John Mark Coon

Charcoal, Pastels, Watercolor, Oils

Charcoal, Pastels and Watercolors start at $300. Oil Portraits start at $500. If you are interested, please fill out a contact form and let me know about your needs. 50% of the total cost of the portrait is due at the time the order is placed.

Home Sweet Home

Traditional Charcoal

On the Steps

Traditional Watercolor

Emaly's Grandkids

Charcoal taken from 3 seperate photos

The Hammock

Oil painting - Non Traditional

Kate

Oil - Traditional Background

Boots

Watercolor Collage

Lucy

Watercolor Collage

Sisters

Traditional Watercolor

Maggie (B & W)

Black and White Watercolor

Maggie (Color Wash)

Black and White with Color Washes

Grandaddy and Charlie

Oil

Emily and Lizbeth's kids

Oil

I will be happy to take photos for the painting. I will have the most control over light, color, background, etc.

Or, If you plan to take the photos yourself, here are some tips:

Photography tips for Portraits

Try to have a light source on one side. If it is the sun, try to shoot in the morning before 9 or in the evening after 5. If you have strong sunlight, place your subjects in shade. If no shade is available, wait for a patch of clouds...otherwise, your subjects will be squinting. Also try having your subjects look away from the sun...that can make a nice photo. If your subject is indoors, find a window or a lamp on one side. The face always looks more interesting when you have a variety of light and shadow.
Find an interesting background. A background can add or take away from the subject. A garden with trees in the background, an old door, a porch swing. Just as long as the colors are bold and bright. Be creative and imaginative, but you can also be simple as well.
Use Manual focus instead of Autofocus. In portraits, manual focus is better than autofocus. Play around with your manual settings to get different results...then shoot some with autofocus to see the difference. Sometimes, autofocus will work so don't completely discount it. But as a general rule, you can have more control with manual focus.
Stand back and Zoom in. It is better to stand a few feet away and use your zoom than to use the camera up close. Standing up close can distort the shape of the face...unless that's exactly what you want.
Posed or unposed? Posed shots are difficult and you will usually have to shoot several before you get close. An unposed shot usually captures your subjects' personality. Try something different. You may be surprised. Try both.
Try adding objects that relate to the subject. A musical instrument, a football, flowers or a stuffed animal can add interest and a theme to your painting.

Whether you or I take the photos, let me know in your contact form.

Thanks,