Suzanne has a long history of painting portraits that really depict the nature of her subjects. She finds it very important to get to know her subjects on their level and takes pride in capturing the subtle nuances of what makes the subject unique and special to the commissioner. She creates beautiful pieces of art with a subject that just happens to be very familiar to you!

The process of painting with a stylus, because it does not require drying time between layers of paint, is significantly quicker than traditional paintings have required. It is possible to complete a painting and have it safe to move in a matter of weeks versus months and years as required for oil paint to cure.

The greatest advantage of all is the ability to create multiple copies of a single piece in varying sizes quickly. Clients have chosen to have second and third pieces created for vacation homes, gifts to extended family, duplicates in case of family separations, and as a piece to be put away until young subjects have their own homes to that they too may own a piece of their legacy.

Also, in the event of loss due to catastrophic circumstances, the piece can be recreated exactly. This is virtually unheard of in traditional painting circumstances.

I have a photograph I love.  Will you paint from my photo?

As digital photography has become more popular, families are taking more photographs of their adventures than ever.  My preference is to paint from photographs that I take as the process starts at a soul level for me at that point.  I usually know when I’ve captured the moment that we will want to immortalize in art and the technically planning and process feed on the spark that ignites deep within.  Obviously there are exceptions, such as a posthumous memorial portrait.

Where is your studio?

I paint in a studio in my home in Suwanee, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta.  I only paint from photographs that I take and I prefer to meet you in your surroundings and choose with you where the sitting shall take place.  In Atlanta, we have the beautiful Atlanta Botanical Gardens that many choose as a background for the painting.  Outside the metro –Atlanta area, I am happy to fly to your city for the sitting.

Visit the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Online.

What are your fees?

Portraits start at $1,500 for a 16x20 unframed canvas and are incrementally increased as number of subjects, complexity of background, travel requirements and other considerations are added.

How is a portrait born at Portraits by Suzanne?

The process beings at a spiritual level when she begins to learn about her subject and what makes them special.

She paints from photographs she takes after spending time helping the subject select just the right wardrobing, background, and stylizing the location not only for aesthetic balance, but archival representation of the subjects. Her vision is that future generations will be inspired to remember what their forefathers enjoyed and who they were so that the legacy can live on.

After the photo session, she will review the pictures with you to be certain she caught the best and most telling characteristics of her subjects. From those pictures, she will compose a sketch from which she will paint.

When the painting is complete, she will share an artist's proof for feedback. After any changes are complete, and the painting is finished, she will sign and frame the portrait so that it is ready to hang on you wall.

How long does the process take?

I have been painting portraits for over ten years and have established a routine that patrons have appreciated because it respects their time investment in the process.  I schedule two appointments timed close together, the first so that I can meet you and the children who will be in the portrait.  A quick meeting where I can break the ice and become familiar with subjects always creates the best opportunity for capturing the most genuine likeness of my subjects.  At the second meeting I will take the photographs from which I will paint.  Because we have previously met, an immediate ease occurs from the beginning of the sitting and most last less than hour.  I am very sensitive to the needs of children (and resistant adults) and do everything I can to make the process quick, pain-free and usually, we have a lot of fun.

A few weeks later I will have black and white photographs and sketches available for you to view and discuss the final composition choices prior to painting.  You will have the opportunity to see an email preview of the painting for approval before it is completed.  Painting takes four to six weeks from the time final choices are made.

Do you make donations to charity fundraisers?

Yes.  I am very happy to support the good works of the community that supports me.  Please fill out the Charitable Donations Request Form and return as soon as you have an event date set so that I can carefully consider scheduling and availability.