The official artist signature of Kevin G. Saunders.

A 3,000-Year Tradition, Redefined in San Antonio.

KGS Studios signature portrait of an elegant couple, displayed in a modern luxury living room with a city view.
The Foundation of Legacy: The Individual & The Couple. Exploring the unique bond that forms the cornerstone of a family’s story.

What separates a portrait that is merely seen from one that is felt for generations? It is an unbroken line of artistic tradition. From the Fayum mummy portraits of ancient Egyptโ€”hauntingly realistic windows into souls from two millennia agoโ€”to the rise of the Dutch Masters, who democratized the art form for merchants and families, the portrait has always been the ultimate record of a life of consequence.

This is the continuum of Sargent, who captured the inner life of the Gilded Age; of Karsh, who defined the titans of the 20th century. It is also the continuum of Leonardo da Vinci, who was not merely a painter, but a scientist, an engineer, and a polymath obsessed with understanding the mathematics of beauty and the physics of light.

At KGS Studios, we are stewards of this same multi-disciplinary tradition. Our work, developed over a lifetime of self-taught study in fields as diverse as aviation and business, is grounded in the same first principles. We have arrived at a style that spontaneously matches the greats, adapted for a modern, hyperrealistic aesthetic that is neither painting nor photography, but a unique art form of its own. This guide is an introduction to that art.

Beyond “Style”: The Four Pillars of a KGS Portrait.

Other studios may speak of colors and trends. We believe a timeless portrait is built on a deeper, more rigorous foundation. Because a portrait reaches its true maturity after 20 yearsโ€”a full generationโ€”a little more time spent in planning leverages incredibly over time. These are the four pillars that support every commission we undertake.

  • Fit: The portrait must feel as though it was destined for the space it inhabits. We consider the architecture of your home, the lighting, and the existing decor to ensure the final masterwork is not just in your home, but of your home.
  • Intent: What is the core truth we are seeking to capture? Is it the quiet authority of a leader, the enduring bond of a couple, the vibrant spirit of a matriarch? Every decision, from lighting to composition, is driven by this clearly defined artistic intent.
  • Sentimentality: A portrait must do more than document; it must evoke emotion. It is a vessel for memory, a story told without words that will resonate with your family for centuries.
  • Authenticity: Our process is a deep, collaborative dive designed to reveal and capture the true essence of our subjects. The final work is not a fleeting expression, but a genuine and permanent reflection of character.

The KGS Method: Where Art & Science Converge

KGS Studios Red Carpet portrait of a woman in a light blue gown, featured as fine art in an elegant, modern-classical living room.
The experience of creating a gift portrait is a unique collaboration, resulting in a deeply personal work of art that honors both the subject and the giver.

Beauty is not an accident; it is mathematical. Just as a plastic surgeon understands the proportions of a face, a master artist must understand the physics of perception. The classical beauty in our portraits is the direct result of a system engineered for perfection.

The Mathematics of Natural Proportion To avoid the unnatural perspective distortion common in most photography, the artist must achieve the proper distance from the subject. At KGS Studios, we use a Phase One medium format sensor (53.4 x 40.0mm) paired with a 105-120mm prime lens. The ideal distance for this setup is between 18 and 23 feet from the subject.

Why this matters: This specific combination mathematically creates a perspective compression that mirrors how the human eye naturally perceives a person in a real-life conversation. It eliminates the distortion that makes limbs look awkward and facial features disproportionate. This distance also fosters a genuine connection between artist and subject, a conversation rather than an intrusion. Most photographers are technically incapable of achieving this classical proportion because they cannot work at this distance.

The Golden Mean: Compositional Harmony Our compositions adhere to the same principles of classical harmony, like the Golden Ratio, used by artists from da Vinci to the architects of the Parthenon. The placement of the subject in the frame, the leading lines, and the use of negative space are all deliberately composed to create a work that feels naturally and eternally balanced.

Avoiding “Incarceration”: The Importance of Space A common mistake in modern portraiture is cropping too tightly, creating a sense of visual “incarceration.” A masterwork needs space to breathe. We compose our portraits with ample headroom and foreground, ensuring the subject commands their environment, rather than being trapped by the frame. This intentional negative space is a hallmark of classical composition and is essential for creating a piece with true staying power.

A Guide to the KGS Portrait Styles

KGS Studios Family Legacy Portrait of a large, multi-generational family, expertly composed and displayed as a centerpiece in a grand room.
A Generational Masterpiece. Capturing the unique dynamic of your family, this portrait is a cherished heirloom and a historical document for future generations.

A Note on Family Commissions: Before we explore the core styles, a word on family portraits. We are often commissioned to create them, and they are a powerful chapter in a familyโ€™s story. However, due to the often random nature of large groups, the ultimate artistic challengeโ€”the creation of a perfect portrait that truly rivals a classical paintingโ€”is found in the intense focus on an individual or a couple.

The Statesman Portrait

KGS Studios monochrome portrait of a dynamic corporate leader, displayed as fine art in a modern, minimalist concrete conference room.
This is more than an expense; it is a permanent investment in your institution’s story. A masterpiece portrait is an appreciating asset that pays historical and emotional dividends.

The Essence: Authority, Leadership, and Professional Legacy.

This style is defined by its dignified and powerful presence, designed for the executive, the patriarch, the community leader. It is a definitive statement piece, capturing a lifetime of achievement, wisdom, and character. The lighting is typically directional and sculpted, reminiscent of the dramatic work of Yousuf Karsh, creating a mood of gravitas and consequence. The focus is not on a fleeting smile, but on the quiet confidence of a leader at the height of their influence.

  • The Setting: The boardroom, the executive office, the private study, or the library.
  • Wardrobe: Business formal, black tie, or attire that speaks to the subject’s professional identity.

The Legacy Portrait

KGS Studios Signature Portrait of a notable South Texas couple, displayed as fine art above a fireplace in a modern luxury living room.
From the formal to the intimate, every setting is carefully chosen to create an environment that feels both authentic and timeless.

The Essence: Tradition, Heritage, and the Family Cornerstone.

This is the quintessential family heirloom, the central anchor of a familyโ€™s home and story. The style is classic, timeless, and emotionally resonant, celebrating the bonds of partnership and the continuity of generations. The composition is grounded in the traditions of masters like John Singer Sargent, focusing on elegant poses, harmonious composition, and an environment that speaks to the family’s life and values. It is a work designed to appreciate in emotional value, becoming more profound with each passing year.

  • The Setting: The formal living room, the great room, or above the fireplace mantel.
  • Wardrobe: Elegant and coordinated attire that reflects the family’s personal style, from formal to business casual.

The Modern Heirloom

The 'Madame Tex' masterpiece portrait by Kevin G. Saunders displayed in a luxury living room, serving as the hero image for KGS Studios.
A commissioned masterwork in its final setting. The portrait is created not just as a piece of art, but as the central anchor of a family’s home and legacy.

The Essence: Personality, Individuality, and Contemporary Elegance.

This style is a fresh, art-forward interpretation of the classic portrait. While grounded in tradition, it places a stronger emphasis on the unique spirit and personality of the subject. The lighting can be more adventurous, the poses more expressive, and the overall feel more contemporary. It is a bold, confident statement piece for the modern collector, a testament to an individual’s unique story and character.

  • The Setting: A centerpiece in a modern home, a grand entryway, or a well-lit living space.
  • Wardrobe: Can range from elegant evening wear to more expressive, fashion-forward choices that reflect the subject’s individuality.

The Aspirational Portrait

Elegant KGS Studios signature portrait of a woman in a red dress, displayed as a centerpiece in a sophisticated dark-paneled room.
Continuing the grand tradition of masters like John Singer Sargent, each signature work is a definitive statement piece for a new era of patronage.

The Essence: Drama, Beauty, and Narrative Fine Art.

This style was born from a client’s request: “If I get a portrait from you, I want to feel like I’m on The Red Carpet.” That single comment spawned some of our most celebrated work, transcending traditional portraiture into the realm of narrative fine art. This is the “wow factor” piece, designed to be a showstopper. The focus is on creating a scene of dramatic beauty and elegance, telling a story of aspiration and romance with cinematic lighting and a painterly sensibility.

  • The Setting: Any space that can accommodate a major work of art; a grand staircase, a formal dining room, or a private gallery space.
  • Wardrobe: Exclusively formal: ball gowns, tuxedos, and couture.

Preparing for Your Commission: A Guide to Timelessness

A collection of KGS Studios signature portraits, featuring a couple and two brothers, displayed as fine art in a modern, elegant living room.
Rich Color. Embracing a painterly approach in the tradition of John Singer Sargent, this palette uses rich color and light to evoke presence, depth, and dignity.

Because a portrait matures over 20 years to become a true generational heirloom, a little time spent in planning leverages incredibly, as Sargent proved by holding onto Madame X for three decades. The choices we make together are for the ages.

Your Wardrobe: A Foundation for Permanence More formal is always more timeless.

  • For Black & White Portraits: Don’t be afraid of bold patterns and high contrast. These elements, which can be distracting in color, create dramatic texture and visual interest in monochrome.
  • For Color Portraits: The goal is harmony. We recommend solid, complementary colors that make you feel like the most authentic version of yourself. We will guide you in selecting a palette that works with your skin tone and the final setting of the portrait.
  • Bring Options: Every session is unlimited in scope. We encourage you to bring a couple of outfits to our studio, where a private changing room is always available. This allows us to explore different looks and ensure the final choice is perfect.

Ready to Define Your Legacy?

This guide is a starting point for our creative collaboration. It is an invitation to explore the possibilities of what a timeless portrait can be. The most important element in every commission, however, is the conversationโ€”a private, no-obligation consultation where we can discuss your personal vision, answer your questions, and begin the journey of creating your masterpiece together.

When you are ready to take that next step, I invite you to get in touch.

Schedule a Private Consultation