Pen and ink home portraits got started in 1987 when I had the idea to give them as gifts to homeowners who bought or sold homes with me. Since then I have produced hundreds of them. Every recipient of a home portrait is thrilled with it!
Extreme attention is paid to every detail. The perspective is accurate, and artistic license is used to remove undesirable objects such as telephone wires and fire hydrants. At times, trees can be minimized or moved to show off more of the house. I always try to show the best side of the house and minimize the garage. Full sun on the front of the house creates interesting shadows and contrast. The finished piece, unframed, typically measures about 11” x 14”. It is not advisable to go smaller as the detail becomes too difficult to capture. Pen and ink drawings are easily reproduced and lend themselves well to notecards, print ads, calendars, t-shirts, tote bags, etc.
Ideally, the sun should be shining on the front of the house. If this isn’t possible, take the picture on an overcast day.
Take several angles if you aren’t sure which is best. Head-on is almost never the best. Get off to one side or the other.
If the garage is attached, try not to have it in the foreground or be the focal point.
Take several shots of the details: the front door, the windows, the landscaping, the lamp post, etc. If I can’t see it, I can’t draw it.
If a large tree is obscuring the front of the house, you may need to take the photo when the leaves are off.
Determine if you want the season to be winter or summer.
Be sure the photos are in focus.
If you want a cat or a dog in the picture, send photos of the pet as well. It doesn’t need to be in the same photo as the house.
If there is something in the back yard that should be visible, like a shed, gazebo, or body of water, be sure to get a photo that includes that.
Photos can be emailed to deb@debsartgallery.com
