A painted portrait combines traditional photographic imagery with hand-applied painting artistry. Using a unique mixed media approach, I blend a variety of mediums, from modern electronic brushes to traditional artists' oil brushes.

Each painting commission begins with one or more reference images and is transformed into a work of art, initially on the computer using sophisticated painting brushwork, to deconstruct and to rebuild the image stroke by stroke, as a hand-painted rendering. Later, that initial underpainting is transferred to canvas and is enhanced with oils, textures and glazes. In the end, you'll have a painting that everyone will love!

While a traditional fine artist starting from a blank canvas has extraordinary talent, there are times that a person’s likeness may not carry through to the end. With the traditional arts, there is always the chance that a finished painting might not actually look like the person. Why take the chance that your painting not be exactly the way you expect?

Modern tools today allow us the advantage of electronically compositing and constructing the ideal reference image long before the first stroke begins. The reference image I use for any given painting might come from a combination of multiple images blended together. You'll be able to have the painting you always wanted and be able to see the progress along the way.

Great question! The best plan is to email or text your photograph (sometimes a few reference photos are helpful) for me to look at and evaluate if it will make a great painting.

You may be surprised what can work as a reference photo. Even with less-than-ideal quality photographs, beautiful paintings can emerge. Before dismissing a photo as not being worthy, send it over for a free review to bobbie@bobbiebush.com. I'll typically get back to you in a day or two.

Yes, as long as we have permission. If you have images that were taken by a professional photographer, United States copyright laws require that I obtain written permission. I have created some beautiful paintings from images taken by others, and as long as permission is granted, then yes! 

Great question! The best plan is to email or text your photograph (sometimes a few reference photos are helpful) for me to look at and evaluate if it will make a great painting. I'll typically get back to you in a day or two. 

You may be surprised what can work as a reference photo. Even with less-than-ideal quality photographs, beautiful paintings can emerge. Before dismissing a photo as not being worthy, send it over for a free review. 

While a traditional fine artist starting from a blank canvas has extraordinary talent, there are times that a person’s likeness may not carry through to the end. With the traditional arts, there is always the chance that a finished painting might not actually look like the person. Why take the chance that your painting not be exactly the way you expect?

Not at all. Each painting is a labor of love, with extensive handwork, stroke by stroke, using an electronic brush and tablet, followed by a series of hand-applied oils & glazes using traditional artists' brushes that bring out a rich texture and the feel of an original oil painting. 

Most but not all paintings. A number of commissions I create are able to emulate the distinct look, feel and visual texture of a real painting even without the final application of oils. Some of the painted portraits I create for clients are stunning even without the additional layers of oils & glazes. From time to time, a client may not have the luxury of waiting the additional weeks necessary for traditional oil paints to cure prior to delivery.