This is a sample of the latest portrait.  Anyone who knows me well, already knows the subject of this portrait painting.  This piece was done in the new, stylized portrait manner.  I am very happy with the finished piece.  It was my goal to create a portrait that was accurate, beautiful, and had some flare in the way it was drawn.  The recipient, of course, is thrilled with the piece and has it hanging in her home office.  I am looking to do more and more of this type of cutting-edge portrait work.

This piece is now complete. It measures 20″H x 38″W. This was a really enjoyable piece and somewhat of a creative breakthrough for me. After I completed the artwork, I proceeded to photograph the piece, but inadvertently had my camera set incorrectly. The error caused the image to be, overall, much blue-er and the final result was quite a pleasant “happy accident”. This piece will be sold, probably, in one of the two galleries that carry my work in Southern California

Here is the under-painting for the current piece that I am working on. This piece will be part of a series and the original panel is 14″W x 36″H. This piece has been very enjoyable to create and I will post an image of the artwork when it is fully complete. The last two gallery paintings that I have done have had a blue color scheme to them–which has been a nice “change-of-pace” for me.

This is the artwork that is currently on the easel.  At this stage it shows my typical “underpainting” technique as well as some of the figures rendered in oil paint.  This piece will be great for corporate settings (e.g. office lobbies, employee lounges, boardrooms, etc.) The artwork work measures 21″ x 38″ and will be available for sale at one of my two galleries in southern California:  Old Town Gallery, and Signature Gallery Laguna.  Check with either of these galleries for pricing and availability.

For years Darren has been commissioned to create outstanding traditional fine art portraits for corporations, families, and private collectors.  In the meantime, he has also created a line of figurative oil paintings that are sold in galleries in southern California.  Recently, the artist embarked on an exciting endeavor that combines his traditional portrait work with his creative and enjoyable gallery figure work .  In this newly discovered style, Darren maintains and even enhances the accuracy of the subject’s likeness while infusing the figure with the liveliness and flare that has distinguished his figurative gallery artwork.

In exchange for posing as subjects for his next “stylized portrait painting”,  Darren will create a piece of original artwork for the agreeing family that is significantly reduced in price.  The artist is willing to minimize his fee in order to generate new artwork samples immediately.  Participation in this effort requires only a brief photo shoot with the artist.  The original artwork will remain with the agreeing family.

If you are looking for a valuable, exciting, and beautiful alternative to the typical “family photo” at a bargain price, please contact the artist directly to discuss the details necessary to begin.

I recently finished the portrait of newly elected Congressman, Jason Chaffetz. One can view the final artwork in the “Traditional Portrait” section of the website. Above is the artwork at the ‘underpainting’ stage. This is where at least 95% of all the effort in creating an accurate drawing and ‘likeness takes place. At this stage, using acrylic paint on a smooth-surface gives me tremendous flexibility. I really enjoy the paintings at this stage and I am really happy with how this portrait is coming together to this point.

For years I’ve been creating hilarious caricatures for magazine and newspaper publishers of all kinds.  You can see samples of my editorial work at www.theispot.com/artist/gygi.   At the same time, I have also been developing my career as a top-notch portrait artist.   This site, obviously, contains samples of my portrait work—-both traditional portraits as well as stylized portraits.  In the midst of this dual endeavor, a third creation has evolved… fine art gallery paintings.  These unique works of art draw on characteristics from both the high-end commissioned portrait techniques, as well as the one-of-a-kind manner in which I stylize, capture, and render the human form.  The purpose of these paintings is to make life more enjoyable–to heighten one’s appreciation and perception of the human form,  and to create tangible artwork for people’s homes and businesses that is delightful in its conception and superb in its technique and presentation.

This November I will be visiting galleries in California, where arrangements will be finalized for the promotion and sale of these unique and enjoyable paintings.  In connection with this, on January 1st of 2009, I will formally launch my fine art paintings and prints for sale, including website support.  You can then view each painting of the collection online or contact my gallery representatives for more information.  In the meantime, if you’d like to get an advance showing of these exciting gallery paintings, please contact me directly.

On Saturday, June 28th Megan and I travelled to St. George for the portrait unveiling party.  The subject of the portrait painting, Morgan, was highlighted and the commissioned portrait was presented to the family.  The evening consisted of a few minutes of mingling, some brief words about Morgan by Megan and some words from me about the portrait itself.  The artwork was then unveiled and the guests all had a chance to view the portrait up-close and also ask questions to me and Megan about the portrait process.  John and Lisa were fantastic hosts and I thank them again for their cooperation on this project.  The food was great.  The location was beautiful.  A very fitting end to an absolutely enjoyable portrait painting process.  One of the next portraits on the easel will be that of Morgan’s sister Cameron–along with her horse, of course.  I am really looking forward to creating that piece and the two paintings will end up working together as a set.  Updates in coming weeks.  Sincere thanks again to John and Lisa.

On Friday, June 20th, I will be featured at Williams Fine Art during their monthly Gallery Stroll Event.  I will be there mingling with patrons and explaining the value and the enjoyment available through fine art commissioned portraiture.  Original artwork will be on-hand to view and I am really looking forward to visiting with fine art and portrait enthusiasts from around the Salt Lake City area.  I’ve included a sample of the invitation that has been mailed out regarding the event.

During April I made the short drive down to St. George to take reference photos in preparation for creating a portrait of nine-year-old Morgan and her horse, Sassy.  Her parents are commissioning this portrait and it was apparent from the get-go that any portrait of Morgan needed to include her horse.  The photoshoot occurred at about 11 am and was done on-site at the small horse ranch.  Megan (who accompanied me on the trip) and I simply turned Morgan and Sassy loose and tried to get some beautiful shots that would capture the unique bond between this girl and her horse.  Dozens of candid photos were taken in order to ensure that there would be a few “keepers” to choose from.  Upon returning to the studio and viewing the images, I found just the right shot to work from in creating the portrait and the final painting is well underway.  Above is the artwork at the “brown layer” stage.  This is how I do my sketches: standing at the easel using acrylic underpainting on smooth, Gesso-ed panel.  Another entry will be posted after the final artwork has been presented to the family at an unveiling party.