"And God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them." -- Genesis 1:27
"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. -- Aristotle
Like all Post Conceptual UnGraven Image Art, the meaning of an Essence Portrait is in the strokes used to create the image.
So while the image is a likeness of a person, the strokes reveal something intrinsically Divine about the individual. The texts are selected for their meaning and appropriateness to the subject at the time. They may reflect the person's life of be a blessing for them.
A basic Essence Portrait is ususally black symbols on a light or white background can be reconfigured into other Essence Portraits iusing color.
This is done by painting in a computer program, or with acrylics, water
color pencils, inks or a combination of media. An individual's basic portrait can be used and reused to create various portraits. Portraits may be on fine art paper or canvas. All of the basic portraits are hand drawn or painted using ink and or acrylic on paper. However, the colored portraits may be on canvas or paper. Like Andy Warhol's portraits the colored portraits may be one of a kind paintings or prints (fine art original Giclees), or prints that are also hand painted.
Texts are always chosen with great care. Usually they have significance for the person portrayed.
Usually Psalms are chosen for the texts, but not always.
The portrait of a married couple may form a set, and just like the initial Essence Portraits of Ashton and Demi Moore Kutcher. A set can be formed by using the same Bible texts for the individual portraits. Song of Songs is used for the initial Essence Portraits of Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore Kutcher.
The portraits of the presidents of the USA are all created with Exodus 20, The Ten Commandments.
When a portrait is commissioned the subject is asked to suggest favorite or meaningful texts. Sometimes the more than one text may be used. Portions that were read at significant life ceremonies, such as weddings, Bar or Bat Mitzvahs, birthdays or favorite holidays are also possibilities.
An important part of the portrait process is working to select meaningful and relevant text(s).
The essence of you or a loved one can now be revealed through your favorite immortal biblical Hebrew text(s). An original portrait makes a great family heirloom and cherished gift. What are your favorite texts? How would you like to be remembered?
Exodus 20 -Ten Commandments (Abraham Lincoln), Stars and Stripes |
Exodus 20 - Ten Commandments (George Washington)
a basic Essence Portrait |
Psalm 96 (Madonna)
|
(homage to Warhol's 
