Beyond the Photograph: A Legacy in Portraiture
In a world of fleeting snapshots, a timeless portrait is a statement of permanence. It is an investment in your story, an heirloom for your family, and an art piece that transcends time. It is the definitive answer to the question,
“Who were they?”
My works in this gallery are more than likenesses; they are visual manifestations of character and legacy. Each portrait is crafted not only to be viewed by others but also to be a source of daily inspiration and reflection for the subject themselves, a powerful mirror of their own highest aspirations. These are statements of purpose, designed to resonate for generations, reflecting both who you are and who you are committed to becoming.
The Red Carpet Commission
A Gilded Age Tradition, Reimagined
Whether for a family matriarch, a bride, or a daughter coming of age, the Red Carpet Commission carries on the grand tradition of artists like John Singer Sargent. This is our premier portrait genre, offering a thorough, collaborative process to create a hyperrealistic portrait, on a grand scale, that will become your family’s most treasured heirloom.
Signature Portraits
The Foundation of Legacy: The Individual & The Couple
The truest portraiture captures the essence of an individual or the unique bond of a couple. Before the family, there is the partnership; before the partnership, there is the individual. These portraits are the foundational statements of your legacy, celebrating the story that started it all.
Family Legacy Portraits
A Generational Masterpiece
A Signature Portrait focuses on an individual or couple, but a Family Legacy Portrait takes it a step further by creating a lasting record of your family. This session is designed to capture your family’s unique connection at this point in your lives. The finished portrait becomes a museum-quality heirloom that your family can treasure for generations.
Corporate & Leadership Portraits
A Statement of Enduring Legacy
Portraits help institutions and businesses celebrate their history, dignity, and leadership. Whether for a retiring CEO or a board member, we create museum-quality portraits that honor the legacy of your organization’s key people.
The Philosophy of the Modern Portrait
For the Visionary Leader
The Patron’s Briefing: A CEO’s Guide to the Strategy of a Tangible Legacy. The definitive guide for men helps CEOs and leaders use a masterwork portrait as a strategic way to create a visible, lasting legacy.
For the Family Matriarch
The Matriarch’s Dilemma: The Psychology of a Modern Legacy Portrait. This essay examines the distinctive psychological challenges modern matriarchs face and how a masterful portrait can help shape a powerful, personal legacy.
A Case Study in Mastery
A Master’s Journey: From Karsh’s Light to the Modern “Madame Tex.” The comparison piece offers a close examination of how a modern masterpiece is created, tracing influences from Yousuf Karsh to the final installation.
Commissioning with Confidence
The Painter’s Gambit vs. The KGS Process: Commission a Portrait with Confidence. This analysis explains the risks associated with traditional portrait commissions and demonstrates how the KGS Process helps mitigate them, facilitating a smooth collaboration.
The Journey to a Masterpiece.
Each artwork here started with a thoughtful conversation, not just a camera. If you want to create something equally meaningful, the Legacy Design & Consultation is the best place to begin. If an in-depth study isn’t right for you right now, our free briefing document will help tremendously.
The Investment
What is the typical range of investment for a finished masterpiece?
The Legacy Starter Collection, ideal for smaller spaces, starts at $2,000 for an 8×10 print. Our larger Statement Pieces, intended to be the focal point of a room, start at $20,000 for a 40-inch print and can reach $110,000 for a 120-inch portrait. Frames and custom lighting are additional. During your design consultation, we will help you choose the right size for your home.
How does your commission fee work, and what is included?
We are committed to being transparent. Each commission covers the initial Legacy Design & Consultation, the portrait session, and a private Projection Session to finalize your choices. You can find our Investment and Pricing page online. At the start, we review all print, framing, and lighting options and prices with you in person so there are no surprises. Payment for commissions is made up front before we begin your project.
Do you offer payment plans or financing for commissions?
We do not offer payment plans. Following the tradition of fine art patronage, all commissions are paid in full up front before we begin. This approach helps create a strong partnership between you and the artist from the start. It also lets our studio focus fully on your portrait without administrative interruptions.
Do I get a digital file of my portrait?
For commissions 24×30 inches or larger, we include a web-sized digital file at no additional cost for social media or archiving. We do not offer files for home printing, as we ensure the quality of each portrait by managing all printing and finishing ourselves.
The Experience
Can I send you a photo to turn into a portrait?
No, we don’t offer that. Our portraits are special because they come from a shared, in-person experience. Every portrait begins with a dedicated in-person sitting, allowing us to get to know you and capture your unique essence.
I’m not comfortable in front of a camera. How do you help subjects feel at ease?
Many people feel this way, so we’ve designed our process to help you feel comfortable. We take our time and use a traditional yet high-tech view camera, which encourages a slower, more relaxed pace. You’ll see your image right away on a large screen, which will allow us to discuss what works. Our main goal is to connect with you, not just focus on the equipment. This approach helps you relax and allows your true personality to shine through.
What if my children don’t cooperate during a family session?
Many parents worry about this, and our relaxed process is made to help. We don’t try to force perfect smiles. Instead, we focus on capturing your family’s genuine spirit and how you connect.
Family sessions last 2.5 hours, so there’s no rush or pressure. This gives kids time to get comfortable, take breaks, and just be themselves. The best moments often happen naturally when everyone is relaxed, and we’re patient in waiting for those moments to appear. Since sessions are unlimited, we usually create solo or couple’s portraits as a backstop should the family portrait not work out due to children acting out.
We create museum-quality portraits that tell your family’s story. Our focus is on the connection between family members. Since our work is more methodical, young children may not have the attention span to produce a satisfactory portrait. A family portrait with many young children makes this challenge even greater. Because of this, we don’t offer solo sessions for children under six as the primary reason for having a session.
A great family portrait isn’t just about everyone looking perfect. It’s about capturing your family’s unique bond and character at a particular point in history. That’s the lasting memory we want to create for you.
Do you provide guidance on wardrobe, hair, and makeup?
Yes, we help with all of that. As part of our Legacy Design & Consultation, we’ll guide you in choosing outfits so your portrait looks timeless. For Statement Piece commissions 50 inches or larger, we also offer complimentary on-site hair and makeup services through our hair and makeup partners. We also have a handy style guide that is a great reference.
How long does a session last?
For solo or couple’s portraits, we schedule 2-1/2 hours. For families, we book a 2-1/2 hour session to ensure a relaxed pace. “Red Carpet” commissions may require more time to accommodate hair and makeup preparation, multiple looks, and styling changes.
The Final Heirloom
What is the archival quality of your portraits? How long will they last?
Each portrait is made to museum standards and built to last for centuries. We use archival-grade canvases and papers, and every piece is protected with a strong archival coating, so you don’t need glass. Your portrait is meant to be a lasting heirloom for your family.
Do you assist with the final installation of the portrait in our home?
Yes, we can help with installation. We view the final placement as an integral part of the artistic process. Our white-glove installation service ensures your portrait is hung and lit perfectly, so it stands out beautifully in your home.
How are the canvas portraits finished, and can I customize the final texture?
Each museum-quality canvas portrait is carefully sealed with a hand-rolled archival coating. This keeps your portrait protected and lasting for generations.
If your commission is 24×30 or larger, artist Toni Saunders will add a complimentary hand-brushed finish. She uses a clear archival gel to add brush strokes that follow the portrait’s details. This gives your portrait a rich, textured look, much like a hyperrealistic oil painting.
You can choose between two finishing options for your portrait: a smooth, modern canvas surface or a classic, hand-brushed texture.
Why do you only display a curated selection of portraits in your online gallery?
As a Private Atelier, we prioritize our patrons’ privacy over digital engagement. Many of the masterworks we create are deeply intimate family legacies designed to be private landmarks within the home rather than public advertisements. While we have made thousands of portraits over the decades, we only share those in which the subject has graciously granted explicit, written permission to inspire others. We operate under a strict Discretion-by-Default policy to ensure your legacy remains your family’s best-kept secret. Learn more about our Discretion Policy here.
