Portraiture
Karen places great importance on a positive interaction between artist and subject. She wants clients and patrons to consider the portraiture process a pleasant and rewarding experience throughout each stage of progress.
All commissions must be discussed on an individual basis for price quotes. To discuss possible portrait commissions, contact Karen’s studio, Facial Images
An integral part of our nature as humans is to enjoy portraiture. We gravitate toward images that grasp the “likeness" or better still, the "essence" of those familiar to us. Portraiture is about people. Over time, portraits have preserved and conveyed likenesses and hinted at character…commemorating and sometimes immortalizing. At their finest, portraits offer shrewd observations of the person, and become biographies in clay. In the 1500s, Sir Thomas More suggested that "the images of notable men" be put in public places "for the perpetual memory of their good acts; and also that the glory and fame of the ancestors may encourage people to behave well." I agree! When we tangibly document good deeds for posterity, as More suggests, portraits may become moving representations of the best of mankind.
In Karen’s words, “Making portraits allows me to shine a beacon on the ‘Good Guys.’ My goal is to capture something of each noble countenance that is timeless so that it might become a touchstone for current and future generations...and I am humbled by the privilege.”
That's what portraits can do…create facial images of a lifetime.
The portrait is one of the most curious art forms. It demands special qualities in the artist and an almost total kinship with the model.
- Henri Matisse
Karen T. Taylor’s career began in the fine art realm. After a three decade detour in forensic art, she is continuing that journey. Following years of depicting the “Bad Guys” and their victims, Taylor considers it a joy and privilege to commemorate “Good Guys” …capturing the dignity, intelligence, passion, and complexity that each special human face can hold. We tend to think of heroes as those who perform acts of extraordinary courage — often soldiers, firefighters, or police. Yet, there are many other good guys (and girls!) among us.
Good guys may be ordinary people who perform acts that transcend the ordinary:
Miss Rosa Parks not relinquishing her seat on the bus in Alabama in 1955
Todd Beamer on United Flight 93 on September 11 when he said, “Let’s Roll.”
Good guys may also be everyday people doing everyday things to sustain, nourish, inspire and enrich the lives of those around them in extraordinary ways:
Parents, educators, public servants, philanthropists, religious leaders, artists/entertainers, physicians, scientists, authors, and advocates for those less fortunate.
They are all good guys.
portrait commissions
Portrait Drawing prices start at $2,500
Portrait Bas Relief prices start at $2,500
Portrait Sculpture prices start at $10,000
COST
Karen does commissioned portrait drawings from life and from photographs. These may be done in black and white, sepia tones, and color through the use of various media. If photographs are used, it is preferred that they be taken by Karen during a meeting with the subject. In some instances, posthumous drawings can be done from life photographs.
portrait drawing
Portrait sculptures are done from life in combination with photographs taken during a sitting. There is no fee or obligation to set up an initial consultation. This introduction may occur via long distance or in person. Examples of previous work will be shown, pricing options discussed and all questions answered regarding materials, sizes, base options, dates of delivery and so forth. If a decision is made to proceed, a payment schedule is done in thirds as explained in Stages of Work. Arrangements are made with Facial Images, so no gallery or artist agent fees are involved.
portrait sculpture
stages of work
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This stage involves a minimum 2-hour personal meeting between artist and subject. During this time, photographs and various facial measurements will be made. A deposit of one-third of the agreed-upon fee is required in order for the sculpture to begin.
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In this stage, Karen works to develop the portrait sculpture and presents it for the client to view. The client may come by Karen's studio for an in-process view of the piece if desired. Any final adjustments must be made at this stage. Upon approval of the finished clay work, a second payment of one-third of the agreed-upon fee is required. The clay piece then proceeds to the foundry for mold-making and casting in bronze.
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Upon delivery of the finished bronze piece, the third and final payment of one-third is due. With the sculpture will come a letter of authenticity and instructions for maintenance. In some instances, by prior arrangement, there will also be a special accompanying book that explains the process of development of your individual portrait, both visually and in text form. The book is meant to be a keepsake for families, loved ones, and collectors…adding value and understanding to the piece.
It is not for me to say whether we see the world best with the hand or eye. I only know that the world I see with my fingers is alive, ruddy, and satisfying.
- Helen Keller-
![Karen T Taylor Barbara - Mrs. Thomas Hart Benton V Sculpture]()
Mrs. Thomas Hart Benton V
A native Oklahoman of the Choctaw tribe, Barbara Benton is spiritual, kind and full of fun, all of which shine forth from her face. She has devoted five decades of dedicated service to the Order of the Eastern Star. From 2006-2009, she served worldwide as Most Worthy Grand Matron.
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![Karen T Taylor Harry H. Caldwell IAI Founder Bas Relief Bronze Plaque]()
Harry H. Caldwell
Karen prepared a sculpted bas relief plaque to honor Inspector Harry H. Caldwell, who founded the International Association for Identification in 1915. The 100-year commemorative plaque was personally commissioned by Steven L. Johnson, President of the IAI with the approval of the IAI Centennial Committee. The plaques are in collections throughout the world.
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![Karen T Taylor Sculpture George Taft]()
George Taft
As former head of the Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory, George is a highly recognized forensic scientist and laboratory director who has promoted procedural integrity and justice in Alaska and elsewhere. Karen did a portrait sculpture of him that is now in the Alaska State Troopers' Museum in Anchorage.
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![Karen T Taylor Dominick Dunne Portrait Drawing Charcoal Graphite Sepia Toned Paper]()
Dominick Dunne
Dominick belonged to a very special club and one where no one wants to be a member. He was the parent of a murdered child. He is best known as a writer for Vanity Fair, friend to celebrities, investigative journalist, and court watcher.
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![Karen T Taylor Del Robertson Pastel Portrait by Karen T Taylor]()
Pastel Sketch of Del
On occasion, Karen delves into a color medium like pastel, if the subject can best be depicted in that way. This is an informal pastel sketch Karen did of her friend Del Robertson. She felt that color was needed to reflect the rosiness of his cheeks that says so much about his Scottish heritage.
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![Karen T Taylor Sketch of Hajime Utsuno]()
Hajime Utsuno
Dr. Utsuno is a lecturer in the Department of Oral Anatomy at Matsumoto Dental University in Japan. Karen and Hajime met while at the University of Dundee at a meeting of the International Association for Craniofacial Identification. They share a mutual interest in facial and dental anatomy as well as forensic facial reconstruction.
