Finished oil painting of Gabby’s grandfather — a commissioned heirloom portrait from family snapshots.
When Gabby came to us, she had a vision: a portrait of her grandfather that could become a lasting family heirloom. But there was one major obstacle — no single usable photo existed. What followed was a deeply personal and complex creative process that could only be achieved through an original oil painting.
The Problem: No Usable Reference Photo
Gabby’s grandfather, Francisco, had passed away years ago. The only images available were a handful of small, grainy black-and-white snapshots — none of which could be used directly. The composition was off, the details were unclear, and the expression wasn’t distinct. Yet this portrait needed to be real, emotionally accurate, and worthy of being passed down through generations.
Reconstructing the Past
We began by sorting through every available image, ultimately selecting one that could serve as a starting point. Then came the hard part: filling in what wasn’t there. We had to research and reconstruct his jacket, chaps, saddle, and stirrups — gear he wore in the early 1960s. We even needed to identify the correct horse structure for anatomical accuracy, using external references.
Crafting the Expression
The most critical element — his face — required blending visual cues from multiple snapshots. It had to feel right to the family. “That’s Grandpa” was the only acceptable outcome. To achieve this, we built a full-size digital composite at the intended painting size to serve as a reference.
From Reference to Oil on Canvas
Using the composite, we began the traditional drawing and oil painting process. Ironically, the painting itself took less time than the intense prep work. But the result was a deeply meaningful portrait that now serves as a centerpiece of memory and legacy.
A Legacy Captured
Francisco’s portrait now lives on as a cherished heirloom. This is the kind of work that goes beyond likeness — it connects generations. For commissions like this, the journey begins with a conversation.