This portfolio of commissioned portraits executed in oil on linen and charcoal on bristol represents an earlier stage in my career. For the oil paintings all colors are custom mixed by hand with three or more base colors. For the black and white portraits, charcoal pencils are applied to a smooth bristol board using a kneaded erasure to establish fine gradations. The discipline of customized, time intensive works was a meaningful endeavor. The evolution of mark making is seen in chronological order.

Kyle, Jim & Elizabeth, Oil on Linen, 40" x 46", MerrillAndersonArt.com ©1995

Jim painting Kyle (close-up)

Anna, Oil on Linen, 30 x 36, MerrillAndersonArt.com ©1995

Anna, (close-up)

Sarah, Charcoal on Bristol, 14"x11" MerrillAndersonArt.com ©1996

Sarah, (close-up)

Ryan, Oil on Linen, 28 x 18, MerrillAndersonArt.com ©1997

Tom & Nick, Oil on Linen, 20" x 24", MerrillAndersonArt.com ©1997

Nick, (close-up)

Cindy, Oil on Linen, 32" x 18" MerrillAndersonArt.com ©1997

Morgan, Oil on Linen, 20" x 16", MerrillAndersonArt.com ©1997

Morgan, (closeup)

Alex, Charcoal on Bristol, 20" x 16", MerrillAndersonArt.com ©1999

Alex, (close-up)

Armond, Charcoal on Bristol, 20" x 16", MerrillAndersonArt.com ©1999

Armond, (close-up)