HAND-DRAWN PORTRAITS
BY STEVE JOHANNSEN

As a young child in the midwest, Steve met his first 'real' artist. A barber in his hometown would draw pencil portraits of kids from school photos as Steve watched in awe. He was given his first portrait lessons and was immediately 'hooked'.
Throughout the years, Steve has studied the styles and techniques of both traditional and modern portrait artists and developed his own. Each new portrait brings a wonderfully satisfying experience and challenge in capturing the features and spirit of the subject.
Today, Steve is a master of traditional pencil portraits and also creates in colored pencil, conte' crayon, pastel, pen & ink, watercolor, mixed media, oils and digital media. Styles range from a loose sketchy style to a photo-real illustration to a museum quality oil painting. Each portrait is a joint project between you and the artist.

CUSTOM PORTRAIT ILLUSTRATIONS may be the most cherished gift You could ever give someone!

GRANDPARENTS * ANCESTORS * PARENTS * FAMILIES * KIDS * PETS * MILITARY HEROES * FRIENDS * WEDDINGS * ANNIVERSARY * BOUDOIR * CORPORATE * ACHIEVERS * TRIBUTES * CELEBRITY * FANTASY

Ordering Your Own PORTRAIT is Easy!!!

1. What are Your Ideas?
ANY IDEA can be created. How do you want to honor and remember the person in the Portrait? Do you want to show something personal reflecting their career, achievements, hobby passions , famous moments or unique quirks? What kind of image would be best ?...a close-up face, a bust, a full body in action?

2. Gather Your Best Photos and Reference
To be able to create the best possible Portrait, the Artist needs to use the best, sharpest, detailed photos and reference. There are several ways to prepare your reference for the Artist.

  • A. Original photos will be scanned and returned upon completion. Mail.
  • B. On CD...copies of digital photos, directly from camera, not resized or Scanned photos, large size, higher resolution (300ppi). Mail
  • C. E-Mail JPEG copies...same specs as for CD. Do Not resize or reduce resolution.

    3. Then, the Artist Will...

  • A. Once your reference and ideas are received, the Artist will pre-create a composition on the computer for your approval. Creative and cost options will be presented and agreed before final artwork begins. No surprises.
  • B. The Artist will create your Portrait illustration as agreed. When finished, art may be unveiled either in-person or by final E-Mail proof.
  • C. Finished Portrait will be available for personal pickup or shipped upon receipt of final payment.

    * Note: High Quality Digital Prints may be made to share with family and friends. A CD showing the step-by-step creation of your Portrait Illustration,
    Matting and some Framing available upon request.


    The Making of Custom Portraits

    The creation of one of Steve Johannsen's Custom Portrait Illustrations is actually quite an amazing process. First, Steve hears your ideas and reviews the reference photos of the subject. He scans your photos as needed to drawing size to assure the clearest quality possible. He will then create a sample composition on the computer using the photos. He will email you a proof copy for review and approval before ever beginning the final drawing.
    Once approved, the image is transferred to the drawing board and drawing begins. Steve uses a rather tedious, layer over layer technique to achieve the life-like quality. Every detail is first completely drawn with a hard, light pencil. Then, a step-by-step, layer over layer procedure is followed, each step with a softer, darker pencil. 6H, 4H, 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B.
    Final steps bring out the dark accents to the portrait. Background is added last, with options from a simple shaded vignette to detailed images.
    When finished, the artist will email you a final copy to see. Upon approval, a protective spray coating is added over the drawing and delivery options discussed.

    CLICK FOR SAMPLE 1
    CLICK FOR SAMPLE 2
    CLICK FOR SAMPLE 3