Emily takes 100’s of photos....choosing the best and sharing these with Oliver’s family
Together they decide to use this photo.....Emily feels strongly that this image reflects Oliver’s personality while easily lending itself to becoming a painting
Emily starts begins this painting with a warm base color.  She is unsure about what Oliver will be holding and how he will exist in the space around him.  Below you can view the development of the painting, seeing how it changes in feeling and structure.
In the end she resolves the painting with a soft grassy field and a surprisingly pink sky.  Oliver is no longer holding anything particular or visible.  The painting becomes ethereal and dreamy......
Oliver and Emily are still art buddies.......Here he is painting in her studio.
portrait process