My name is Virginia Mlinek, I have enjoyed drawing since I was young. While in the eleventh grade,I was asked to orchestrate my first commissioned portrait for my history teacher and his wife. I haven't put my drawing pencils down since. I have a degree in Fine Art and also give private art lessons to children and adults. Oil on stretched canvas is my medium of choice, but I still enjoy graphite pencil.
The portrait painting process is a very long endeavor which requires multiple photo references and many hours till completion. Portraits can take me anywhere from forty to one hundred or more hours depending on the size and medium.The client and I choose a clear photograph which best represents the subject. Other photographs are collected as well and details such as placement of hair, background, and pets may be added into the final portrait. I start by sketching in the subject with a 2H graphite pencil. Basic background colors are added first, then outlines and darker shades. Layers upon layers of lighter shades are built on top.
Listed Artwork: (Click on one to view more information about that artwork)
