What is graphite?

Often mistakenly called "lead," graphite holds the distinction of being the most stable form of solid carbon ever discovered; it is one of the constituents of diamonds. Graphite, unlike ink or watercolor, will never fade or discolor over time. It can of course be erased, but once it is treated with a special fixative it is a completely permanent medium. The great masters such as Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci worked in graphite, and many of their drawings are still in fine condition today. The paper I use for these portraits is of exceptionally high quality: Rising Stonehenge, a 100% cotton paper, neutral pH/acid free for long life and consistency of tone with graphite.

Why do you draw portraits in graphite?

To most of us, the idea of having a personal portrait done seems a little daunting, perhaps a bit pompous. Indeed, a large, formal oil portrait hanging over the mantel does tend to give that effect. A graphite portrait, on the other hand, is more personal and less ostentatious, more informal, while still capturing the essence of the subject's personality.

Do you work from life or from photos?

Working from life is a luxury that most of us can no longer afford. These portraits take a very long time to complete, and few people have the time or patience to sit still for so long. Also, my studio is in Oregon and my subjects live all over the country and around the world, so personal sittings are just not practical. However, with the popularity and sophistication of digital photography increasing rapidly, most people are now able to provide me with good reference photos to use for their portraits. See the Reference Photos Information page for details on what works best for this purpose.

Why do you do portraits of people and their pets?

For over 20 years I have specialized in pet portraits done in a combination of pen & ink and watercolor. While pen & ink allows incredible detail in pet portraits, I don't like it for portraits of people because it seems too harsh and hard-edged. As more and more people requested portraits of themselves, however, I began working in graphite for those portraits and discovered that it is the perfect medium to give me plenty of detail while still keeping the softer tones and qualities that make human faces unique. This naturally led me to the idea of offering graphite portraits of people with their pets. These portraits are deeply personal, often quite informal, reflecting not just the physical appearance of my subjects but also their personalities, exuberance, inner qualities, and the complex and wonderful relationship between people and their companion animals.

How long does it take to do a portrait?

Each portrait takes several weeks to complete. Turnaround time (the time from receipt of your order to finished portrait) can take from three or four weeks to several months, depending on the length of my waiting list. If you want a portrait to give for a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) please check with me to see what turnaround time is at present, and leave enough time for your portrait to be completed.

Are the portraits framed?

No, your portrait is sent to you ready for framing, but matting and framing choices are very personal and depend on each client's individual tastes, so I don't presume to make those choices for you. I include some information on framing for your consideration, but the final choice is one you'll want to make in consultation with your professional framer.

Is a deposit required?

Yes, a non-refundable 50% deposit is required in advance of all portrait work, along with a very simple signed contract. The remaining 50% is payable upon receipt of the finished portrait.

What if I don't like the finished portrait?

This has happened very rarely; my clients are nearly always extremely pleased with my work, and I do my very best in each portrait to ensure my clients' satisfaction. In the highly unlikely event that you are unhappy and minor adjustments can be made to satisfy you, they will be done at no additional charge. Happy clients are my best advertising, and your pleasure in my work is rewarding to both of us.

How do I commission a portrait?

After looking through this website, you can contact me by email at portraits@ravenokeefe.com or call me at (503) 394-2021 so that we can discuss what type of portrait you would like done and other details such as size, turnaround time, and reference photos.