I specialize in  candid activities with the subject rather than posed and rigid portraits.  The subjects interest areas are explored to make a more personal statement and to create a familiar setting that fits the individual I am painting.  My works have been in soft pastel, acrylic, oil paint, and ink.  In portrait paintings subjects are rendered completely as they appear but with small artistic license for changes.  Painting offers greater flexibility for alteration than photography as a hand may need to be moved, the background could be distracting, or the folds of a dress may need to be simplified. I also work from sittings along with  photography to render portraits.  Painting from a reality base involves subjects drawn with time of day and place to challenge recognition and memories.  Little escapes the artistic eye.