Frequently Asked Questions

Judy, What is a fine art fantasy portrait or landscape and what makes it different from a traditional one?
Today’s traditional client or patron requests to commission a portrait or landscape from a fine artist who is commissioned to render the subject. There may be some limitations to the over all theme and look of the piece. A garden has its flowers and trees no matter whose backyard you are in. FairylandPortraits creates custom fine art portraits and landscapes with fantasy based themes for all of our creative clientele who desire something different.

Imagine! Where would you go if the destination could be located anywhere your imagination wished to go? Would you wish you were in a magical garden belonging to the queen of the fairies or on a planet that has three golden moons? Now take that imaginative idea even further. How would your space suit be designed to protect you while you explored the unknown planet? If you were a fairy, what would your wings look like? What would your celestial castle’s home interior look like? What type of magical spell would you be able to cast if you could? These are all questions FairylandPortaits and I would love to help you with when you commission a custom fine art fantasy portrait or landscape.

I believe that in childhood if you were lucky you were allowed to play make believe and dress up! A goodnight story with a princess who lives in a magical fairy castle was a normal part of a daily routine. My hope is by creating a beautiful custom fine art fantasy portrait for yourself and your family you can have that blissful feeling once again.

Do you do traditional portraits without the fantasy theme?
This is the only time I will have to say no, FairylandPortraits is not a traditional portrait company. That is why our clients choose us because of the fantasy elements. It is what we are known for. It is what we do best.

Judy, how long does it take to complete a fantasy portrait or landscape painting and what is the typical size you like to work with best?
The sizes vary in all my custom work and either I myself or the client will choose a size that work for them! Typically I like to work with the larger standard canvas sizes 24x30, 36x36, or 30x40. It all depends on the space where it is going hung and the type of allowance for framing that either I or the client envision.

Then how long a fantasy landscape or portrait takes to complete really depends on the amount of research and detail that a client wishes me to incorporate plus the size of the canvas itself! Fairylandportraits can do all the research for your custom fantasy portrait or fantasy landscape or the client can help with the research. I will then render the original painting or drawing to the last detail! Your original custom fantasy portrait or original custom fantasy landscape may take between 4 or 8 weeks to complete depending on the complexity of the project. I promise it will be well worth the wait!

What is a Giclee and why would I want one?
Think about how long it truly takes to create an incredible original fine art portrait or landscape. Trouble is when the gallery sells the original it is gone. Now imagine you are told that the beautiful painting you so loved much still could yours for a limited time at an affordable price. Would that interest you? That is why all note worthy artists and professional galleries have limited addition Giclee reproductions made so a special few can still have that opportunity. That is why the French invented the Giclee in 18 th century France as a way to have the image lives on for the truest of art collectors. FairylandPortraits along with MFA Talon Graphics Inc. strive to give you the highest quality Giclee reproduction using only the finest gallery note worthy archival materials. The result is breathtaking. To fine out more on MFA Talon Graphics Inc. and the Giclee process go to mfatalon.com.

Do you use mostly photography or do you prefer to work with a live model.
Both really. You as the client can either send me clear copies your own beautiful photographs of the subjects you wish to have in your custom fantasy portrait, or have FairylandPortaits photograph the subjects for you. These photographs will be used purely as a guide for the artist who will be rendering your custom fantasy portrait. Then if you are interested arrangements can be made to have a few private sitting where the subject will sit in front of the artist while the artist paints or draws them from life.

What reference materials do you use and how can I help you give me the best results?
The reference materials that I use come from a lot of different sources. Start by telling FairylandPortraits in complete detail everything that you wish to incorporate in the fantasy portrait or landscape.

Judy, how would you best describe your style of painting?
I think how I would describe my style is by saying that I am a fantasy portrait and landscape artist that has a realist style with a touch of whimsy.

Judy, what inspires you as a fantasy artist?
When I am at work creating a fantasy portrait or fantasy landscape, water is a constant element that is present in my fantasy portraits and fantasy landscapes. Water. We are made up of mostly water. The planet Earth is over 50% water. We drink, wash, swim, and vacation by water. Water at its best is calming, cooling, and rejuvenating Water is Inspiring.

When I am painting or drawing a fantasy portrait, my favorite part of the face is the eyes. Why the eyes? We view our world and everything around us with our eyes. Our emotions are expressed through our eyes. Eyes tell a story. Eyes are inspiring.

Designing a fantasy based costume for a fantasy portrait is creatively inspiring for me as a designer and artist. I love the history of fashion. The amazing detail. It tells a story. What we wear, why we are wearing it, how it makes us feel when we are wearing it, and all the details of the history of the fashion is inspiring.

Does FairylandPortraits do pet portraits or only people?
At FairylandPortraits we would love to do a fantasy portrait of your pet. Feel free to include them in any custom fine art fantasy portrait.

Will FairylandPortraits travel to my home? Where else can I see your work.
Yes, arrangements can be made to book appointments made for both local and out of state jobs to travel were you are. Sign up for the free FairylandPortaits Newsletter to keep you updated on any up and coming art shows or conventions.