People are often curious as to how a portrait starts and progresses. Sometimes I'll show video clips of a portrait progression on Facebook. I also like to sketch live so that people who might be interested in a portrait can watch a little bit of the process. As part of the team at OA Gallery I have the opportunity, sometimes to sketch while at the gallery.  It's a great perk and fun way to catch up on some portrait drawings. Stop by the gallery for a visit.

Contact Me to find out when I'll be at the gallery next.

​A constant love of mine, and an almost lost love, is oil painting, but I am happy to share with you now, that OIL is back in my repertoire and I am loving it!

This portrait commission painting was the catalyst to get my can in gear.  Such an adorable face was my challenge!  I was so taken by the quality of her soft, young, porcelain-like skin.  I knew that achievement would be the goal as well as captivating those beautiful blue eyes.

You may be wondering why oil painting seemed almost lost. Well...when I started my professional painting career my art studio was directly off my bedroom. The problem was a practical one, using oils and turpentine or mineral spirits then - was quite smelly. There are much improved products available now.

So I went the watercolor route for my career, then followed by adding pastel painting.   I have enjoyed teaching and sharing what I've learned in both watercolor and pastel. 

If you are interested in commissioning a portrait, call Marie, 314-409-7740.  For more information on Marie's portraits check out the FAQ page below.

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VLADIMIR TARASENKO
MAC Sports Personality of the Year
​2016
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YADIER MOLINA
MAC Sports Personality of the Year
​2017

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Sign up for ​Marie's Art Class information for future classes offered.

Here are recent drawing videos that were taken as I was finishing up the portrait details.  I wanted to share with you my love for drawing today.

​These drawings were completed on Strathmore Bristol Vellum paper.   To finish these portraits I used General's charcoal and graphite pencil along with powdered graphite.  The most exhilarating part of my job as an artist is getting those beautiful eyes looking back at me!  I truly love being a portrait artist and am very thankful to God that I am able to be an artist.

If you have any questions just let me know.  Thank you for watching.  
​Have a great day!

​"Alfayiz", is a beautiful Thoroughbred, with a racehorse heritage.  His name means "Champion".   Recently I was commissioned to paint the portrait of this handsome horse.  It was my pleasure.

​Here is his story, shared by his owner:
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"To say that Alfayiz is the love of my life is almost an understatement.  It was truly a blessing from God that we found each other and I am so grateful to have him in my life every single day.

When I first met Alfayiz, he had fallen on some rough times.  His owner had lost his job and his home, could not afford to feed the ten horses that he had, but also could not find new homes for them. This lead to all of the horses, including Alfayiz, being fed very poorly for about two years.

Although from first glance he was not a lot to look at (skin and bones, matted mane down past his shoulder, dreaded tail) I fell in love with his spirit and personality immediately. Although he did not have the strength to trot or canter well, he gave it all he had and I knew that we would make a wonderful pair. Just a few days later, he came with me on my new journey from Illinois to Kentucky and we began our path to recovery. It took about a year of walking the beautiful rolling bluegrass hills and then another six months of trotting but we finally made it to a nice healthy figure and have never looked back.

A few years after we came to Kentucky, I learned that he had actually been sold at Keeneland as a yearling to a sheik for $500,000.

Since that time, we have done just about everything together. The property that we are on is 75 acres and we are blessed to have 300 acres behind the property to ride on. Our favorite things to do are hacking around in a big field, playing in streams, and the occasional cross country course. He is truly my best friend and I do not know what I would do without him. 
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Thank you so much, Marie, for the beautiful pastel portrait painting of him, it is beyond stunning and I will cherish it for many years to come!"

The party was for Mr. Bob Costas celebrating his incredible 26 years of dedication for the Bob Costas Benefit for SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center.  As a gift and tribute, a portrait was presented to him.

The Costas Cancer Center in Cardinal Glennon Hospital was built and is supported through the Bob Costas Benefit, which has raised millions for cancer care at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center. 
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Artists vary in their approach to commissioning a portrait.  Here is some information for you about how I proceed with a portrait commission.

1) Time
How long does it take to paint a commissioned portrait? Well I'm glad you asked. The time a commission painting takes depends greatly on the scope of work; medium chosen, how much detail, size, etc. Generally speaking it takes about 3 - 4 weeks.

As we approach the holidays it gets busy quickly. By November there usually is a backlog into the next year.  Since my work is detailed, I don't want to rush on your special holiday gift. If you are reading this after the Christmas deadline, I would love to offer a gift certificate toward a future portrait for your loved one's gift. Then after Christmas we can all talk about what exactly he or she would like for their portrait gift. Sometimes that actually works out better because the recipient can be a part of the decision making, such as the size, what medium, clothing details etc.

2) Deadline
In order to complete your portrait on time, my deadline for scheduling is November 1. That will insure that your gift is delivered in time for the holidays. 

3) Cost  
My portraits start at $600 for a charcoal/graphite head & shoulders portrait, as pictured below.  Color portraits start at $950 for a head & shoulders portrait (example pictured above).

4) Reference Photos
My preference are photos in natural light.  No flash please.  You can e-mail your photos to me or I can take them if you are local.

5) Shipping
Don't worry about shipping - it is free! 

It all begins with a conversation to start your perfect portrait.
314-409-7740 

For more information on commissioning a portrait