Whether you have a portrait of a regal grand-dame in your family, a painting of you as a child, or whether you’re merely a collector of depictions of unnamed others, it’s hard to deny the power of a well-painted portrait. They have the ability to set the tone for an entire room and can transfix the viewer into the lives - both true and imagined - of the person staring back at you.
I am so excited to be partnering with my friend and fine artist Morgan Johnston on what I think is an extremely innovative and exciting new approach to classical portraiture. One that makes access to the process much easier than before, but without compromising in the beauty, quality, and heirloom integrity of the final painting.
Over the last year, Morgan has worked to creatively combined elements of the formal studio portrait sitting and traditional painting techniques with the new, cutting edge mediums and tools available via contemporary computer technology.
F.A.Q.:
What does the process look like?
For this special event with MK Quinlan, arrive at your appointment with hair and makeup to your liking in advance. While you may bring a special outfit that is significant to you, we are excited to offer a personal styling by MK Quinlin herself, pulling from her extensive collection of vintage. Morgan will then photograph you. This photograph will be used to paint the portrait.
Your time in studio will amount to 30-45 minutes, after which Morgan will paint the portrait and print over the course of the next few weeks. We have planned this event so that your portrait will be completed and in your hands and homes before the holiday season.
What sizes are available?
Portraits are available in two sizes, each on deckled Canson Archival museum etching paper. There is 13x19” paper (with an image size of 11x17”) and also 17x22” paper (with an image size of 16x21”).
Can you tell me more about the printing process?
Each portrait is fine art printed on deckled Canson archival museum etching paper, the preferred papermaker of France’s Louis XVI and maker of the first hot air balloon. Canson papers have been produced in France using the same methods since the 16th century.
Morgan works exclusively with a Birmingham-based woman-owned fine art printmaker to produce these museum quality prints with white glove service handling.
Can you tell me more about the painting process?
Absolutely! Read a little more below… And watch the video to see Morgan at work.
Is this a digital painting?
At one stage, yes. After creating a photographic image, Morgan then uses custom fine art paintbrushes, mediums (oil paint, turpentine, wet and dry acrylics, inks and pastels) and custom vibrant color palettes to paint the portrait in Procreate, a raster graphics application. These are not layers or filters. Each brushstroke and gesture, each mark and color is consciously made by Morgan’s hand using these new technologies. Upon completion, the painting is fine art printed on deckled Canson archival museum etching paper, the preferred papermaker of France’s Louis XVI and maker of the first hot air balloon. Canson papers have been produced in France using the same methods since the 16th century.
This portrait experience is a revolutionary new offering that bridges the historic traditions of fine portraiture and printing methods with the advances in our contemporary technology and the still very new Web 3.0.
What is the investment for this offering?
For a 13x19” piece, the investment is $900.
17x22” piece, the investment is $1100.
These will be delivered to you in acid free protective containers. While framing is not included in this experience, we are happy to advise you on the recommended framing and to connect you with our local framers of choice.
Can more than one person be in a portrait sitting?
Absolutely. Perhaps it’s you and your partner, you and a friend, you and a child, perhaps even you and your pet (with advance approval). Children are welcome to sit in the portrait, ages 12 and up please. No more than three people in one sitting, please.
Is this offering only open to women?
Goodness no! This offering is open to all. However, if you’d like to be painted in a tuxedo or suit, you should bring that to your portrait sitting. Children are welcome to sit in the portrait, ages 12 and up, please.
How many appointments are available for this event?
There are 7 appointments available.
How do I reserve an appointment?
To reserve your appointment, contact MK Quinlan. Appointments are secured with a 50% non-refundable deposit. (And final payment can be made upon delivery of your portrait).
Do you have recommendations for framing?
While framing is not included in this experience, we are happy to advise you on the recommended framing and to connect you with our preferred local framers.
How long does it take Morgan to paint the portrait, print and to receive the final piece?
Morgan paints the portraits over several sittings with the photographs from the studio. The printing process takes about a week. We have special scheduled this event so that you are guaranteed delivery before the holidays.
About Morgan: Morgan Jones Johnston is an artist based in Birmingham, Alabama. Her current bodies of work are an exploration of the childlike wonder of the world and stories around us and how there is an inherent web of connection between all things. With a signature use of vibrant color and a practice of intense presence and freedom in childlike gestures, Morgan pushes and pulls through the minimal and the maximal in the practice and the work.
Morgan began her art education at the early age of five, later attending the Alabama School of Fine Arts as a Visual Arts major. She has lived and worked as an artist in London, England and Antibes, France.She has collectors throughout the United States, as well as international collectors in England and France, and launched an exclusive collaboration with Serena & Lily in 2021.
Morgan is also owner of experiential retail brand, Club Duquette with her musician husband and creative partner Duquette Johnston. Morgan & Duquette have had the honor of traveling to speak to universities and groups about the intersection of art & commerce and how to create sustainable small business models as working artists.
She and her creative projects have been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, The Wall Street Journal, Southern Living, NYLON, The Washington Post and more.