The Hand Painted Portrait

A Unique Specialty

The sensitive and subtle hand-painted portraits, in particular of children which Christine creates, have quickly become her special signature. Christine is able to capture the distinctive personality of each of her subjects. The hand-painting technique she employs lends her images a timeless quality. She says: ”These archavially printed photographs are heirlooms for future generations.”

Hand-painted portraiture by Christine Garceau Photography begins with a consultation during which Christine and her clients plan the individual photograph. Choosing a setting comes first. Options include Christine's studio, her outdoor garden or, with prior arrangement, a natural seting of your choosing. In the studio portraits may be taken using a variety of backdrops.

Creating a hand-painted portrait is a time consuming, multi-step process which includes making a black and white photograph, sepia toning and finally applying color oils with cotton tips. Your portrait may take several months to create. For hand coloring Christine uses the same Marshall Photo Oils with which early photographers colored their images. Using cotton and swabs and drawing upon her knowledge of color principles as well as her intuitive feeling, Christine rubs oils into the surface of the print until they are absorbed into the silver gelatin emulsion. Hand coloring not only produces alluring and subtle hues, it is considerably more enduring than color photography.

Creating Memories to Last a Lifetime
2865 Wright Street, Marquette, Michigan 49855, (906) 225-0131
cgarceau@charter.net