Libby Lipin

What do you need to get started on a portrait for me?

Some photographs sent to me. Desired size of the portrait. Preferred background color or color family, if any. (Even just "neutral" or "bright" is absolutely sufficient if there's no strong preference.) Once I have all of the above, I make a quick mockup sketch and email it to you for your approval. If you are happy with the layout, I do then ask for a deposit of $150 to secure your portrait's place in my queue.

Why is there no difference in price for the different portrait sizes?

The reason for this is that I want everyone to get a great portrait of their beloved(s), rendered in the most flattering way, without having to make compromises for budgetary reasons. (I.e. the price is the same to have two individual portraits done as it would be for me to squish multiple too-large-for-comfort pets onto one sheet of paper.)

Do I need to send professional photos, and do you really need more than one?

Reference photos most certainly do not have to be professionally-taken; snapshots are absolutely fine. I do generally hope to have at least a few shots to work with, even if one particular photo is the one you would like in portrait form.

Is there anything I should know about pastels? Are there any special considerations?

I make portraits in chalk pastels. If you've never seen them before, pastels are like blunt, stumpy pieces of really awesome, beautiful chalk. Pastel paintings do absolutely need to be framed before they can go onto a wall, because, well, they are chalk! I like to make sure people to know that, aside from the actual artwork, framing is essential and needs to be considered before it can be displayed.