Portrait July
An Annual Portrait Collection
Every July, I create a small collection of original portrait studies in gouache. These intimate 4 × 6 paintings allow me to explore new faces, experiment with color and light, and celebrate the people behind each. Rather than accepting commissions for these pieces, I invite applications and thoughtfully select a limited number of participants each year.
Applications for the Portrait July project close Sunday July 12th, 2026 at 23:59 central time.
What Selected Participants Receive
- A custom 4 × 6 gouache portrait
- A high-resolution digital photograph of the finished artwork
- An opportunity to request the original painting by covering shipping and protective packaging
- Behind-the-scenes updates as the portrait comes to life
Creative Freedom
Portrait July is a personal studio project. Participants provide one reference photograph, while artistic decisions such as cropping, background simplification, color palette, and overall interpretation remain part of my creative process. This freedom allows the collection to remain cohesive while celebrating each individual subject.
Past Portrait July Paintings
Frequently Asked Questions: Portrait July Paintings
Is this a commission?
No. Portrait July is an annual personal studio project.
Can I request changes?
Not typically. Each portrait is created through my own artistic interpretation. If you have any major concerns about the final representation of the subject, I will take that into consideration.
Can I choose the background?
No. The creative direction is intentionally left open as part of the project.
Will everyone be selected?
Because every portrait is painted by hand, only a limited number of applications are selected each year.
Do I receive the original painting?
Every participant receives a professional digital image of their portrait. Those who would like the original painting may request it by covering the cost of shipping and protective packaging.