Meet Portrait Artist Bobbie Bush
Artist Statement
“I truly believe that a fine portrait painting is a testament to one’s value, worth and sense of belonging. Having portrait paintings displayed in the home shows that you are loved.”
– Bobbie Bush
Who Do You Trust to Create Your Painting?
When choosing to make an investment into commissioning a portrait painting, finding the right artist among many portrait painters or portrait studios can feel a bit intimidating. It is important to feel an honest connection with the artist you work with, and to trust that the finished portrait will best represent the subject, depicting the authentic personality and true likeness of the individual all the way through to the finished painting.
Meet The Artist
For the past 30 years, Bobbie has helped her clients express a deep love of family through portrait art. What sets her studio apart among portrait painters is the expertise of knowing what will make an excellent portrait, based on the subject's pose and expression, whether the original reference image is from a client-supplied photograph or from a formal sitting.
With each commission, she guides the client on which reference images will make the best painting, and offers initial concepts and on-going progress meetings to help them visualize the creative possibilities. In the end, unlike some portrait studios, there will be no surprises about how the subject is portrayed and the likeness of the subject will carry through to the end.
Artistic Influences
Favorite portrait painters include John Singer Sargent, Raymond Everett Kinstler and John Howard Sanden. Favorite figurative painters over time include Goya, Rembrandt, Degas and landscapes by Corot.
Background & Education
Born and raised in West Hartford, Connecticut, Bobbie Bush grew up among family members pursing both the fine arts and music. Her formal education includes a BA in art history and an MBA in business administration. In her professional development, she has studied with numerous nationally recognized portrait artists in the fields of both photographic portraiture and fine art painting. For more than 35 years, Bobbie has established her home in Salem, Massachusetts, on the north shore of Boston. In her spare time, she loves to travel, kayak and spend time on the coast of Maine.
The Painted Portrait Difference
Each painted portrait commission combines traditional photographic portraiture with hand-applied painting artistry. Using a mixed media approach, Bobbie blends a variety of mediums and tools, from the camera, to the tablet, to traditional artist brushes. Each commission begins with a reference image which is then transformed into a work of art on canvas, finished with oil paints.
⬇️ Listen to Bobbie discuss her process. ⬇️
OK, I'm interested... how does this work?
1. CHAT
Let's discover who you want to honor and why they matter to you. Call or fill out the guest form to get started.
2. CREATE
Through a series of progress meetings, we work interactively together to transform your vision into a beautiful work of art.
3. LOVE!
Imagine enjoying your custom artwork with pride and love, remembering the stories that are told through the painting every day.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions.
What is a painted portrait?
A painted portrait combines photography and painting together. Using a modern hybrid mixed media approach, I blend a variety of mediums and tools, including electronic brushes, a digital tablet, and traditional artists' oils and glazes.
Each painting commission begins with one or more reference images and is transformed into a work of art, initially on the computer using a painting software, to deconstruct and to rebuild the image, stroke by stroke, as a hand-painted rendering. Following the initial rendering, the painted portrait is transferred to canvas and is enhanced with oils, textures and glazes. In the end, you'll have a painting you'll love!
How are you different from a traditional artist?
While a traditional fine artist starting from a blank canvas has extraordinary talent, there are times that a pet'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 them. 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.
What does a painting cost?
A charming classic head & shoulders portrait painting of a single pet's face ranges between $1200-1600, and is finished in an intimate 10" or 12" size.
Paintings with two or more pets, or a painting that includes your pet's torso, can range from $1900-3200 and will vary in investment based on size, scale and complexity. Together we'll discover where you envision displaying the finished art in your home and I'll assist you to determine the ideal scale for you to enjoy it every day! 🐾
How do I know if my photograph will work as a painting?
Great question! The best plan is to email or text your photograph (sometimes a few reference photos are helpful) and we'll discuss which would make a great painting.
You may be surprised by what can work as a reference photo. Even with those less-than-perfect photographs, beautiful paintings can emerge. Before dismissing any photos as not being worthy, please share them to bobbie@bobbiebush.com. I'll typically get back to you the same day.
How long does it take?
Great question.
It varies depending on the number of commissions I am working on at the time. In most cases, commissions take 6-12 weeks to allow for revisions, proper dry time and/or framing. Some commissions can be turned around sooner if there is a special occasion that needs to be met!
How the studio differs from traditional painters.
The painted portrait technique is a modern alternative to traditional oil paintings.
Each painting commission begins with one or more reference images and is transformed into a work of art, by blending photography and painting together, through the use of a painting software as the chosen medium. This mixed media approach combines a variety of tools, from modern electronic brushes to traditional artist's oils and glazes.
What sets the studio apart from a traditional painting studio is that, since the paintings are based directly on a reference image, the painting will always carry your pet companion's likeness and unique personality all the way through to the finished work.
Why take the chance that your painting is not exactly the way you expected?
More Questions Answered.
I have digital files from a photo shoot, can you paint from that?
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!
How do I know if my photograph will work as a painting?
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.
What if my photo is not great quality?
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.
Why is your process better?
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?
Is this just a filter or effect?
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.
Do you use oil on all the paintings?
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.
What Clients Have to Say...
"Worth Every Penny."
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"I have thousands of photographs on my phone and yet none that were quite special enough to say "this is my James". Then I came across Bobbie and the paintings that she creates from snapshots and fell in love! I knew right away this is what would show him how special he is to me. When the painting arrived in the mail, he jumped up and down screaming "It is ME! It is James! Worth every penny spent! Thank you Bobbie for melting my heart with this beautiful painting."
-Jeanine
"Absolutely Perfect."
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"I cried when I saw it. It's like Lily is right here. I realize how perfect it is. Absolutely perfect. I can't thank you enough."
-Marybeth
"A Lifelong Memory."
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"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. She absolutely loved the painting. You made this a lifelong memory and we are thrilled. Everyone involved praised your amazing abilities."
-Dr. Kashefi
"Magnificent."
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"Your paintings are more realistic than most other artists I had looked at. Working together was a great experience, as you communicated every step of the way. Seeing the finished product is really very exciting. It's magnificent."
-Grand Master Maggio
"So Full of Life!"
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"Bobbie Bush is amazing. Professional, personal and her work is amazing. She did portraits of my two dogs and they are so beautiful and full of life! I love having them hang in my dog training area. She was easy to work with and kept in touch throughout the whole process."
-Sarah
Like what you see?
Just click any gold button to inquire. We begin with a discovery call to learn more about who you have in mind to celebrate in a painted portrait and why they are important.
Only 5 commissions accepted a month.
Will yours be one of them?