Portrait July has officially begun.
Applications for this year’s project have now closed, and I’m grateful to everyone who took the time to share their photographs and stories. Thank you for your interest, your trust, and for allowing me a glimpse into the moments and relationships that matter most to you.
Over the next several weeks, I’ll be creating a limited collection of original mini gouache portrait studies selected from this year’s applications.
What Is Portrait July?
Portrait July is an annual studio project dedicated to creating a select number of free small-scale portrait studies outside of my regular commission schedule from photos submitted by my community.
Each portrait is painted by hand using gouache and serves as an opportunity to explore color, light, and brushwork while celebrating the people, relationships, and companions featured in the submitted photographs.
Although these paintings are smaller in scale, they carry the same thoughtful approach that guides every portrait I create at LRT Studio. Each study is an opportunity to connect with a new story through portraiture.
The Painting Begins
Throughout the remainder of July, I’ll be sharing completed portraits as they come to life, along with occasional glimpses into the painting process from the studio.
One of my favorite parts of Portrait July is seeing how each reference photograph becomes something entirely its own through paint. Every study offers new creative challenges and reminds me why portraiture continues to be such meaningful work.
Thank You
To everyone who applied, thank you for making this year’s Portrait July possible. Every application was read personally, and I truly appreciate the willingness to share your memories and the people who are important to you.
Whether your photograph is selected this year or not, I’m grateful to have you as part of the LRT Studio audience.
I look forward to sharing this year’s collection with you over the coming weeks.
Keep checking back in to see the collection grow. I’ll be sharing completed portraits on social media and in the gallery below.