Hello, I'm Dave. I’ve recently opened a small number of expressive charcoal portrait commissions, and I wanted to explain how I approach them, since the process is a little different from what people might expect.

For me, portraiture is not really about copying a photograph. It’s about observation, presence, structure, and the way light moves across a person. Because of that, every portrait begins with an in-person sitting where I photograph you myself before beginning the drawing.

The Sitting

Once we decide to move forward, we’ll schedule a portrait sitting in your home or another private indoor space where lighting and background can be controlled.

I’ll bring my equipment with me, including lighting equipment, backdrop fabrics, and any other necessities. The setup itself is fairly simple and usually only takes up a small section of a room.

The sitting itself is calm and collaborative. We take our time adjusting lighting, angles, poses, clothing, and atmosphere until everything feels right. This is not meant to feel stiff or overly formal. It’s more observational and conversational.

The sitting usually lasts around 30 minutes to an hour.

I do not draw during the sitting. The sitting is for photographic composition only. The drawing itself happens afterward. in my studio. 

Preparing for the Sitting

You’re encouraged to present yourself however you would like to be drawn.

Since these portraits focus mainly on the head and upper torso area rather than the full body, details like hair, clothing, hats, scarves, jewelry, makeup, or accessories can strongly shape the feeling of the final portrait.

You’re welcome to prepare multiple outfit options or bring different accessories you may want to try during the sitting. Sometimes very small changes completely shift the feeling of the portrait.

I may also suggest adjustments during the process depending on how the lighting and composition are working.

Privacy & Reference Images

The photographs taken during the portrait sitting are used solely as reference material for the drawing process.

These images will never be publicly shared, posted online, or used on social media without your permission.

Reference photographs are kept private and are typically deleted after the portrait has been completed.

The Drawing

After the sitting, I review the photographs and begin the portrait.

The final piece is drawn slowly and attentively in charcoal on archival paper. I’m interested in creating portraits that feel grounded and alive rather than overly polished copies of photographs. Structure, atmosphere, likeness, and presence matter deeply to me.

Each portrait is signed and dated.

Pricing & Sizes

Deposits

A 50% down payment is required before work begins.

For example:
• A $100 portrait requires a $50 deposit
• A $200 portrait requires a $100 deposit

The remaining balance is paid once the portrait is completed.

Timing

Please expect roughly a one month turnaround from the sitting date, depending on the complexity of the portrait and my current schedule.

I keep the number of commissions limited so each drawing gets the attention and time it deserves.

Availability

I only take around five commissions per month.

I’ll let you know via response Email or DM, when the next opening becomes available.

Reaching Out

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, whether for yourself or someone else, feel free to reach out.

Email:
sketchpawss@gmail.com

I’m always happy to answer any questions and talk through the process.