Portrait Perfection
In this era of quick and easy digital photography, it’s natural, I think, to contemplate something a little more permanent. In the past couple of years, I’ve come this close to shelling out for a custom portrait—of my husband and me, of our dogs Gidget and Isabelle, and most recently of our baby. But when it’s time to sign the contract, I stop short. What if I don’t like the end result? What if the faces look distorted? What if the not-so-cheap custom portrait ends up in storage and not on display?
Kiki & Polly portraits solve my dilemma, bridging digital photography and classic portraiture. Artist and mom Lisa Golightly, works from your favorite digital photo, and incorporates the actual face of your child (or anyone) into a pre-existing or custom design of your choosing, so nothing is left to chance. The photo portion is printed using archival quality ink, and the painted portion is done in acrylics. The end result is equal parts quirky, charming, and beautiful—and sure to become a family keepsake. It’s easy to imagine getting a few Kiki & Polly portraits created at once, or over a couple of years, so you could display them together.
If you’re still a little hesitant to take the plunge (apparently I’m not alone in my portrait trust issues), Golightly offers a variety of canvas sizes and prices the works accordingly.
So, will Santa be delivering a custom portrait to someone in your family this year? Does anyone have any family painting stories (good or bad) to share?
Emily
I love that portrait of Jules and Joanne! Isn't it great? And I especially love the marriage of photo-likeness and artistic whimsy that these portraits offer. Such a great idea! I can't wait to see how everyone else reacts, and hear who has taken the portrait plunge before!
Katherine
11/11/2008 12:14 PMHow fun! What a keepsake!
I have to say I have a boy who has just discovered paper airplane folding. Anything he can get his hands on turns into an airplane so I'm smitten with the paper airplane ones both here and at her site. It really would capture this moment in time!
Barbara
11/11/2008 12:23 PMI am crazy about Kiki and Polly's many options! I cannot decide between the line portraits (would be fantastic in our sorta no frills family room) or the classic portraits. I think the advent of digital photography is the greatest thing -- and Kiki and Polly has created a "wow" way to capture those memories forever. Love it, love it, love it!
Sara – Grommet Team
11/11/2008 1:05 PMThe portrait of Jules and Joanne hangs right over my desk in our funky Victorian Grommet offices. I love seeing it each day. It makes me smile! The piece is meticulously painted and crafted, but what I like best about it is that it has a real personality! I feel like we are roommates. Jules and Joanne just pop right out of the frame. The painting reallly captures their personalities too!
Its whimsical and joyful! Very, very special.
joanne
11/11/2008 4:14 PMThe painting hangs in the front foyer of our quaint Victorian. We're a small team but growing ....Sara's 'office' is in the front foyer!
Lisa
11/11/2008 6:20 PMThanks Jules and Joanne! I had so much fun working on the portrait of you two. I am happy to answer any questions about the process. I have been getting a lot of questions recently about receiving portraits in time for the holidays and yes there is still time to commission a painting!
Sara
11/11/2008 7:08 PMHey, no one told me it was a foyer?!?
I thought it was just a well-ventilated office....
Jules
11/11/2008 7:58 PMLisa. We are crazy about what you did...especially your idea to include a Grommet tree. But here's the best thing...if I tried to imagine commissioning an artist to do a portrait of our family....I'd assume that was way out of any reasonable family budget range. But we could have that--an original work of art, from you, that we can imagine affording. I love the ones you do of kids with their best buddies...like a favorite toy or stuffed animal. Every kid has one of those at some stage in their childhood. What a great thing to commemorate.
Kathie
11/12/2008 6:16 AMLove the idea of these! Will keep it tucked a way for future gift idea for grandma.
Chris
10/23/2011 9:28 AMWhere can I go to see the setting options and a price listing?
Thank you
Katherine – Grommet Team
10/23/2011 3:30 PM@Chris: If you click on the 'Visit Now' button to the right of the video, you will be directed to their site where you can find more information. Thank you for stopping by!