Vana's Portrait

​A few months ago, I was commissioned by my friend Vana Chupp, the owner and creative director of Le Papier Studio, to paint her portrait as a gift for her husband.  I was so excited for the chance to paint the portrait of such a lovely, sweet and talented lady, a beautiful friend, both inside and out.

Vana has been a personal inspiration to me for years, and I am constantly amazed by her drive and determination to create the beautiful life she was meant to live.  She is such a successful entrepreneur and business woman, and her silhouette creations are both modern and timeless.  You can see her inspiring work at Le Papier Studio, including the brand new gold and silver laser cut inscription jewelry, which can be personalized, and which can be worn alongside her silhouette jewelry.

Her gold laser cut charms are such a hit, she's even created two charms for herself, one of each of her two sons.  However, the photograph she'd picked and sent me to use for her portrait was taken before she created her gold charms and didn't show her new special necklace.  So, as a special touch, I surprised her by including the charms of her little boys in the painting!  I thought this addition would include not only her beautiful face in her gift to her husband, but also both their boys!  And I'm so happy she loved this small surprise!

I really enjoy adding all the details in a portrait, from the first layers of sketching and painting, to the last moments of adding the subtle details that create the final facial expression unique to that person.  And of course, as a personal touch, a hand written note and the grift wrapping, which is just as important and fun as the actual portrait :-)

This is the inspiration photo of this lovely lady side by side with the finished portrait!

Vana's  husband received the portrait as a Christmas gift, and it was a hit!  I'm thrilled that they both love the portrait, and I'm so glad I could create a lasting memory for them both.  I hope it brings them joy for many years to come!

If you would like to commission a portrait of your loved one, or perhaps one of yourself to give to someone close to you, please send me a message. I would be happy to work with you and to create such a unique gift!