In Part 1 of our Behind The Canvas series, we chronicled the journey and inspiration that led Aleksandra Szymanska to her career as an artist.
In Part 2, we will go even further behind the canvas to discover the custom portrait painting process — from the inception of an idea, to the capturing of a still image, to transferring that image into a beautiful and one-of-a-kind oil painting.
Aleksandra Szymanska specializes in portraits of animals, humans, and more — and now she wants to share her passion with you.
Keep reading to learn more and have your custom portrait painting commissioned today.
Question: What Is Your Process For A Custom Portrait Painting?
Aleksandra Szymanska: It all begins with assessing my clients’ needs.
How does he/she want to be portrayed? What mood or stage of life does he/she want to commemorate?
If the client wants to be portrayed with a loved one or with a beloved pet, I want to know something about their relationship.
Selecting a reference photo is very important. Whether it’s taken by me, or selected from the client’s collection, choosing a good reference is always a result of the client and me working together. Whenever it is possible, I prefer to take my own photos. During the photo shoot session, if it’s possible, I experiment with different poses, background colors and light temperature, so the client has different options to choose from. I select three or four of the best photos and send them to the client to pick the final reference photo. 
Creating a custom portrait takes quite a bit of planning. I usually work through pencil sketches, black and white studies, and color studies before I start the actual portrait.
When I start painting the actual portrait I begin with toning the canvas with a thin wash of a neutral paint. The goal of this step is to neutralize the blinding white of the canvas, and to be able to see colors I put on it more accurately.
After a rough line drawing, in which I mark basic shapes, I begin painting.
The painting process is all about gradual refinement of form, edges, details and colors. It involves a lot of going back and redoing areas that have already been done. Colors are in relationship with one another.
Changing saturation, temperature, or darkness in one area makes colors in other areas look different than before. Step by step colors, values, and form are adjusted until the image looks realistic, but also expressive and harmonious.
This process, which requires a lot of focus, leads from establishing general shapes and large areas of color to capturing and refining details of the subject. When the painting is finished it has to be left to dry for a week or so. Then I varnish in order to protect its colors.
After the varnish dries, which takes a few days, I get the portrait photographed at a professional photo studio, so it can be a part of my digital portfolio.
Then it’s ready to be delivered to the client.
Q: How Long Do you Spend On Each Painting?
AS: It depends on how large and complex the painting is.
A small, simple painting can take three hours, and a large one with lots of details can take up to two months. Also, some color harmonies are easier to work with than others.
On a typical day, I spend 6-8 hours painting.
Q: What type of environment do you typically paint in?
AS: I spend most of my life in my art studio at home. It’s not very big, but through the trial-and-error method I managed to organize it efficiently, so there is room for everything a working artist needs.
I create all of my paintings and drawings there, do photo editing and printing, do office work, read and relax. My art studio is my sanctuary and I look forward to working there every day.
Q: Do You Have Any Unique Methods? What Do You Do To Clear Your Head?
AS: Going for a long walk in the morning sets the right tone for the day. I noticed that the quality of my painting is affected by how I feel in general.
Favorite music and good tea are essential components of each painting session.
When I need a break, I play with my dogs or take them for a quick walk. Their happy attitude is contagious and always puts me in good mood.
I like to finish my painting session by cleaning my work station and tidying up my studio. This marks the end of the work day and helps me relax.
Contact The Artist
Want to have your own custom portrait painting commissioned? Contact Aleksandra Szymanska today for a one-of-a-kind oil painting.