moment, a quiet time, a mood with my portraits.  If you are looking for a formal, carefully posed portrait, I'm probably not your man.  My paintings have simple compositions with strong directional lighting. I paint in oils on canvas.

And I also do pencil-on-Coquille Board portraits: see "Brigid" and "Kellie" below.

I specialize in smaller paintings like "Maya Grace at Three" and "Martin Hayes" or slightly larger oval canvases such as "Caitlin at 17."  I can do larger canvases such as "After the Aire" but whatever the size of the painting I am always looking to capture an unguarded moment.  And of course, for the adventurous client, I can do portraits in the colorful, contemporary styles of my Irish Writers series.

The process begins with a one-hour or longer photography session, usually here in my studio (207 Chestnut Ave., Narberth), and I compose the painting based on images from that sitting. The whole process typically takes about a month. If you are interested you can see more at my website, call me at 610-667-9647, or email me.

Prices are usually dictated by the size and complexity of the painting.  For example a small (8x10) simple painting like "Maya" would be $1250.  An 11x14 oval painting like "Caitlin" would be $1850.  A full portrait 20" x 30" like "Aire" would be $2500.  A 20x28 "Irish Writer style painting would be $2500.  Pencil portraits are $600.

Here are some samples of portraits I have painted, including two not-really-portraits for which red-headed Marin Sweeney posed. (Click on images to view larger.)

Hanna

"Irish Writer" style Portraits

For the courageous client... my Irish Writer portraits use a bright, graphic style, with surprising color.  These are more interpretations than traditional portraits, and with this style, the photo session is also about getting to know you. Aside from a likeness, there's really no telling what you're going to get. Adding text is optional.

J.M. Synge