A photo is worth a thousand words but a realistic portrait drawing tells a story that is worth considerably more, it's an heirloom.
A portrait is a solid and simplified construction representing an expression, a state of soul, a condition, a feeling, more than a mere combination of two eyes, two ears, a nose and a mouth.
A portrait is a living assembly of play, of forms, of proportions, without falling into mere caricature, or being a dead photograph with life or human meaning. The lifeless imitation of forms is far removed from true portraiture. A portrait is above all an act of love, for the artist ought to "dissect", analyze, and see into every detail of grimace, gesture or sign to make of them a living synthesis.
Most of my portraits are based on photos, they were sent to me by my clients. Now I prefer to make photos myself. All of my portraits are drawn very precise with each detail and each single hair. For each portrait I need -because of my love to the smallest detail- between 8 to 10 hours. I developed my own techniques and tricks during the last 34 years. Time just ceases to be when I draw and each portrait is a labor of love that I thoroughly enjoy. Absolutely nothing is quite so rewarding to me as stretching the 3-dimensional image of a child or other motive onto the 2-dimensional surface of a high quality sheet of paper. One of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences of my life is to be able to give joy to others by creating the likeness of a loved one or beloved kid.
I often get asked if I ever have attended any art courses. The answer is NO.
I am a real autodidact, but it is process of learning without end, training with patience and love. And I believe the ability to draw pencil portraits is a very special gift to me.
My first self-created Homepage is online since March 2009. I use it to show my paintings, to introduce myself and my ideas and my convictions.